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Spain 21 Mar 2026 Class 1.1 – 1 day – Class 1
Website classicaterresdelebre.cat
Data powered by FirstCycling.com
The 2026 Clàssica Terres de l’Ebre is taking place on Saturday, March 21, 2026. This is the third edition of the Spanish one-day race, which has quickly gained prestige on the UCI Europe Tour (Category 1.1).
The race is currently in its final stages, as it features a challenging route through the four regions of the Ebro territory in Catalonia: Montsià, Baix Ebre, Ribera d’Ebre, and Terra Alta.
Race Schedule (CET)
| Time | Event / Location |
| 11:00 | Official Start in Alcanar |
| ~12:30 | Peloton enters the mid-race climbs in Terra Alta |
| ~14:30 | Final approach toward the Ebro valley |
| ~15:15 | Race Finish in Paüls (Castillo) |
The Route & Terrain
The 175.5 km course is notoriously “nervous” and selective.
- The Start: Begins on the coast in Alcanar, which is a symbolic gesture of strength following recent flooding in the area.
- The Middle: Hilly and exposed terrain that favors breakaways and whittles down the main bunch.
- The Finale: A brutal finish in Paüls, specifically the final 1.5 km climb up to the Castillo, which features steep gradients that favor explosive climbers and “puncheurs.”
Key Contenders & Teams
The startlist is headlined by Spain’s only WorldTour team and several top-tier ProTeams:
- Movistar Team: Led by Enric Mas and Juan Pedro López, who are the heavy favorites for the steep uphill finish.
- Other Major Teams: TotalEnergies, Equipo Kern Pharma, Euskaltel-Euskadi, and Caja Rural-Seguros RGA.
- Ones to Watch: Young talent Isaac Del Toro and veteran Benjamin Prades are expected to be in the mix during the final climb.
How to Watch
If you are looking for the final moments or a replay:
- TV (Spain): Teledeporte, Esport3 (Catalonia), and TV3.
- Streaming: Eurosport, Discovery+, and FloBikes (North America).
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
The Clàssica Terres de l’Ebre is one of the newest additions to the professional cycling calendar, having quickly ascended from a regional event to a recognized fixture on the UCI Europe Tour.
Its history is characterized by a rapid elevation in status and a focus on showcasing the rugged, hilly landscape of the Ebro region in Catalonia.
1. The Inaugural Edition (2024)
The race held its first professional edition on July 15, 2024. At its launch, it was classified as a UCI 1.2 event, primarily attracting Continental teams and Spanish ProTeams.
- The Route: The race famously concluded with the ascent of Mont Caro, a massive Hors Catégorie (HC) climb gaining 1,400 meters of elevation, which immediately gave the race a “climber’s” identity.
- The First Winner: Abel Balderstone (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA) took a solo victory, marking the race as a platform for emerging Spanish talent.
2. Upgrade to UCI 1.1 (2025)
Following a successful debut, the UCI upgraded the race to 1.1 status for 2025. This change allowed for a higher percentage of WorldTour teams to participate, significantly boosting the international profile of the event.
- The Date Shift: In 2025, the race remained in its July slot, serving as a key mid-summer test for riders not participating in the Tour de France.
- A Star Winner: The 2025 edition was won by the Mexican phenom Isaac Del Toro (UAE Team Emirates). His dominant performance on the final climbs cemented the race’s reputation as a “puncheur’s” classic.
3. The Modern Classic (2026)
For the current year, the race has seen a major strategic shift:
- Move to March: The 2026 edition moved from July to March 21, positioning it as a direct alternative to the Milano-Sanremo for climbers who prefer steep ramps over the long, flat distances of the Italian Monument.
- Route Evolution: While early editions focused on the sheer scale of Mont Caro, the 2026 route has evolved to include a “nervous” finishing circuit in Paüls, utilizing the steep, narrow roads up to the town’s historic castle to create a more tactical finale.
Historical Results Summary
| Year | UCI Category | Winner | Team | Finish Location |
| 2024 | 1.2 | Abel Balderstone (ESP) | Caja Rural-Seguros RGA | Mont Caro |
| 2025 | 1.1 | Isaac Del Toro (MEX) | UAE Team Emirates | Mont Caro |
| 2026 | 1.1 | — | Paüls (Castillo) |
