Girona cycling tourism is at a crossroads. The City Council is moving to restrict licences for new cycling-related businesses. This decision sparks a debate over whether the city’s extraordinary boom in two-wheeled tourism has finally peaked.
The proposed regulations target the historic Barri Vell (Old Quarter). Here, traditional shops are increasingly being replaced by high-end cycling boutiques designed to attract international visitors. Meanwhile, the initiative, led by Guanyem Girona, initially caused friction within the local coalition government. However, parties are now moving towards a consensus to regulate—rather than ban—the proliferation of luxury bike showrooms in the city centre.
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The ‘Golden Goose’ debate in Girona cycling tourism
The move has divided opinion in a sector that has transformed Girona into a global capital for the sport. Castelli Cycling, a market leader in the area, reported 7% growth in 2025. The company argues that the city should focus on management rather than restriction.
“The City Council still hasn’t realised it has the golden goose,” said CEO Óscar Ceballos. “People come to spend a whole month and leave thousands of euros. Therefore, what is needed is to put order in the city and not limit licences.”
Ceballos noted that major brands are willing to operate physical stores at a loss simply to maintain a presence in Girona’s premier showcase window. However, he acknowledged that the sheer volume of road cyclists is beginning to impact mobility. In addition, he drew parallels with Calp, where winter training camps frequently clash with local traffic.
Infrastructure under pressure from Girona cycling tourism
The strain on infrastructure is becoming palpable. The Regional Traffic Area has identified several hotspots where the density of cyclists poses safety risks or causes congestion. Specifically, this concerns the climb to the Els Àngels sanctuary and the roads surrounding Rocacorba in the Llémena valley.
Beyond the roads, established local businesses are calling for a level playing field. Jaume Cabruja of Bikecat argues that the council’s focus should shift to regulating foreign tour operators. These operators run commercial trips in Girona without a local fiscal presence.
“It’s a jungle,” Cabruja said. “We have to comply with guide regulations and requirements for sports tourism companies, but many from outside don’t comply with anything. For instance, I cannot organise a trip to the United States and act as a guide because I don’t have a work permit there. Yet, groups of Americans come here with a guide from their own country and nothing happens.”
Seasonality and local needs in Girona cycling tourism
Businesses are also grappling with extreme seasonality. During major events like the Traka gravel race, the city is saturated. Louise Laker, founder of Eat Sleep Cycle, notes that while May is frantic, the winter months still offer room for growth. Consequently, her company is now diversifying geographically, exploring markets in Málaga, Italy, and Nice. This acknowledges that the Girona market may be nearing saturation.
Meanwhile, local advocacy groups highlight a disconnect between the luxury cycling market and the needs of residents. Mou-te en Bici, an organisation campaigning for sustainable mobility, pointed out that while high-end showrooms multiply, affordable repair shops for everyday commuters are disappearing.
“We would like popular repair workshops to open,” said Xavier Corominas, president of the entity. “We already had interviews with the City Council… but nothing has been finalised yet.”
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