Benahavis will be gearing up for the sound of roars as it prepares for another major weekend of motorsport as the Copa de España de Trial de Clásicas or ‘Spanish Cup for Classic Trial Motorbikes’ heads to the Costa del Sol on Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24. Riders and fans from across the country will come in droves to the mountain village for the second round of the 2026 season.
More than 100 riders are expected to compete on restored machines dating back several decades, with categories covering a wide range of classic trial motorbikes. Organisers from Club Deportivo Motorista Benahavis have prepared an 11-kilometre route featuring 12 technical sections designed specifically for vintage motorcycles.
Benahavis builds on earlier trial success
Interest in trial riding has crept up steadily in Benahavis following recent top-level competitions held in the area, including rounds of the Spanish Trial Championship and TrialGP events. Earlier races attracted large crowds and gave a real boost to the town.
Competition starts early at 9am on both Saturday and Sunday, with riders completing two laps per day. Event organisers originally planned the championship round for Saturday, May 16 and Sunday May, 17 before moving it back one week due to the Andalucian election calendar.
Spanish championship battle heads south
All eyes will be on riders already fighting for early championship points after the opening round in Alpens, Catalonia, were held in April. RFME (Royal Spanish Motorcycling Federation) officials confirmed Benahavis as one of six venues included in the 2026 national calendar.
Support for the event comes from Benahavis Town Hall, the Federacion Andaluza de Motociclismo and the RFME.
Motorcycle heads and sporting fans should set their alarms and can head down to check out the amazing displays of restored machinery at its best over the weekend. For more information about the event, head to the Benahavis town hall website.
Users were divided over whether the customers’ actions could be understood or whether leaving without paying was unjustified. Photo credit: Jazmine Thomas/shutterstock
A group of customers in Spain has drawn attention online after leaving a restaurant without paying their bill and reportedly leaving a handwritten explanation on the receipt. The incident was shared on social media before being picked up by Spanish media outlets. The case was first circulated through a post from the hospitality-focused account on X, “Soy Camarero”, which regularly shares incidents involving customer behaviour in the restaurant sector.
According to the information reported, the group left without settling their account, an act commonly referred to in Spain as a “simpa” (sin pagar or “without paying”). What made the situation notable was that the customers allegedly left a written note on the bill saying, “we are leaving without paying, we asked for the bill several times….” explaining that they felt they were not attended to before leaving the premises.
Social Media Reaction and Divided Opinions
The handwritten message, as reproduced in media reports, claimed the customers had asked for the bill multiple times and did not receive timely attention from staff. They therefore decided it justified to leave without paying, leaving the explanation behind at the table. Once the story circulated online, it generated widespread discussion on social media platforms in Spain.
Users were divided over whether the customers’ actions could be understood or whether leaving without paying was unjustified regardless of circumstances. Some users suggested that delays in service can happen during busy periods in restaurants, particularly when staff are under pressure. Others argued that even if service is slow, customers should not leave without resolving the issue directly with staff or management.
The note was left at the table after the waiter didn’t not come to collect the bill. Photo credit: SoyCamarero on X
Hospitality Sector Views on Service Pressure
Hospitality workers also joined the discussion, with some noting that restaurants can experience high demand at certain times, which may lead to delays in attending to requests such as bringing the bill. They emphasised that communication between staff and customers is usually expected in such situations.
Other workers pointed out that customers who feel overlooked normally have alternative options, such as approaching staff directly or waiting longer. The incident was viewed by some professionals as reflecting occasional friction between service expectations and operational pressure.
The case has been broadly discussed in relation to how poor customer behaviour is increasingly visible on social media, where individual incidents can quickly gain wider attention.
Aftermath and Ongoing Discussion
No confirmed details have been made public regarding the identity of the individuals involved or the specific venue where the incident took place. The written explanation left by the customers has contributed to continued debate online, with reactions ranging from criticism to partial understanding depending on how the situation is interpreted.
There has been no indication of police involvement or formal legal action related to the incident, and no public statement from the restaurant involved has been reported. Similar cases have occasionally circulated online through hospitality-focused accounts, often prompting discussion about service expectations and customer conduct in restaurants.
For now, the incident remains based on social media reporting, with attention focused on the note left behind and the differing interpretations of what occurred.
We have never left a pet behind. Credit: camfrae / Shutterstock
It has been publicly announced by APHA (Animal & Plant Health Agency) that UK residents can no longer use their pet’s EU Passport for entry into any EU country.
This came into effect on 22nd April 2026.
You can still use your EU Passport to travel back into the UK if you are currently in Spain or France but this will be the final time.
In future you will have to obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from your Vet for each trip.
The AHC is only valid for 6 calendar months for 1 return journey. This has just been extended from 4 months. You must still make sure you don’t overstay your 90 days unless you have obtained a Visa for work. You still need to provide us with your 3 supporting documents, consent, your passport and your travel itinerary.
Don’t discard your EU Pet Passport, the rabies is still valid and can be transferred to the AHC: We need to see this in order to complete the forms.
In our experience, most UK Vets are unable to interpret the meaning of travel if using a licensed transporter and many Vets still don’t provide the service at all. We have encountered many problems and have been left to resolve all these issues hours away from the port and spending hours on the phone whilst pets are with the Vet. We have never left a pet behind and climbed mountains to ensure this has never happened.
We want to help you. We realise this is going to be very daunting for many and we can’t afford to have any clerical mistakes on the day of collection.
ProPaws is now able to offer you and your pets a fully inclusive service, taking all the stress and hassle away, ensuring you continue to enjoy your holidays in Spain and France.
We have collaborated with Dr. Christoph Reichman MRCVS, an expert in the veterinary field and AHC’s, and his practice in Ashford, Kent.
Our service includes :
The completion of the preliminary forms by Tracey.
Geoff will collect your pet/s on the usual departure day.
All pets will have an appointment with Dr Chris at his practice in Kent.
Dr Chris will examine your pets and issue the AHC.
Geoff then makes his way to Dover with everything in order and according to the law.
Our fee for the AHC service
£190 for 1 pet
£240 for 2 pets
£290 for 3 pets
You can of course do this yourselves. We know many of you are IT savvy and have wonderful relationships with your vets. With the demand for AHC’s being at the highest we need to make sure nothing is rushed or left to the last minute and everything is correct. We cannot afford any mistakes or putting the other pets at risk of seizure at the port.
Dara lifts the 2026 Eurovision trophy. Credit: EV FB
Possibly one of the most controversial and bitterly argued over song contests in years saw countries boycotting, polarised political opinions, and strong language from hecklers and protesters, yet, the true spirit of unity won through in the end to deliver a spectacular final.
Bulgaria has claimed the Eurovision 2026 title in the grand final staged in Vienna on Saturday night, May 16. Dara delivered an electrifying performance of Bangaranga that captured hearts across the continent and earned the maximum points from both professional juries and television viewers. This triumph represents the first time Bulgaria has ever lifted the trophy in the contest’s long history, leading to wild celebrations back home and among supporters in the arena.
Dara expresses joy after historic triumph
Dara expressed overwhelming joy during the victory interview and thanked fans for their unwavering support throughout the week. Her performance served as evidence of real talent and determination that resonated deeply with audiences across the continent.
Israel and Romania complete the podium
Israel took second place after Noam Bettan presented Michelle to widespread acclaim. The entry accumulated 343 points in total and demonstrated remarkable composure under pressure from various external factors. Noam received warm responses from most spectators who appreciated the artistic quality on display. Many noted the powerful delivery and emotional depth in every note sung.
Romania claimed third position with Alexandra Căpitănescu performing Choke Me. The song generated strong reactions and finished with an impressive score that reflected its strong approach and vocal strength. Alexandra beamed with pride as the results appeared on screen. Her team celebrated the achievement with hugs and cheers immediately after the announcement.
Spectacle delights global audiences
Viewers tuned in from numerous countries to witness the spectacle take place under bright lights at the venue. Commentators praised the overall production values and the energy brought by all competing acts. Many described the night as a continuous journey of surprises and high emotions.
Organisers expressed satisfaction with the smooth running of proceedings, despite occasional challenges. Bulgaria now prepares to host future events related to the win while the music industry anticipates continued growth in interest.
Positive outlook for 2027
Hopes remain high for the 2027 contest to return to normality without boycotts so that every nation can participate freely and the emphasis stays firmly on creativity and international friendship.