Mountain biking and cycling are viewed as both serious sports and a relaxing pastime in Andalucia.  It is not unusual to be overtaken by a group of lycra-clad cyclists tackling the steep mountain roads, particularly at weekends.

Not surprisingly, in a country with so many hills, mountain biking is a popular sport and better quality bikes can be rented in many mountain resorts and can even be taken on specially-adapted chair lifts to the tops of mountains. Cyclists must use cycle lanes where provided (although there are few in Spain) and mustn't cycle in bus lanes or on footpaths.

In the country as a whole, cycling is a popular competitive sport, with over 5,000 annual cycling races and events staged at all levels throughout the country. These include many professional races, such as the tour of Spain held over three weeks in April and May and the third most important world cycle race after the tours of France and Italy.

For information about clubs and competitions throughout the country, including Andalucía contact the Spanish Cycling Federation, C/de Ferraz, 16-5, 28008 Madrid. Tel: +34 91 242 04334.