The Mountain Bike Race in Fuerteventura
We present to you one of the biggest mountain bike races in the Canary Islands. This exciting competition takes place in the municipality of La Oliva, on the island of Fuerteventura, under the name FUERTEBIKE.
The race is held in September—you can check the official schedule and designated date with the organizers.
Organized annually by the La Oliva Town Hall and the Columbus Runner Fuer Fuerteventura Club, the Acua Water Park Fuertebike race continues to grow in quality, organization, and number of participants. Year after year, more and more athletes register for what is considered the most important MTB event in the Canary Islands. The race is highly regarded, consistently surpassing 1,000 participants and breaking its own record each year, even doubling the number of registrations in just a few editions.
What is the Fuertebike Race Like?
FUERTEBIKE is the largest mountain bike race held within a single municipality, in this case, La Oliva. Many cyclists are drawn to the event not only for the challenge but also for the stunning landscapes along the route: volcanic terrain, dramatic cliffs, and coastal trails. Highlights include the Las Calderas volcanoes, Majanicho’s coastline, El Cotillo’s beaches, and the cliffs of Tindaya, as well as the interior landscapes of El Roque.
Participants can choose between two race categories:
- Half Marathon (45 km)
- Marathon (82 km)
Fuertebike’s elevation gain is not significant. While there are some inclines, most of the race runs along dirt tracks, with occasional sandy or off-road sections. Given that Fuerteventura lacks large mountains, the course remains relatively close to sea level, with minimal altitude gain. However, wind and heat are key challenges, adding an extra level of difficulty for riders.
A Federated Race Valid for the Official MTB Circuit
FUERTEBIKE is a federated event, making it part of the official mountain bike circuit. As a result, the race attracts some of the best MTB cyclists in the Canary Islands, with a strong presence from riders based in Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote. Over the years, the number of competitors from Tenerife and mainland Spain has also grown, reflecting the event’s growing reputation and high participant satisfaction.
Each edition features renowned cyclists, including world champion and Olympic medalist Marga Fullana. Her participation in FUERTEBIKE is a testament to the event’s increasing prestige within the MTB racing circuit.
Fuerteventura and Mountain Biking (MTB)
Mountain biking has a strong and growing following in Fuerteventura, thanks to the island’s exceptional terrain and climate. These favorable conditions have contributed to FUERTEBIKE’s steady growth over the years, with continuous improvements in organization and participant numbers.
Today, FUERTEBIKE is the second-largest MTB race in the Canary Islands, surpassed only by FuDeNaS. It is a great source of pride that both of these major events take place in Fuerteventura, confirming the island’s status as a premier destination for mountain biking.
The Kids’ MTB Race
Encouraging young talent is another key part of FUERTEBIKE. In recent editions, over 30 young riders have participated in the short circuit designed for the children’s race, which takes place near Vicente Carreño Stadium in Corralejo.
Registration and Organization of Acua Water Park FUERTEBIKE Fuerteventura
The co-organizing club, Columbus Runner Fuer, collaborates with the Fuerteventura Cabildo and receives support from sponsors such as Oasis Papagayo, Eloom, Hiperdino, Hyundai, Coca-Cola, and Naviera Armas. Thanks to their backing, this incredible MTB race in Fuerteventura has become a reality.
For registration details, you can contact the event organizers or visit the official FUERTEBIKE Facebook page.
Safety at FUERTEBIKE
The event features a dedicated team of over 100 personnel involved in the Safety and Emergency Response Plan. Multiple agencies contribute, including firefighters, local police, civil protection units, and ambulance services.
Typically, the race is supported by four ambulances and two rapid intervention vehicles, ensuring the safety of all participants throughout the competition.