The HERO XCM World Cup 2026 will open the curtain on the Costa Blanca on February 21, and it will do so with an event that, despite debuting on the UCI calendar this year, arrives with its own name and a prestige forged over the years. Calpe and Benissa will host the HERO Costa Blanca, the world premiere in a setting that combines sea, mountain, and a solid cycling tradition among professionals and enthusiasts from around the world.
The event will take place in one of the most iconic territories for MTB training in Europe. Calpe, with its network of historic streets and the omnipresent Peñón de Ifach, will be the epicenter of the event. Just a few kilometers away, Benissa unfolds a mosaic of vineyards, almond trees, and slopes that rise towards the rugged Sierra de Bèrnia, an environment of limestone ridges, pine forests, and technical trails with sea views.
A territory that, in the middle of winter, offers mild temperatures, between 10 and 18 °C, and perfect conditions to compete without the summer heat.
The AR Diamante Beach Hotel will be the official accommodation and venue for the event. A bike-friendly hotel located just a few meters from La Fossa beach and fully renovated, offering facilities for participants such as a short distance to the start and finish, early breakfast on race day (06:00), closed bike storage, special rates for participants, and spaces for team meetings and pre-activities. A true base camp to experience the HERO from within.
The HERO Costa Blanca offers two distances that define the character of the event:
Hero Marathon World Cup: 82 km and 2,722 m+ (elite and amateur)
This is the official route of the World Cup, starting from Calpe with an asphalt beginning before entering Benissa. After overcoming La Solana, the race heads towards the Sierra de Bèrnia, where the most technical sections and the best panoramic views of the Mediterranean are concentrated.
The Sierra de Oltà will place each runner in their position with a sequence of demanding ramps and fast descents before returning to Calpe.
Additionally, in the heart of the long route lies the Solana–Benissa Challenge, an extra challenge of 2.35 km, 272 m+, and an average gradient of 8.5%. This is a timed segment that will test all participants registered in the 82 km circuit. The time limit will depend on the category, and those who complete the segment below that time will receive an exclusive HERO t-shirt.
- Men’s elite: 10’
- Women’s elite: 12’
- Men’s master: 14’
- Women’s master and amateurs: 18’
“Short Track”: 50 km and 1,400 m+ (amateur)
Designed for cyclists who do not want to tackle the long distance, the HERO Costa Blanca offers a shorter route that combines constant climbs, fast descents, and coastal landscapes. A perfect opportunity to experience the atmosphere of the World Cup without facing the greater elevation.
HERO Kids: the generational relay also has its place
On Saturday at 09:30, it will be the turn of the youngest (4 to 12 years old) in a non-competitive event that aims to bring MTB closer to new generations.
The official registration for the World Cup has a price of 150 € for elites and is already available. However, for amateurs, it has a more economical price. It is important to remember that amateurs can register for the event, competing in their category but sharing the entire experience alongside elite professionals of the World Cup, a unique opportunity.
Prices for the HERO Costa Blanca 2026 Amateur
Registration for the Kids event has a price of 20 €.
Thursday, February 19
- 10:00–17:00 Training
- 14:00–17:00 HERO Village
Friday, February 20
- 10:00–17:00 Training
- 10:00–17:00 HERO Village
- 16:00–16:30 HWC Press Conference
- 16:30–17:00 Team Managers Meeting
Saturday, February 21
- 08:00 UCI Men’s Start 82 km
- 08:10 UCI Women’s Start 82 km
- 08:20 Amateurs Start 82 / 50 km
- 09:30–10:30 HERO Kids
- 13:00 Official Ceremony
More information on the official website of the HERO Marathon World Cup.