CYCLING: Clasica de Pascua 1.2 2026 (SPA)

Spain 12 Apr 2026 Class 1.2 – 1 day – Class 2

Website https://equipocortizo.com/clasicadepascua/

Email info@ccpadrones.org

The 2026 Clásica de Pascua, held on Sunday, April 12, concluded with a hard-fought victory for the Luxembourgish rider Mats Wenzel (Equipo Kern Pharma).

The 166.4 km race, based in Padrón, Spain, saw Wenzel secure the top spot in a tight finish against Javier Cubillas. This year marked a significant milestone for the event as its debut as a UCI 1.2 category race.

Top 10 Finishers

Race Highlights

• The Podium Battle: Mats Wenzel and Javier Cubillas effectively gapped the field, finishing together at the front. Jesús Herrada secured a solo third place, finishing just six seconds behind the lead pair.
• Team Performance: Burgos Burpellet BH and Equipo Kern Pharma both showed strong form, placing two riders each in the top five and top ten respectively.
• A Growing Classic: As a newly sanctioned UCI event, the race drew a competitive field of pro-continental and development squads, solidifying its place in the Spanish spring calendar.

Results powered by FirstCycling.com

History of the Clásica de Pascua (Easter Classic)

The Clásica de Pascua (Easter Classic) is one of the most storied cycling races in Galicia, Spain. Based in the town of Padrón, it has traditionally served as a cornerstone of the Spanish amateur and elite calendar before making its recent leap to the professional ranks.

1. Origins and Traditional Roots

The race was established in 1963, organized by the Club Ciclista Padronés. For the vast majority of its history, it functioned as a premier event for the Elite and Under-23 (Sub-23) categories.

• The “Easter” Connection: As the name suggests, the race is traditionally held on the weekend of Easter, coinciding with the local festivities in Padrón.
• The Route: The race is famous for its punchy, undulating terrain through the Arousa valley and the Barbanza peninsula. The final climbs, such as Aguantasantos, often act as the decisive launchpads for winning moves.

2. A Breeding Ground for Talent

Before its professionalization, the Clásica de Pascua was known as a “scouting ground” for future stars of the peloton. Because of its prestige within the Spanish amateur circuit, a win in Padrón often signaled that a rider was ready to sign a professional contract.

Notable past winners and participants include:

• Óscar Pereiro: The 2006 Tour de France winner, who is a native of the region and grew up racing on these roads.
• Samuel Sánchez: The 2008 Olympic Champion.
• Gustavo César Veloso: A legendary figure in Galician and Portuguese cycling.

3. The Professional Leap (2026)

A major turning point in the race’s history occurred in 2026. After decades as an amateur staple, the organizers successfully applied for UCI 1.2 status.

This transition allowed professional Continental teams to compete alongside development squads, significantly increasing the international profile of the race and the quality of the field.

4. Organizational Legacy

The race is inseparable from its host club, Club Ciclista Padronés, and its associated team, Equipo Cortizo. The club is one of the oldest and most successful in Spain, and their stewardship of the Clásica de Pascua has ensured its survival through various economic cycles and shifts in the Spanish cycling landscape.

Fast Facts

• First Edition: 1963
• Location: Padrón (A Coruña), Galicia
• Key Difficulty: The steep, short climbs (muros) in the final 30 kilometers.
• Recent Status: Promoted to the UCI Europe Tour in 2026.