On July 25, Veracruz Street will host the Vertical Bike Challenge, a nighttime cycling race with head-to-head duels on a 200-meter ramp. The event includes general, under-16, and adapted categories, with equal prizes of up to 600 euros. For the public, it is a free show in the heart of the historic center that boosts tourism and nighttime leisure, betting on an accessible and competitive format.
How the 200-meter ramp duel system works 🚴
The one-on-one elimination format requires a simultaneous start from the base of Veracruz Street. Cyclists must maintain their line on a constant slope, where power and weight are decisive factors. The organization has installed a sensor-based timing system at the finish line to avoid human errors. Bikes must comply with UCI regulations regarding minimum weight and brakes, adapting to the demands of a maximum effort in less than 30 seconds.
The slope that separates the brave from those who walk ⛰️
Climbing 200 meters in Salamanca is tough enough during the day; doing it at night, with 600 euros at stake and a rival on your wheel, is almost a statement of intent. The residents of Veracruz will have to decide whether to applaud or schedule an appointment to leave home. The good thing is that if a cyclist gets a flat tire, at least they will have an excuse not to climb the slope. And if they win, they can pay for dinner with the prize.