The Mauritius International Cycling Race 2026 takes place on Sunday, 11 October 2026 from SPARC in Flic-en-Flac, on Mauritius’ west coast. The inaugural cyclosportive offers two fully paved road routes, a 69-kilometre short course with 1,000 metres of climbing and an 89-kilometre long course with 1,200 metres of climbing.
The event is part of the wider Mauritius International Trail & Cycling Race weekend, which runs from Saturday, 10 October to Sunday, 11 October 2026. Trail races take place on Saturday, while the cycling event fills Sunday with coastal roads, tropical views, climbing and a lively sports village at SPARC.
"Set your sights on Sunday, 11 October 2026, roll out from Flic-en-Flac with the Indian Ocean beside you and experience Mauritius at pedal pace, where tropical roads, climbing legs and island hospitality create a ride worth remembering."
The Story of the Mauritius International Cycling Race
Where Adventure Meets the Sea
The Mauritius International Cycling Race is a cyclosportive, meaning it is an organised road-cycling challenge rather than a professional UCI stage race. It welcomes cyclists aged 16 and over, with two distance choices designed for different levels of experience.
The event is open to:
- Road cyclists
- Electric-bike riders
- Recumbent-bike riders
- Tandem teams
- Local riders
- International visitors
- Recreational cyclists
- Experienced endurance athletes
The event combines:
- Long-distance cycling
- Tropical scenery
- Road climbing
- Open-road awareness
- Aid stations
- Cycling-community spirit
- An outdoor event village
- Local food and artisan activity
- A sports-focused Mauritius holiday
The 69K Short Course
A Ride Through Paradise
The 69-kilometre short route begins at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, 11 October 2026 from SPARC in Flic-en-Flac.
Course details include:
- Distance: 69 kilometres
- Elevation gain: 1,000 metres
- Start time: 7:00 a.m.
- Start location: SPARC, Flic-en-Flac
- Minimum age: 16
- Surface: Tarmac
- Route marking: Green
- Aid station: Around kilometre 36 in Rivière Noire
This route is a good fit for:
- Strong recreational cyclists
- Riders comfortable with climbs
- E-bike participants
- Cyclists visiting Mauritius who want a serious but manageable challenge
- Athletes combining the event with a longer holiday
The 89K Long Course
The Ultimate Cycling Challenge
The 89-kilometre long route is the premier cycling challenge of the event. It also starts at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, 11 October 2026 from SPARC in Flic-en-Flac.
Course details include:
- Distance: 89 kilometres
- Elevation gain: 1,200 metres
- Start time: 7:00 a.m.
- Start location: SPARC, Flic-en-Flac
- Minimum age: 16
- Surface: Tarmac
- Route marking: Yellow
- Aid station: Around kilometre 57.5 in Rivière Noire
The 89K is best suited to riders with a sound endurance base, climbing experience and confidence on roads open to traffic.
Why Flic-en-Flac Is an Ideal Cycling Base
Where the Ocean Meets the Road
Flic-en-Flac lies on Mauritius’ west coast, in the Rivière Noire district. It is known for long beaches, warm water, sunset views and easy access to the island’s inland landscapes.
The west coast gives riders access to:
- Indian Ocean views
- Rivière Noire landscapes
- Climbing roads
- Open tarmac
- Coastal villages
- Warm, dry-season weather
- Restaurants and accommodation
- Beaches for post-ride recovery
The route is designed to highlight Mauritius’ natural richness, with coastal scenery, sea spray and striking island light.
The Mauritius International Trail & Cycling Race Weekend
A Weekend of Sports and Scenery
The cycling event takes place on the second day of a two-day outdoor-sport festival. On Saturday, 10 October 2026, the Mauritius International Trail Race offers:
- 10K trail race: Starts at 8:30 a.m.
- 20K trail race: Starts at 7:30 a.m.
On Sunday, 11 October 2026, cyclists take over with the 69K and 89K road rides. The combined weekend creates a welcoming atmosphere for mixed sports groups. One person can run on Saturday while another cycles on Sunday, or athletes can participate in both events if they have the training and recovery capacity.
Mauritius International Cycling Race 2026 Pricing
Entry Fees and Inclusions
The official entry prices are:
- 69K Short Road: €45, approximately US$53
- 89K Long Road: €55, approximately US$65
Registration remains open until 30 minutes before the race start, subject to capacity and organiser procedures. Although late registration may be possible, cyclists should not wait until race morning. Register early to secure a place, allow time for payment and receive event updates.
Your entry fee should be confirmed directly with the organiser before booking. Ask whether it includes:
- Race bib
- Timing service
- Aid-station access
- Medical support
- Finishers’ item
- Event T-shirt
- Photography
- Bike parking
- Insurance
- Post-race food
- Access to the SPARC event village
Cycling Safety and Open Roads
Ride Responsibly and Safely
The official rules state that the event takes place on roads open to traffic. This is essential for all riders to understand. You are responsible for obeying road laws, yielding when required and maintaining awareness of vehicles, pedestrians and local conditions.
Safety essentials include:
- A certified cycling helmet
- Working front and rear lights
- Reflective clothing or details
- Roadworthy brakes
- Spare tube and repair kit
- Pump or CO₂ inflator
- Hydration bottles
- Identification
- Phone with local emergency contacts
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Energy food
- A bell or clear verbal warning for overtaking
Participants are called to the start line 15 minutes before the race begins for a safety briefing. A neutralised or rolling start may be used until organisers determine that conditions are safe for the timed or active section.
Training for the 69K and 89K
Prepare for the Climb and the Heat
Mauritius International Cycling Race 2026 is a road event with substantial climbing. The island heat, wind and elevation can make the ride harder than the distance alone suggests.
Training for the 69K
Aim to be comfortable with:
- Two- to three-hour rides
- Repeated hill efforts
- Riding in warm conditions
- Eating and drinking while cycling
- Group-riding etiquette
- Descending safely
- Basic roadside repairs
Training for the 89K
For the longer route, build toward:
- Three- to five-hour rides
- 1,000 metres or more of climbing in training
- Sustained climbs
- Long descents
- Pacing discipline
- Hydration and electrolyte strategy
- Riding with tired legs
- Safe drafting and group awareness
Do not focus only on speed. Strong climbing, reliable nutrition and safe bike handling are more valuable than a fast first 20 kilometres.
Ride Nutrition and Hydration
Fuel for Performance and Safety
Mauritius can be warm in October, even with early race starts. Hydration is a major part of performance and safety. Before race day:
- Drink fluids consistently.
- Practise electrolytes in training.
- Test your race breakfast.
- Avoid unfamiliar supplements.
- Bring more nutrition than you expect to need.
- Check the aid-station location.
During the ride:
- Sip fluids regularly.
- Eat early rather than waiting for fatigue.
- Refill at the Rivière Noire aid station.
- Adjust pacing if heat rises.
- Never skip hydration because you are focused on time.
If you experience dizziness, confusion, chills, chest pain or severe cramps, stop and seek medical assistance.
Getting to Mauritius and Flic-en-Flac
Travel Tips for International Visitors
International travellers arrive at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport in the southeast of Mauritius. From the airport to Flic-en-Flac, allow roughly 60 to 90 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
Useful transport options include:
- Rental car
- Private airport transfer
- Hotel-arranged transport
- Taxi
- Cycling-tour operator transfer
- Shared shuttle, if available
Mauritius drives on the left. International cyclists renting a car should take time to adjust before driving with a bike rack or travelling on mountain roads. Bring your own bicycle or confirm rental availability well in advance. If flying with a bike, check airline baggage rules, bike-box dimensions and excess-fee policies before booking.
Where to Stay for Race Weekend
Accommodations for Every Preference
Flic-en-Flac
Best for direct access to SPARC, beaches, restaurants and race-weekend convenience.
Tamarin
Best for a quieter west-coast base, surfing culture and access to Black River landscapes.
Rivière Noire
Best for nature-oriented visitors, mountain scenery and proximity to the aid-station region.
Le Morne
Best for luxury stays, kiteboarding and spectacular mountain scenery, though farther from SPARC.
Port Louis
Best for city culture and dining, but less convenient for early race starts. Book from Friday, 9 October to Monday, 12 October 2026 if possible. This gives you time for bib collection, race-day rest and recovery.
Explore Mauritius After the Ride
Discover the Island's Natural Wonders
Black River Gorges National Park
The island’s largest national park offers hiking, waterfalls, forest and dramatic viewpoints. Do not attempt a strenuous hike immediately after the 89K.
Chamarel
Chamarel is known for the Seven Coloured Earth, waterfalls and scenic routes. It makes a good recovery-day excursion by car.
Le Morne Brabant
Le Morne Brabant is one of Mauritius’ most iconic landscapes. Hike only with a suitable guide and after allowing your legs time to recover.
Flic-en-Flac Beach
A calm beach walk and gentle swim can be a perfect post-ride reset. Follow swimming-safety guidance and use reef-safe sunscreen.
Port Louis
Visit the Central Market, Caudan Waterfront and Chinatown for a food-and-culture day after race weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Things People Always Want to Know
When is the Mauritius International Cycling Race 2026?
The event takes place on Sunday, 11 October 2026.
Where does the Mauritius International Cycling Race start?
Both cycling routes start at SPARC in Flic-en-Flac, Mauritius, at 7:00 a.m.
What cycling distances are available?
The race offers a 69K short route with 1,000 metres of climbing and an 89K long route with 1,200 metres of climbing.
How much does the Mauritius International Cycling Race cost?
The 69K route costs €45, and the 89K route costs €55.
Can e-bikes join the Mauritius International Cycling Race?
Yes. The official event listing permits traditional road bikes, electric bikes, recumbent bikes and tandems.
What is the minimum age for the cycling race?
Participants must be at least 16 years old for both the 69K and 89K cycling routes.
Are the race roads closed to traffic?
No. The event takes place on roads open to traffic. Riders must obey local traffic laws and follow safety instructions.
Verified Information at a Glance
- Event name: Mauritius International Cycling Race 2026
- Event category: Road cycling, cyclosportive and outdoor endurance event
- Confirmed date: Sunday, 11 October 2026
- Event weekend: Mauritius International Trail & Cycling Race, 10 to 11 October 2026
- Location: Flic-en-Flac, Rivière Noire, Mauritius
- Start and event village: SPARC, Flic-en-Flac
- Start time: 7:00 a.m.
- Short route: 69 kilometres, 1,000 metres elevation gain
- Long route: 89 kilometres, 1,200 metres elevation gain
- Minimum age: 16 years
- Surface: Tarmac
- Allowed bikes: Road bikes, e-bikes, recumbent bikes and tandems
- Short-route price: €45
- Long-route price: €55
- Bib collection: Saturday, 10 October, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Sunday, 11 October, 5:30 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Road conditions: Open to traffic
- Best for: Road cyclists, e-bike riders, endurance athletes, active couples, cycling clubs and visitors seeking a scenic Mauritius challenge
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