Spanish sportives

Start of the Guad al Xenil 2018

I'm always being asked what Spanish sportives are like, normally by very nervous cyclists. Over here they are called cicloturistas or ciclodeportivas depending on the level of competitiveness.
Lets start with entry, most of the events I do are based in Andalucia so I enter via the Andalucian cycling federation website. Entry fees vary but are normally around €40 with discount if you hold a Spanish licence.
Starts are always mass start with a neutral zone and a lead out vehicle of some description and vary in length but are kept 'fairly' steady to keep everyone together. Once the flag drops it's normally go go go with the very fast riders disappearing into the distance, never to be seen again. Depending on the race, sorry sportive, timed sections can vary from anything to a 15km climb to the whole distance, maybe 200km with 4000mts of climbing and anything in between. Roads are normally always open with lots of vehicle support, police motorbikes etc and maybe some timed sections are completely closed road.
Prizes/podiums can vary a lot but are normally kept to a more fun level, who's travelled the furthest, oldest rider, club with most riders etc. That being said I have had many battles for an age group podium and they are very competitive and taken seriously. That's the beauty of Spanish events like these, you can have a nice ride round with your mates or ride up the front and have one of the hardest races you will ever enter.
Now the good bit, there is always a sit down meal afterwards, Paella, fideos, Plato  Alpujarreño are some of many delights I've sampled, and there's nearly always a free bar.
Goody bags? Oh yes, these can vary but normally have anything from a t shirt to a top of the range jersey.
Some of my favorites
La Indomable, Berja
Sierra Nevada Limite, Granada
La Sufrida, Ronda
Alpujarra Magna, Lanjaron
Guad al Xenil, Granada
4 cimas, Almeria
If you would like help with a trip to any of the above events, please get in touch.
Gary

Looks a bit lumpy

Solo during the 4 cimas

El Limite profile!