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Spain 15 Feb 2026 Class 1.Pro – 1 day – UCI ProSeries
Website www.clasicadealmeria.net
Data powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
The Clásica de Almería is a premier Spanish one-day race that has evolved from a local amateur event into one of the most prestigious early-season “sprinter’s classics” in professional cycling.
As of today, February 15, 2026, the 39th edition of the men’s race is underway, following a period of significant growth for both the men’s and women’s events.
Chronological Evolution
| Era | Status | Key Milestone |
| 1986–1991 | Amateur | Established as a regional race. Spanish riders dominated every podium during this period. |
| 1992 | Professional | The race officially joined the pro ranks. Kenneth Weltz (Denmark) became the first non-Spanish winner. |
| 2005 | UCI 1.1 | Integrated into the UCI Europe Tour, attracting a higher tier of international ProTeams. |
| 2020 | UCI 1.Pro | Upgraded to the UCI ProSeries, solidifying its status just below the WorldTour. |
| 2023 | Women’s Race | The first Clásica de Almería WE was held, marking a major step in the event’s expansion. |
Race Profile & Identity
While the race takes place in the mountainous Andalusia region, it has “reinvented” itself since 2008 as a race for the fast men.
- The Route: Typically around 190 km. It often starts with a series of climbs (like the Alto de Celín and Alto de Berja) to tire out the legs, but the final 50 km are generally flat, leading to a high-speed bunch sprint in Roquetas de Mar.
- The Weather: The Almería region is famous for its strong winds. Even if the route is flat, the peloton is frequently torn apart by “crosswinds” (echelons), making it a tactical battle for the classics specialists.
Notable Champions
The race’s roll of honor reads like a “Who’s Who” of the world’s greatest sprinters:
- Legends: Mark Cavendish (2015), Sam Bennett (2014), and Michael Matthews (2012).
- Multiple Winners: Massimo Strazzer and Pascal Ackermann share the record for most wins (2 each).
- Recent Success: Milan Fretin (Cofidis) is the defending champion, having won the 2025 edition in a dominant sprint.
Did you know?
In 1992, the race was briefly known as the “Rutas de las Hortalizas” (The Vegetable Routes), a nod to Almería’s status as the “Garden of Europe” due to its massive greenhouse farming industry.
The 2026 edition is currently featuring a star-studded field including Biniam Girmay, Arnaud De Lie, and Dylan Groenewegen
