More than 1,000 cyclists took part last year and Villena is preparing to get back on two wheels when the traditional Nazarí bike ride returns on Sunday 23 August.
Now in its 27th edition, the event is not a race.
Instead, it is a leisurely
community bike ride through the streets of Villena, open to everyone and free to take part.
The route starts at the Recinto Ferial, or fairground, and finishes at Parque Maestro Manuel Carrascosa.
Organisers hope this year’s turnout will match the success of 2025, when more than 1,000 people joined the ride.
A bike ride, not a race
Villena Councillor for Sport Maite Gandía stressed that the Paseo Ciclista Nazarí is designed as a community activity rather than a competitive cycling event.
She described it as a popular event and emphasised that participants will be taking part in a leisurely ride rather than racing one another through the city.
The event welcomes everyone, whether or not they belong to one of Villena’s fiesta groups.
Participation is free.
Gifts waiting at the finish line
The cycling may not be competitive, but there will still be something waiting for riders when they reach the finish.
Participants will receive a gift bag at Parque Maestro Manuel Carrascosa.
Organisers will also hold the traditional prize draw, with sponsors providing the prizes.
Francisco José Sánchez, president of the Nazarí fiesta group, said organisers hope to attract a similar number of cyclists to last year’s event.
More than 20 volunteers supporting the ride
More than 20 volunteers will help organisers run the event.
Local Police and Civil Protection will also support the ride, while medical cover will be available in case anyone needs assistance.
The Nazarí fiesta group and Villena Town Hall jointly organise the event.
A Villena tradition dating back to 1977
Although this will be the 27th Paseo Ciclista Nazarí, the event has had a rather sizeable puncture in its history.
The tradition dates back to 1977 but disappeared from Villena’s calendar for 23 years.
Organisers finally revived it in 2025, when more than 1,000 people turned out for its return.
Sunday’s event will therefore be only the second edition since its revival, bringing the city’s cyclists together once again for a relaxed ride through Villena.
Bridging the Gap recap
- The 27th Paseo Ciclista Nazarí takes place in Villena on Sunday 23 August.
- It is a community bike ride rather than a competitive race.
- Participation is free and open to everyone, whether or not they belong to a fiesta group.
- The route starts at the Recinto Ferial and finishes at Parque Maestro Manuel Carrascosa.
- More than 1,000 cyclists took part when the event returned in 2025.
- Participants will receive a gift bag at the finish.
- A traditional prize draw will also take place, with prizes supplied by sponsors.
- More than 20 volunteers will help run the event, alongside Local Police and Civil Protection.
- The cycling tradition dates back to 1977 and returned last year following a 23-year absence.
