The Buddha Challenge to be celebrated in Velez-Malaga

VELEZ-MALAGA will host the ‘Buddha Challenge’ on May 31, a bicycle mountain race that is returning after four years of absence.
Sports Councillor Jesus Lupiañez, together with other council and business representatives, explained that the last challenge was held in 2011 with the participation of 1,320 cyclists.
“We are going to do our best to draw as many participants as in 2011,” said Mr Lupiañez. “We have been working hand in hand with the Velez-Malaga Cyclist Club for several years to bring back such an emblematic event.”
Two routes have been established: the official one, which is more complex and covers a distance of 72 kilometres, and an alternative, 56-kilometre race.
The winner will receive €1,500, while the second and third runners-up will receive €750 and €500, both for male and female categories.
The departure will take place at 9.30am in Torre del Mar and the race will head through Velez-Malaga, Arenas, Benamocarra and La Viñuela, with a climb to the Karma Guen Stupa, which inspired the challenge’s name.
Inscriptions are €30 and can be made at http://xterraspain.es/producto/inscripcion-desafio-del-buda-by-xterra/.