Quebrantahuesos Gran Fondo

Named after the "bonecrusher" vulture local to this part of the Pyrenees, the Quebrantahuesos Gran Fondo (QBH) is a 200km closed-road sportive that packs in 3500 metres of climbing.

Spain's most popular sportive, the Quebranathuesos takes in stunning Pyreneen scenery as it weaves between France and Spain, over vertiginous mountain passes familiar to fans of La Vuelta and the Tour de France.

Based in the Spanish town of Sabiñánigo, highlights include the Col du Somport (1,640mt), France's Col du Marie Blanque (Cat 1) and Col du Portalet (Cat 1, 1,795mt) before finishing back in Sabiñánigo.

The shorter Trepariscos Medio Fondo route is a 85km challenge with 970 metres of climbing and is also hugely popular with over 2000 riders taking part. Like QBH, Trespariscos starts and finishes in Sabiñanigo but follows a different route.

Both distances are fully supported with facilities including showers, food, refreshments, massage and beer.

Entry is via a ballot held in January. If you're too late for this year's edition, sign up to the Sportive.com newsletter to be notified when entries open for 2020.