Here’s a bold statement: mastering the Santa Vall 2026 could hinge on something as seemingly simple as your tyre choice. But here’s where it gets controversial—while many assume MTB tyres reign supreme on gravel, real-world testing suggests suspension setups might actually steal the speed crown. Intrigued? Let’s dive into why this year’s event, kicking off February 14–15 in Girona, Spain, is a tire-tinker’s nightmare—and dream.
Santa Vall isn’t your average gravel race. This two-day, 215-kilometer battle blends fast tarmac, loose rocky climbs, and high-speed gravel corners—all spiced up by a winter of heavy rain that’s turned sections into mud baths. And this is the part most people miss: success here isn’t just about speed; it’s about mud clearance, grip transitions, and confidence in your setup when the terrain flips from pavement to rain-soaked gravel to technical descents.
Stage 1 starts deceptively calm with 10 km of rolling pavement before unleashing riders onto a 3.7 km rocky climb that could shatter the peloton. The real test? A 6.5 km gravel ascent at the 37 km mark, gaining 350 meters, followed by a technical descent. The second half demands precision—snaking through high-speed loose corners where traction and width matter, but not at the cost of shedding mud.
Stage 2 wastes no time, throwing riders into a 3.2 km off-road climb within the first kilometer. The descent splits gravel and pavement, setting the tone for a course that never settles. With two climbs mostly on tarmac and a less technical finish (thanks to weather-induced pavement swaps between 65–78 km), riders face a dilemma: prioritize speed with slicker tires or lean into aggression for the technical descent?
I spoke with pros heading to Girona, and their strategies reveal a delicate dance between width, tread, pressure, and inserts. Here’s the kicker: some are betting on hybrid setups, while others double down on grip—even if it costs them on tarmac. Who’s right? That’s the million-dollar question.
So, what’s your take? Are MTB tyres overrated for gravel, or is suspension hype overblown? Would you sacrifice speed for grip, or vice versa? Let’s spark some debate in the comments—because when it comes to Santa Vall 2026, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
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