Pedals and Passion: Oaxaca’s  Cycling Races and Challenges (2025–2026)

Oaxaca: A Cyclist’s Paradise of Endurance and Culture

Oaxaca has emerged as a premier destination for cycling enthusiasts, blending rugged terrain, rich cultural heritage, and a calendar packed with thrilling events. From the misty peaks of the Sierra Norte to the sun-drenched Pacific coast, the state’s diverse geography offers challenges that test every rider’s mettle. In 2025, Oaxaca hosted and will continue to host a variety of races, drawing participants from across Mexico and beyond. These events not only showcase athletic prowess but also immerse cyclists in local traditions, indigenous communities, and stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an adventurous amateur, Oaxaca’s cycling scene promises adrenaline, camaraderie, and unforgettable experiences. Let’s dive into the major races of 2025, with a peek at what’s shaping up for 2026.

The year’s events kick off in spring and build to epic multi-day adventures in the fall, each one highlighting different aspects of Oaxaca’s landscapes—from steep mountain ascents to coastal sprints. With government support and growing international interest, these races are elevating Oaxaca’s profile in the national cycling community. Riders can expect well-organized logistics, enthusiastic local crowds, and prizes that reward top performers while encouraging broad participation across age groups and skill levels.

Clásica Ciclista Benito Juárez – March 2025

Marking the dawn of Oaxaca’s cycling season, the Clásica Ciclista Benito Juárez honors the legacy of Mexico’s indigenous president with a demanding race that combines history and athleticism. Held on March 22, 2025, this event saw over 350 cyclists gather at the Monumento a Juárez on the outskirts of Oaxaca City for a 7:00 a.m. start. The route, spanning approximately 90 km, ascends into the Sierra Norte mountains along Highway 175, culminating at the high-altitude La Cumbre Ixtepeji ecotourism park.

Participants faced a true test of endurance, with road cyclists completing urban laps before the climb, while mountain bikers tackled a 35 km off-road path to the same finish line. Categories included youth, open, masters, and more, fostering inclusivity. A prize purse of around 300,000 pesos added competitive fire, distributed among top finishers in various divisions. As part of the Bloque Deportivo Benito Juárez festival, the race infused a festive vibe, with spectators cheering riders through pine forests and misty elevations. Its success in 2025 underscores its role as a staple event, blending sport with cultural reverence.

Epic Oaxaca Enduro – June 2025

As temperatures rise, so does the excitement with the Epic Oaxaca Enduro, a highlight for mountain bike aficionados. On June 14, 2025, this one-day event served as the third stop in Mexico’s National Enduro Series, held amid the rugged trails of La Cumbre Ixtepeji, just 20 km north of Oaxaca City. Attracting elite riders nationwide, the race featured timed downhill “special stages” interspersed with untimed climbs, navigating through dense pine forests and zapote groves at elevations that demand both skill and stamina.

Enduro’s unique format emphasizes technical descents, where precision and speed separate winners from the pack. The 2025 edition highlighted Oaxaca’s natural splendor, fusing adrenaline with scenic views that left participants and spectators in awe. As a national series fixture, it boosted the local cycling community, providing Oaxacan riders a platform to shine on home soil. With its growing prestige, expect Epic Oaxaca to return in 2026, potentially drawing even more international talent to these iconic trails.

Vuelta Ciclista “Lunes del Cerro” – July 2025

The crown jewel of Oaxaca’s cycling calendar, the Vuelta Clásica Ciclista Nacional “Lunes del Cerro” (often shortened to Vuelta Oaxaca), made a triumphant return in 2025. This multi-stage race, aligning with the vibrant Guelaguetza folk festival, unfolded from July 22 to 27, covering six stages across the state’s diverse regions. Revived after a short hiatus, the LXXVI edition attracted professional and elite amateur teams from Mexico and abroad, transforming Oaxaca into a hub of cycling fervor.

The journey began in the Istmo de Tehuantepec with a criterium in Juchitán on July 22, followed by Stage 2’s 104 km ride to Salina Cruz on the Pacific coast. Stages 3 and 4 traversed the southern Sierra to Santa María Huatulco and Puerto Escondido, respectively. After an inland transfer, Stage 5 climbed from Miahuatlán to La Cuesta in the Ocotlán district. The finale, Stage 6 on July 27, was the iconic Circuito Lunes del Cerro in Oaxaca City, with laps around the historic center and El Fortín hill.

Spanning hundreds of kilometers, the race challenged riders with sprints, grueling climbs, and sweltering heat. Categories spanned junior (U18), U23, elite women, elite men, and masters, promoting wide accessibility. A substantial prize purse of about 800,000 pesos rewarded stage victors and overall leaders, including sprint and mountain classifications. Backed by government and media, the 2025 event reinforced Oaxaca’s national stature, with jubilant crowds at the finish line. Look for the LXXVII edition in July 2026 to build on this momentum.

TranSierra Norte (TSN) MTB Race – November 2025

Autumn brings the TranSierra Norte (TSN) MTB Race, a four-day endurance spectacle that epitomizes adventure cycling. Scheduled for November 25 to 30, 2025, this event offers a unique blend of competition and cultural immersion, traversing the Sierra Norte and Sierra Sur mountains. Riders embark on epic point-to-point journeys, starting in highland pine forests and descending toward the Pacific coast, even touching coastal beaches by race’s end.

What sets TSN apart is its alignment with Día de Muertos traditions, incorporating parades, altar ceremonies, and local festivities into the post-ride evenings. The format mirrors a grand enduro: timed downhill stages on technical singletrack and jeep roads, with untimed liaisons. Terrain varies from cloud forests and coffee plantations to arid canyons, requiring versatility in all conditions. All-inclusive packages cover hotels, Oaxacan meals, support vehicles, and briefings, giving amateurs a pro-level experience.

The 2025 edition filled its 100 slots quickly, underscoring its international appeal. Riders not only compete but connect with Zapotec heritage on ancient trails. For 2026, anticipate fresh routes and continued growth, maintaining TSN’s reputation as a must-do for thrill-seekers craving culture alongside challenge.

Gran Premio Miguel Arroyo – December 2025

Closing out the year is the Gran Premio Miguel Arroyo, a Gran Fondo-style road race honoring Mexican cycling legend Miguel Arroyo. Set for December 7, 2025, in Bahías de Huatulco, this event features two distances: a challenging 100 km route (three laps) for veterans and a 70 km option (two laps) for others. Courses wind along scenic coastal roads and hills, starting and ending near resort beaches, with closed roads ensuring safety.

Open to all levels with age and ability categories, it emphasizes camaraderie over cutthroat competition. Support includes feed zones, timing chips, and a lively atmosphere. Though new to Oaxaca, having been hosted elsewhere like Tlaxcala, it brings accessible racing to the state’s tropical shores. December’s ocean breezes provide ideal conditions, making it a perfect year-end celebration. Success in 2025 paves the way for its return in late 2026.

Outlook for 2026: Building on Momentum

The energy from 2025’s events is poised to propel Oaxaca’s cycling scene into 2026. Annual favorites like the Clásica Benito Juárez in March and the Vuelta “Lunes del Cerro” in July are expected to recur, with potential for increased international entries. Mountain biking will thrive with another Epic Enduro round and evolving TSN routes in the fall. New additions, such as the Raúl Alcalá Challenge in April or emerging gravel challenges, could diversify the calendar further.

Oaxaca’s fusion of challenging terrain, cultural depth, and welcoming communities ensures 2026 will be even more exhilarating. Stay tuned for official announcements—whether racing competitively or riding recreationally, Oaxaca invites you to pedal through its soul-stirring landscapes.

Gear Up and Join the Ride

Oaxaca’s cycling events aren’t just races; they’re journeys that connect you to the land, people, and traditions. From conquering mountain summits to celebrating with local fiestas, each pedal stroke tells a story. If you’re ready to test your limits and create lasting memories, Oaxaca awaits.

Eager to hit the trails or roads? Contact me here and I’ll help gear you up for the adventure of a lifetime 😉

References

• Efrén Santos wins Clásica Ciclista Benito Juárez 2025
• 350 cyclists register and race the Clásica Benito Juárez
• José Ramón Muñiz wins Vuelta “Lunes del Cerro” 2025
• Stage 3 highlights of Vuelta Lunes del Cerro 2025
• Epic Enduro Series official site
• TranSierra Norte MTB Challenge 2025
• Gran Premio Miguel Arroyo 2025 details