Girona is home to more than 50 professional riders and two teams – and it’s easy to see why, with a favourable climate in northern Spain and near-perfect training roads a short ride from the historic city centre. The Girona Gran Fondo, which returns for 2016 on June 11, gives sportive rides the chance to sample those roads.

The Girona Gran Fondo is the showcase event in the week-long Girona Cycling Festival and takes in a 125km route, leaving the city and winding its way to the Volcanic Natural Park in Olot and back.

It may not be the longest sportive continental Europe has to offer, but 1,800m of climbing in the Catalan mountains on a punchy course will make it a test for a wide range of riders.

The Girona Cycling Festival, which starts on Monday June 6, also includes a range of group rides, a close-road uphill time trial measuring 10.4km and climbing 404m to the Els Àngels monastery, a nocturne criterium and urban downhill race.

Bike hire is available, with a fleet of Cannondale machines on offer from the Girona Cycle Centre, as well as bike-friendly accommodation. Visit the Girona Cycling Festival website for more information and to enter the Girona Gran Fondo.