VolCAT MTB 2016: 3 Days of XC Marathon Racing in Catalonia

What better way to enjoy Easter than riding your bike?

Taking part in VolCAT MTB 2016 means diving into a 3-day XC marathon stage race in Catalonia, one of the most popular MTB events in Spain.

VolCAT is designed for everyone:

• Competitive riders
• Amateur cyclists
• MTB lovers looking for a challenge

With perfect weather — blue skies, no wind and no rain — the conditions were ideal for an unforgettable race.

Stage 1: A Demanding Start in Igualada

The race kicked off on Friday with a 55 km stage and +1450 m of elevation gain.

Although it looked manageable on paper, it turned out to be demanding due to:

• Constant changes in slope
• Technical trail sections
• A fast race pace from the start

With over 600 riders, the neutralized start through Igualada quickly gave way to intense racing.

Despite not being in top shape after a recent crash, our rider pushed hard. A puncture just 10 km before the finish slowed things down, but after a quick repair, he managed to complete the stage.

Stage 2: The Big Challenge

The second stage started earlier and was the toughest of the event:

• 78 km distance
• +2500 m elevation gain

A true endurance challenge.

The route felt like two races in one:

• A fast first section
• Followed by a long and demanding climb between km 40 and km 55

The reward came with a long descent — although not without one final tricky climb before the finish.

It was a great day on the bike, even sharing some kilometers with Carlos from KTM Industries.

Stage 3: Fast, Flowing and Technical

The final stage was shorter but still exciting:

• 40 km distance
• +1000 m elevation gain

This stage was:

• Faster
• More flowing
• High average speed

However, the speed required full concentration, especially on technical descents where mistakes could happen easily.

More Than a Race

VolCAT is not just about competition.

It’s about:

• Discovering new trails
• Meeting fellow riders
• Pushing your limits

We finished the race with:

• New routes in mind
• New friendships
• A solid training block for the upcoming season

Watch the Race Experience

Here are two videos that capture the essence of VolCAT 2016:

👉 https://youtu.be/lUJuVuisJjY?si=7LgJL8JK4VKPIcWe
👉 https://youtu.be/xbwfHjzoHnI?si=u771ZzFNROADlYci

👉 Want to ride the best MTB events and trails in Catalonia?
Discover our experiences at: www.mtbdreams.com