Cursa de Muntanya de Girona: Course, Elevation & Route Profile
The Transgavarres is the long course of the Cursa de Muntanya de Girona: 50.3 kilometres from beach to city, from the sea at Palamós across the Gavarres massif to Plaça Sant Domènech in Girona's old town. Just over 90 per cent of it is unpaved and it never rises above 420 metres, yet it collects plenty of climbing on the way across the massif.
Course & Elevation
The start is on the beach at Palamós, practically at sea level. After a short rise from kilometre 1.4, the first serious block begins at kilometre 5: just over 2.5 kilometres at around 7 per cent on average with pitches up to 13 per cent, up to about 280 metres. The course then rolls through the Gavarres woods and drops back below 100 metres from kilometre 16.
The decisive section comes in the second half. From kilometre 29 three climbs follow each other with hardly a break, together just over 5 kilometres and around 340 metres of gain, the last at almost 8 per cent on average with pitches around 15 per cent. Between kilometres 35 and 40 you run along the highest ridge of the course at 350 to 380 metres before rolling down to Girona.
The organiser states 1,600 metres of ascent; our profile of the linked route measures about 1,250 metres after smoothing. The finish is on Plaça Sant Domènech in the middle of the old town, and the course is marked with red tape made from recycled fabric.
Pacing Strategy
The first half tempts you into running too fast: the climb from kilometre 5 is steep but short, and then the course rolls for a long time. Take it by breathing and use the flatter kilometres to the halfway point to eat and drink.
You need your strength from kilometre 29, when the three climbs come close together. Power-hike the steepest pitches and keep something back for the rolling descent to Girona, where the last kilometres can be fast.
Training plan for Cursa de Muntanya de Girona: 12-week build
The course asks for aerobic endurance for five to seven hours on mostly unpaved forest tracks, plus the ability to still run several climbs of one to two and a half kilometres after 30 kilometres.
Build long runs on hilly ground and place the hardest climbs deliberately in the final third. Practise brisk power-hiking and fast, sure-footed descending on loose ground.
In mid-November the Gavarres are usually mild but can be wet. Test shoes with good grip and your fuelling on long sessions.
Course Map
Profile Parameters
Slope Distribution
Climbs on Route
| Start (km) | Length | Ø Gradient | Max Gradient | Elev Gain | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KM 1.4 | 1.7 km | 5.1% | 8.8% | +86m | Cat. 4 |
| KM 5.1 | 2.5 km | 7.1% | 13.4% | +181m | Cat. 3 |
| KM 9.8 | 1.0 km | 7.9% | 12.6% | +77m | — |
| KM 18.8 | 1.0 km | 5.7% | 10.7% | +58m | — |
| KM 29.1 | 2.6 km | 5.3% | 9.4% | +136m | Cat. 4 |
| KM 32.3 | 1.5 km | 6.1% | 9.2% | +92m | Cat. 4 |
| KM 34.0 | 1.4 km | 7.9% | 15.5% | +113m | Cat. 4 |
| KM 43.2 | 1.5 km | 4.8% | 8.0% | +72m | — |
Climb categories follow the road-cycling convention and rate the terrain itself (length and gradient) regardless of sport: Cat. 4 marks the easiest rated climbs, Cat. 1 the hardest, and HC (hors catégorie, “beyond categorization”) is reserved for the most brutal ascents. Short climbs below the Cat. 4 threshold stay unrated.
Course as GPX
Download the Transgavarres course as a GPX file for your watch or bike computer.
Adaptive race preparation
Let YOUB adapt your plan for Cursa de Muntanya de Girona dynamically
Ben connects your goal, the course, current load, recovery, and calendar. Your plan stays pointed at race day even when real life is not perfectly plannable.
Frequently asked questions
How long is Cursa de Muntanya de Girona?
Cursa de Muntanya de Girona is 50.3 km long. That distance shapes how much aerobic endurance, pace durability, and race-specific work belong in the training plan.
How much elevation gain does Cursa de Muntanya de Girona have?
Cursa de Muntanya de Girona has around 1,245 m of elevation gain over 50.3 km. That affects pacing, muscular load, and preparation for late-race sections.
What is the route profile of Cursa de Muntanya de Girona?
Cursa de Muntanya de Girona is classified as Hilly, averaging 24.8 vertical metres per kilometre. 14% of the route is flat, 40% climbs moderately (2 to 6%) and 8% is steeper than 6%.
What climbs does Cursa de Muntanya de Girona have?
The hardest climb of Cursa de Muntanya de Girona starts at kilometre 5.1, runs for 2.6 km at an average of 7.1% and gains 181 metres. Cycling-convention rating: Cat. 3. 8 climbs are mapped in total.
Is Cursa de Muntanya de Girona a loop course?
No, Cursa de Muntanya de Girona is a point-to-point course: start and finish are in different places.
Is there a GPX file for the Cursa de Muntanya de Girona course?
Yes. The Cursa de Muntanya de Girona course is on this page as a free GPX download — ready to import into Garmin, Wahoo, Komoot, Strava or any other app that reads GPX.
How should I prepare for Cursa de Muntanya de Girona?
Preparation for Cursa de Muntanya de Girona should account for 50.3 km, 1,245 m of elevation gain, current training load, and available training time. An adaptive plan helps place key sessions without ignoring recovery and real life.
What pacing strategy works for Cursa de Muntanya de Girona?
The pacing strategy for Cursa de Muntanya de Girona should reflect 50.3 km, 1,245 m of elevation gain, and your current fitness. Start controlled and keep margin for sections where the profile or fatigue makes target pace harder.
When does Cursa de Muntanya de Girona take place?
Cursa de Muntanya de Girona takes place on November 15, 2026.
Where does Cursa de Muntanya de Girona take place?
Cursa de Muntanya de Girona takes place in Girona, Spain.
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