If you want to cycle in Spain, there are regions that are more captivating than Madrid. In fact, we’re fans ourselves. Mallorca, We were recently in Basque Country and also around Calpe It's a wonderful place to stay. And don't forget Southern Spain: Andalusia It’s a dream come true. Yet we also want to give a shout-out to the Spanish capital. Royal cycling in Madrid? That might be a good term? We don’t know for 100% sure yet. What we do know is that Madrid offers more than just some wide streets, the Puerto del Sol square, football, museums, and a flea market. Madrid is also a go-to destination for cycling enthusiasts. Not in the heart of summer, that’s for sure. Explorer Dennis takes you on a beautiful route on the west side of the capital.
Text and photos: Dennis Knuist
Destination Madrid
When I decide to go to Madrid in the spring, I don’t know exactly what awaits me. At the invitation of a friend-cycling club, I travel to the capital of Spain. For me, it is mostly known for weekend trips and often the finish of La Vuelta. I let myself be surprised. For this trip, I booked a stay in Pozuelo de Alarcón, west of Madrid. In hotel apartment The Oliver I feel right at home here. Not only because it’s right next to Domestique cycling lab. This is a beautiful shop with passionate staff. They are very helpful, including helping me choose nice routes in the area. The hotel has nice rooms, good beds, and you’re allowed to bring your bike into the room.
Go West!
When we start this route from Pozuelo de Alarcón, we head west towards Brunete. You’ll encounter some more congested roads and pass through a residential area. You’ll have to accept this because after navigating through the city, you’ll be presented with the best of the region. Here you’ll find vast roads lined with fields and through the hills with small villages and short climbs.
Climbers and bunkers
What is characteristic of this area are the short climbs. Although you often see long straight roads in the Vuelta, which seem tight like a billiard cloth, it is nevertheless a rugged landscape. The route offers us a number of climbs that are not very steep. You see an average of four to five percent and in terms of length you reach a maximum of six kilometers. In total, you cover a nice 1,700 meters of elevation gain in 120 km. For Madrid and the surrounding area, you might not expect this. The roads are generally good and the asphalt is smooth, but you don’t slide off easily. The traffic outside Madrid is really minimal, but you have to take into account a truck here or there. Along the route you have many bunkers from the civil war (Guerra civil) 1936-1939. Fierce fighting took place around Madrid. Many monuments in the villages along the route also commemorate this time.
NASA is here
As soon as you get a little higher, you’ll come out from Colmenar del Arroyo at the NASA deep space communication center. This complex with a very large dish park was built around the first moon landing in 1969. It’s an impressive building, with a nice road leading there.
View and more
From the road you have a good view of the center, which is located somewhat lower. Here the climbs are steeper and longer, but the view of the surroundings is beautiful. In Villanueva De la Cañada, you have a nice place for a coffee stop or lunch. Crumbles They have delicious coffee and various cakes and pies. But they also have delicious sandwiches. From the coffee stop back to Pozuelo de Alarcón it’s basically just downhill. Along the villages and again vast long roads with views of Madrid in the distance. In the middle of it all, a short steep climb before returning full speed ahead to Domestique for a cola and a poke bowl for lunch.
Cycling routes in Madrid
Below you can find Dennis’ route through Madrid. Want to know more about Madrid and cycling in that area? Then read also Story by Kees Langeveld!
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.