![Three people are holding a blue jersey in front of a Mediterranean Epic UCI Stage Race banner.](https://edatv.news/filesedc/uploads/image/post/presentacion-mediterranean-epic-2_1200_800.webp)
The Mediterranean Epic MTB makes Castellón the world center of mountain biking
The race considered the second best stage race in the world will bring together 700 cyclists from 32 countries from February 6 to 9.
Castellón strengthens its position as a leading destination for mountain biking with the Mediterranean Epic MTB, an event that in its eighth edition will bring together 700 participants from 32 nationalities from February 6 to 9. The competition, with the highest Hors Catégorie status from the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), is considered the second-best stage MTB race worldwide.
The event was presented this Tuesday at the Espai Cultural Obert – ECO Les Aules of the Legislature de Castellón. The president of the provincial institution, Marta Barrachina, highlighted the importance of the event both in sports and economic and tourism terms.
"The choice of Castellón by elite teams for training and competing demonstrates the quality of our settings and consolidates us as a true paradise for outdoor sports," said Barrachina.
An international showcase for Castellón
With a route of 230 kilometers (143 miles) distributed over four stages, the race will start and finish in Oropesa del Mar, passing through municipalities such as Castellón, Cabanes, Benlloch, Borriol, and Sant Joan de Moró.
The impact of the event goes beyond just sports. The Legislature has allocated 110,000 euros to the organization of the Mediterranean Epic MTB, an investment that, according to Barrachina, will be widely compensated with an estimated return of 950,000 euros.
"This competition not only puts Castellón on the world cycling map but also generates a direct economic impact on the territory, attracting visitors and promoting sports tourism," emphasized the president of the Legislature.
A commitment to cycle tourism and outdoor sports
In recent years, the province of Castellón has strengthened its position as a destination for cycle tourism with initiatives like Castellón Cycling, which has involved an investment of 2.7 million euros in improving paths, trails, and the installation of BikeTools stations and smart signage.
"We continue to bet on sports as a driver of development and on events that reinforce the 'Castellón Sports Stage' brand, attracting thousands of fans and professionals throughout the year," concluded Barrachina.
The Mediterranean Epic MTB has established itself as one of the most prestigious mountain bike competitions on the international calendar. For four days, Castellón will become the world capital of mountain biking, hosting some of the best riders on the international scene and reaffirming its vocation as a top-level sports destination.
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