Yesterday was race day as we participated in the “4º Subida a los Castillejos” in Nerja. The race started off Neutralised in Plaza Espana in the centre of Nerja. We followed police motorbikes along the coast first towards Torrox Village and then towards Maro until we arrived at the base of Castillejos. In total it was only 12 kilometres, at a conversational pace. From here the 360 strong field bunched up and the race was started with an air horn. The first kilometre is the flatist and only climbs 40metres, the road is also very narrow so it pays to push as near to the front as possible. I think I crossed the start line at least 30 seconds behind the front row of cyclists, and then for the rest of the 1st kilometre I was looking for spaces to over take. By the time I started the second kilometre (110m elevation) everyone had found their pace and it was a case of head down and start climbing! In total we climbed 665m over 11K to the finish line. Each kilometre marker is painted on the road so you always know how far it is to the finish line. The race was well organised by the Nerja cycling club “Club Ciclista Narixa”.
The race cost 15,00 Euros for those federated here in Andalucia and 25,00 euros for those that are not federated. This includes insurance for the race.
Immediately after the race the first 300 cyclist that registered were given a free cycling gillet, free soft drinks and watermelon then upon the return to Nerja, there was free beer and Paella!!!
The Castillejos climb is great experience on a quite road and “a must” for anyone living in or visiting the area. The road itself is in great condition and only serves a dozen or so homes before it stops at a dead end at the top of the hill in the Natural Park. It is very unusual to see cars on this road, and if by chance someone is using it, they are usually very thoughtful of cyclists.
We rent Carbon road bikes in Nerja and rent carbon race bikes in Torrox. Bikes are delivered direct to your accommodation.
Here is a link to a GPX File
Route 7 (Race Bike) Subida a los Castillejos – THIS IS AN OFFICIAL RACE
Nerja – Torrox Costa -Nerja – Maro – Castellejos
Start Point: Nerja Route Length: 43km Total Elevation Gained: 996m
Permalink: https://cyclemalaga.com/cycle-route-7-ne…maro-castellejos/
The winning times:
Oscar Sanchez Caballero 30:45 (Overall winner & fastest 30+ Age group)
Felix Aranda Ruiz (Fastest Under 23 Age group)
Oscar Sanchez Caballero 30:45 (Winner & fastest 30+ Age group)
Francisco Robles Rodríguez 31.44 (Fastest 40+ Age group)
Francisco Javier Mata Ortega 37.04 (Fastest 50+ Age group)
