Best Spanish bikers conquer the Škoda Titan Desert Almería
1 de October de 2025Half a thousand cyclists will take over the province of Almería from October 2nd to 5th. A peloton of 500 Titans and, this year more than ever, Titanas. Because the Škoda Titan Desert Almería has broken its record for female participation: 60 women.
This milestone coincides with the year in which the record for female participation in the Škoda Titan Desert Morocco was also broken. Furthermore, few years are remembered for having such a strong elite female participation.
Three women are clear candidates for victory. Three riders who faced each other in the Spanish XCM (cross country marathon) championship held in León just a few months ago and who dominated the podium: Natalia Fischer, Tessa Kortekaas, and ‘Pili’ Fernández.
Fischer, reigning Spanish champion and European runner-up, makes her debut in the Titan World Series. This is a very special race for her, as she is from Andalusia and knows the race terrain well.
The other two rivals are veteran competitors in the race, and both know what it takes to win races in the Titan universe. Kortekaas is the most successful cyclist in the history of the race, with five GC victories to her name, while ‘Pili’ is the reigning champion of the Škoda Titan Desert Morocco.
ROAD RIDERS ARE THE CONTENDERS
On the men’s side, it will be the former road riders who will bring all the excitement and thrills. Luis León Sánchez, who already knows what it’s like to win in Morocco and Saudi Arabia, will be looking to finally complete his triple crown in Almería. The Andalusian race has eluded the Murcia native, who has suffered mechanical problems in previous editions that have kept him from victory.
Luis Ángel Maté is another rider who knows the race well. ‘El Lince’ has won stages and finished on the podium, but has never managed to climb to the top step.
Haimar Zubeldia is also expected to be at the front of the bunch. The Spanish cyclist with the most Tour de France appearances and a Titan Legend (over 3,500 kilometers accumulated in Titan World Series races) returns to Almería after a five-year absence and will be looking to cause problems for his former teammates in the WorldTour peloton.
In the more purely ‘mountain biker’ part, many names are candidates for the top spots in the GC. Stage hunters and experienced riders such as Óscar Pujol, Pablo Guerrero, and Jorge Lamiel.
