In Cantabria, a prestigious event for cycle tourism lovers is held every year. The 10.000 from Soplao will help you discover the autonomous community and enjoy, at the stroke of a pedal, the Spanish north. Various modalities, different levels of demand and a beautiful space to discover. Do not miss it!
Cantabria, a unique environment to practice cycle tourism
The Soplao 10.000 route has its origins in an old sports event in Cantabria, one of the most emblematic in the area. The route, which begins and ends in Cabezón de la Sal, is signposted and runs through the Saja Nansa Commonwealth. By bicycle if you are a cycle tourist, or on foot if you prefer the marathon, it is the ideal way to get to know the interior of the Cantabrian province.
You will visit places and natural landscapes that will surely leave you with your mouth open, such as the Sierra del Escudo de Cabuérniga or the Alto del Moral. Forests such as the Saja Besaya Natural Park will invite you to get lost surrounded by trees and nature. And if you are more urban, you will visit historic towns such as Ruente, Carmona or Bárcena Mayor.
Sport, nature and cultural heritage make the 10.000 of Soplao the perfect excuse to get to know Cantabria while exercising. The routes, the different routes and the changes in the weather make this test ideal for those who love demanding sporting challenges.
The 10.000 of Soplao, different modalities through the Cantabrian Hell
A cycling event that receives this nickname is synonymous with tranquility and simplicity in the route. The Cantabrian Hell and the modalities of the 10.000 of Soplao are sports challenges with all the letters, for various sports, which will push you to the limit and force you to be physically prepared and give every last drop of sweat.
The 10.000 from Soplao in BTT
Mountain bike lovers are in luck. The 10.000 Soplao offer four different categories in which to participate on board a mountain bike. Different slopes, changes in distances and the difficulty of the course are the distinctions between the bronze, silver, gold and finisher courses.
4 MTB distances
68 kilometers and 1.730 meters of accumulated elevation make up the bronze route; up to 112 kilometers and with more than 2.700 meters of elevation difference; and the gold remains at 124 kilometers in length and a total difference in altitude of 3.453 meters. In all the tests there are several ports, the towns to cross and the refreshment areas, essential to finish the race well.
If you are one of the brave ones, you will almost certainly choose the finisher route. 166 kilometers long and almost 5.000 meters of accumulated elevation gain in a stage made up of eight steep peaks. Memorize the assistance and water intake locations, because you will need them to complete this return to Cabezón de la Sal.
The 10.000 of Soplao on a road bike
If you don't really like touring routes through the forests and are more comfortable on the fine wheel, the 10.000 Soplao are also an option for you. Three different tests (cyclotourist, classic and gran fondo) among which to decide how to get to know the Cantabrian Saja Nansa Commonwealth.
3 distances for road cyclists
121 kilometers, more than 2.000 meters of elevation gain and six different ports make up the cycle tour. The classic, the traditional route, reaches 226 kilometers in length and exceeds 4.000 in elevation, representing a medium-level challenge. For the most daring, the gran fondo route: thirteen ports, almost 6.000 meters of accumulated elevation gain and 355 kilometers through the Cabezón de la Sal. A test only suitable for strong and trained legs.
Mountain combination: trail + mountain bike
One of the hobbies of cycle tourists is also usually hiking. Everyone likes to get lost on the trails and get to know nature as closely as possible. Why choose, if you can do both: that's what the organizers of the 10.000 of Soplao thought when they created their Combined mountain modality.
Un walking and cycling tour through the Cabezón de la Sal, which has five ports in total and exceeds 115 kilometers in length. A little less than the first half of the route is done on foot: a total of 47.8 kilometers, with a gradient of 2.256 meters, makes up a quite demanding marathon. The bicycle part is not far behind: almost 70 kilometers and a cumulative elevation gain of 2437 kilometers. Running or cycling, the Mountain Combined will demand the most from your legs.
SoplaoMan and SoplaoWoman: Soplao 10.000 triathlon
You may have found the most demanding mountain bike or road bike tests tough. The Combined may even have seemed like an unaffordable effort to you. Well, there's more: SoplaoMan and SoplaoWoman are the two particular triathlons of the Soplao 10.000.
10 kilometers of swimming, 75 of ultramarathon and the only difference between sexes comes with the mountain bike: 111 kilometers for men, 68.8 kilometers for women. A cumulative slope that far exceeds, in both cases, 6.000 meters is the final icing on the cake of a test not suitable for those who just want to pass the time.
The SoplaoMan and the SoplaoWoman are two very demanding modalities that will force you to arrive perfectly at the appointment with the Cantabrian Sea and the interior of the province. A wonderful experience to get to know the best of Cabezón de la Sal. When you cross the finish line you will realize that you have completed one of the most complete races on the national scene.
Other modalities
If after completing the tests that have the bicycle as the protagonist you dare to change sports in the future, Soplao is still a good destination. The marathon and ultramarathon will make you a formidable runner and the walking route will allow you, at a slower pace, to explore the Cantabrian nature. If you prefer to change mediums, the 10 kilometers of Open Water offer you the opportunity to swim in the Cantabrian Sea. Other options to discover everything that Cantabria offers the visitor.
A sporting event full of solidarity
The 10.000 of Soplao are not satisfied with spreading cycle tourism, sports and the image of Cantabria. Knowing the potential of sports events, they have created a charity campaign that aims to distribute bicycles to girls in India.
This initiative, promoted by the organization, the former soccer player Rafa Alkorta and the Bikezona digital magazine, wants to ensure that young Indian girls can go to school without any problem. The objectives, logically, contemplate that the number of bikes obtained is the maximum possible and that the action is disseminated, so that participation is massive.
A nice project, associated with the Vicente Ferrer Foundation, who wants to end inequalities and improve the lives of the most disadvantaged. The 10.000 of Soplao, cycling and solidarity united for a good cause.
The 10.000 of Soplao, dates for 2022
This pandemic that has changed our lives also modified the Soplao 10.000 plan. Although the 2021 edition could not be held due to the coronavirus, the organization is already looking forward to 2022 with enthusiasm. Everything is now prepared so that next year the cyclists will once again tour the Cabezón de la Sal on May 20 and 21 and June 4 in the case of road cycling.
With no guarantees to celebrate “The Cantabrian Inferno” with all the health security that the current situation requires, the organization exhausted all options, although they have finally opted for a long postponement. Despite the delicate moment, more than 6.000 participants wanted to participate in the Cantabrian test.
To satisfy all those registered, The organization of the 10.000 of Soplao offers a full refund of the money. For those who keep their number for the next edition, the test will raffle three products on May 21, 2021: a gravel bicycle, a GPS specialized in cycling and hiking; and six pairs of trail shoes. A solution worthy of a test like this.
The best accommodations for cyclists in the area
La Panera, your Bikefriendly accommodation in San Vicente de la Barquera
A magnificent cycling event needs a place to rest up to par. In Bikefriendly we recommend you La Panera Rural Lodging, an incredible house located in the center of the Oyambre Natural Park. With views of the Cantabrian Sea, this special accommodation has everything you need to spend some incredible days inside.
This hotel has everything you need for your bicycle: workshop, washing area, charging for electric bikes, rental and bicycle storage in a safe area. If you need it, La Panera is close to stores where you can find repair parts and has discounts at clubs in the area.
The commitment to cyclists at this rural hostel goes further. La Panera offers organized bike activities and will give you all the information you need to explore its surroundings. This hotel is surrounded by numerous cycling routes, which you can consult on its website and in the Bikefriendly mobile application.
An incredible place to enjoyl cycle tourism and sports as fun as surfing or kayaking. With numerous leisure alternatives, for us there is no doubt: La Panera is the best place to stay if you dare to participate in the 10.000 Soplao.
