Picota Bike Race celebrates 10th edition in Jerte Valley

The tenth edition of the OESTE Picota Bike Race by Orquín will take place on October 17 and 18, 2026, in the Jerte Valley. The event features 400 mountain bikers competing across a technical course that includes a time trial in Cabezuela del Valle and a marathon stage starting and ending in Navaconcejo. The route covers areas such as Navaconcejo, Cabezuela del Valle, Jerte, and Tornavacas, with a total elevation gain of up to 2,500 meters.

The competition includes high-profile athletes such as David Valero, the current World and European XCM champion, and Olympic medalist José Antonio Hermida. Other notable participants include Sergio Mantecón, Ibon Zugasti, and rally pilot Mónica Plaza, alongside road cycling figures like Óscar Pereiro and Joaquim Rodríguez.

The race attracts significant regional interest, with approximately 62% of participants coming from outside Extremadura. Major delegations include Madrid, Andalusia, and Castilla y León, with increasing international participation from Portugal. The event serves as a driver for local tourism, with high hotel occupancy reported in the host towns during previous editions.