Carrera del Pavo

The Carrera del Pavo is a Christmas Day bicycle race held in Segovia, Spain. Participants race on bicycles lacking a chain or transmission. The course spans just 550 meters, presenting a peculiar and precise challenge: each rider begins individually, descends to gain momentum, and then attempts to ascend through the historic city without pedaling, placing a foot down, or lifting a wheel. The victor receives the turkey that lends the race its name; the runner-up gets a duck, and the third-place finisher receives a chicken. The course commences at Plaza Dia Sanz, proceeds down Calle Teodosio el Grande, passes Plaza del Azoguejo before Segovia's Aqueduct, and then ascends toward Calle Real, concluding in Plaza del Seminario. Competitors utilize custom-built bicycles featuring wide handlebars, welded footrests, and reversed forks. The technique for navigating the incline involves rapidly swinging the handlebars side-to-side to maintain forward motion. Tandem bicycles are permitted, but eccentric-wheel bikes, previously featured, are now disallowed. Pedro Delgado frequently participates, although he has not achieved victory.