THE INTERCONTINENTAL
GRAVEL CHALLENGE
THE IDEA
El Mito is an intercontinental gravel challenge taking place where Europe and Africa meet. It’s a journey from north to south along the Strait of Gibraltar, stretching from Ronda – one of Spain’s most beautiful cities, famous for its iconic Puente Nuevo – to Tetouan, the cultural capital of northern Morocco, home to one of the most authentic and well-preserved medinas in the Maghreb. Between these two points, you’ll face two stages, hundreds of kilometers, charming villages, awesome landscapes, and even a ferry ride that connects two worlds.
The goal of El Mito is to unite and forge connections between the cultures and natural landscapes of the Strait of Gibraltar through cycling, offering an unforgettable adventure and experience for all participants. It’s a tribute to classic and adventure cycling across two continents.
TERRITORY
El Mito takes place in the Strait of Gibraltar, the home of the Mediterranean Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve—the only one in the world spanning two continents.
Throughout the challenge, you’ll ride through the areas of Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, Los Alcornocales Natural Park, and the Estrecho Natural Park in Spain, as well as the surroundings of Jbel Musa and the Fasml Jaar range near Tetouan in Morocco.
For everyone involved in El Mito—those of us born on both shores of the Strait—it’s a great honor and responsibility to showcase our territory through cycling. As natives of this unique corner of the map, it is our duty to share it in a sustainable and respectful way, honoring the natural and cultural heritage that makes it truly one-of-a-kind.
FAQS
2 STAGES
- STAGE 1 EUROPE: Ronda – Tarifa 208km +4000m Start time: 6:30am
- STAGE 2 AFRICA: Tangier – Tetouan 135km +3300m Start time: 7:00am
TARIFA CHECKPOINT DEADLINE
(You have until the last ferry).
At 19:15h is your time limit to stamp the last checkpoint in the finish line of the first stage in Tarifa and be able to take the last ferry to Tangier. If you don’t arrive on time you are automatically out of El Mito as DNF, and you won’t take part of the second stage in Morocco.
OFFICIAL TRACK
We’ll send you the official route along with the rider’s guide one week before the event.
SELF-SUPPORTED
No aid stations, no markers, and no competition but yourself—your only prize is the challenge of completing the epic adventure that is El Mito.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation arrangements are the participant’s responsibility. However, we will offer the option to reserve lodging through the registration form for Saturday, April 12 in Tangier and Sunday, April 13 in Tetouan.
BIKE TRANSPORT
Also the participant’s responsibility. That said, we will provide the option to book bike transport between Tetouan and Tangier on the return trip, and from Tarifa to Ronda, the starting point of the European stage.
INSURANCE
It’s absolutely essential and mandatory to have a sports insurance policy in the participant’s name that covers any accident, rescue, or on-route treatment. This can be either through a federation or a privately arranged policy. In any case, you must present it at check-in when collecting your Welcome Pack in order to start.