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Spain 16 Feb 2026 Class 1.1 – 1 day – Class 1
Website https://clasicajaen.com/
Data powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
The Clásica Jaén Paraíso Interior is one of the most exciting additions to the professional cycling calendar. Despite its short history, it has quickly earned a reputation as “Spain’s answer to Strade Bianche” due to its stunning scenery and challenging gravel sectors through endless olive groves.
Here is a breakdown of how this race became a modern classic.
📅 The Origin (2022)
The race was founded in 2022 by Pascual Momparler, the Spanish national team coach. His vision was to create a unique one-day race in Andalusia that moved away from traditional mountain passes and focused on the “mar de olivos” (sea of olives) in the province of Jaén.
- The Signature Style: The race is defined by its sterrato (gravel) sections, which snake through olive plantations between the Renaissance cities of Úbeda and Baeza (both UNESCO World Heritage sites).
- The Prize: In a nod to the region’s primary export, the winner receives a trophy shaped like an olive and their weight in high-quality olive oil.
🏆 Edition Highlights
2022: The Debut
The inaugural race was won by Kazakh rider Alexey Lutsenko. He launched a solo attack with about 25km to go, proving that the race required a mix of climbing legs and classic-style bike handling.
2023: The Pogačar Show
The race gained massive international prestige when Tadej Pogačar chose it for his season debut. Pogačar put on a masterclass, attacking with 42km remaining and riding solo to the finish line. His participation cemented the race as a legitimate target for the world’s elite riders.
2024: Tactical Warfare
The third edition saw a shift in dynamics. While the gravel remained the centerpiece, the race ended in a tactical battle won by Oier Lazkano. It was a massive win for Spanish cycling, as Lazkano (the Spanish National Champion at the time) held off a hard-charging chase group to win from the breakaway.
🚲 Key Characteristics
The race is categorized by the UCI as a 1.1 event (and more recently moving toward ProSeries status).
| Feature | Description |
| Terrain | Rolling hills with short, punchy climbs. |
| Gravel Sectors | Usually between 7 and 12 sectors, totaling 40km–60km of unpaved roads. |
| Finish | Typically alternates between Úbeda and Baeza, often ending on a technical uphill kick. |
| Weather | Can be unpredictable—ranging from dusty heat to muddy, slick conditions if it rains. |
🏁 Past Winners
- 2022: Alexey Lutsenko (Astana Qazaqstan)
- 2023: Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates)
- 2024: Oier Lazkano (Movistar Team)
- 2025: (Check latest results as the 2025 edition recently took place!)
The Clásica Jaén has managed to do in three years what most races take decades to achieve: create a distinct visual identity and attract the biggest names in the sport.
