Spain's Girona and Barcelona Gear Up for Major Cycling Events

The Shimano Sea Otter Europe 2026 festival has opened registrations for its tenth edition, scheduled for September 18‑20 in Girona. The three‑day event will host international road races, UCI Gravel World Series points, mountain‑bike marathons, and a range of gravel, touring and family activities, positioning Girona as a key European cycling hub.

A separate study on the Tour de France Grand Départ, which began on July 4 in Barcelona, estimates that the three stages could draw up to 1.7 million additional visitors to Catalonia over the next 18 months. The projected economic boost ranges from €130 million to €680 million, with direct public spending of €20‑25 million and significant benefits for the hospitality, retail and media sectors.