Fernando Astorki Cycling Classic 2027

One May morning, hundreds of cyclists gather in Plaza Errekalde in Leioa to ride the roads of Bizkaia: the green valleys of Uribe, the climbs overlooking Urdaibai and the Plentzia coastline. The Fernando Astorki Cycling Classic is one of the longest-running sportives in the province, with almost three decades paying tribute to Fernando Astorki and celebrating road cycling at an easy pace but with an appetite for climbing. General information: - Expected date: Saturday 2027-05-08. This is an estimate based on the usual calendar; the organiser has not yet published the 2027 date. - Start and finish: Plaza Errekalde, Leioa. - Distance: 90 km, with about 1,168 m of elevation gain and a maximum altitude of 319 m. - Edition: it would be the 30th; the 29th was held in 2026. - Organisers: Leioa Town Council and SC Txorierri. - Format: non-competitive sportive on open roads, following traffic rules. - It is part of the Zikloturista Liga, where each participation adds points to the rider's profile. Why it is special: - It is a classic of the Bizkaia season, with more than 25 years of history. - The course combines short, punchy climbs with rolling sections by the coast. - There are two timed climbs, Morga and Andraka, to test yourself without competitive pressure. - The club and village atmosphere means many local riders come back every year. Course: the 90 km leave Leioa with a neutralised first section to Larrabetzu. - From Larrabetzu the route climbs Aretxabalgane and passes through Morga, Gerekiz and Muxika to Gernika. - From Gernika it climbs towards Errigoiti and continues through Meñaka, Larrauri and the Andraka climb. - The return passes through Plentzia, Urduliz and Unbe back to Leioa. These are typical Basque road-cycling routes, with short steep climbs, bends and views of the sea and the hills. The GPX track is available on the official website. Timetable: in the previous edition the start was at 09:30 and the course closed at 14:00. Bib pickup was on race day from 08:00 to 09:15 in Plaza Errekalde. There is no start corral by finishing time: everyone starts together behind the lead vehicle, which may not be overtaken. Registration and prices: registration is on the official website via Sportmaniacs. In the previous edition the prices were: - From 1 April to 3 May: €35 for non-federated riders and €30 for federated riders. - From 4 to 8 May: €40 and €35. The non-federated price includes the day licence. On-site registration on the day was also possible. 2027 prices are still to be published. Bib pickup: the bib with chip goes on the front of the handlebars, clearly visible. Federated riders must show their licence. To collect someone else's bib you need a signed authorisation and a copy of their ID. There is no expo, but Plaza Errekalde fills with cycling atmosphere before the start. Services: - Solid and liquid aid at km 45, with mechanical assistance next to it, plus a final aid station. - Timing for the full ride and the two climbs, with times for information only. - Bag storage, a massage area and medical assistance. - Waste disposal points and a police presence on the course. - A commemorative gift for the first 300 registrants. Basic rules: the minimum age is 16, with authorisation for under-18s, and a certified helmet is mandatory for the whole route. Tips: use a comfortable gear for the steep sections of Morga and Andraka, and ration your energy until the km 45 aid station. Check the forecast: in May the weather in Bizkaia changes quickly, so a light rain jacket always helps. Bib exchange: the organiser does not publish a name change or bib change procedure, and in the previous edition there were no refunds. There are no official waiting lists either. Alternatives to get a bib: register early to get the gift for the first 300, and join the waiting list on Bibready with a bib alert to stay informed. If the organiser accepts name changes, a bib exchange on Bibready will be possible. FAQ: - When is it? Expected on 2027-05-08; official confirmation is pending. - How long is it? 90 km with about 1,168 m of elevation gain. - Is it competitive? No, it is a sportive with two timed climbs for information only. - Do I need a licence? No, non-federated riders pay a day licence included in the price. - Can I register on the day? In the previous edition you could.