Grand Prix of Spain - Sporting - Spain (June 2011)

The Centro Integral de Estudios y Prácticas Cinegéticas, located in Castillejo de Robledo within the province of Soria, serves as the prestigious official shooting and training complex of the Royal Spanish Hunting Federation (RFEC). Situated at an altitude of 970 meters above sea level, this premier destination is highly regarded by professional shooters, sport hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The defining "signature feature" of this facility is its breathtaking and rugged natural landscape, dominated by a dense, native Mediterranean juniper forest (known locally as the sabinar). This unique topography provides an unparalleled, highly challenging setting that perfectly simulates real-world hunting scenarios under varying natural lighting and wind conditions.

To support both daily training and elite international competitions, the shooting ground boasts a highly automated setup integrated into its natural terrain. The facility's versatile range of disciplines and features includes:

• Recorridos de Caza (Sporting Clays): 4 extensive firing lines consisting of 16 distinct shooting stations each, facilitating 200-target competitions.

• Compak Sporting: Fully automated shooting layouts designed for rapid-fire practice and tactical clay targets.

• Caza con Arco (Bowhunting): 9 specialized fields, including 6 dedicated to simulated hunting trails and 3 for stalking practice.

• Field Target & Hunting Field Target: Dedicated zones for high-precision air rifle shooting at metallic animal silhouettes. All targets are launched using advanced automated throwing systems designed to mimic the rapid, unpredictable movements of native small game such as rabbits, red-legged partridges, and pigeons.

Beyond recreation, the complex is a hub for high-performance training and academic development managed by the Spanish Hunting School (EEC). Instruction is tailored to all experience levels, from beginners to international competitors, with a strong emphasis on inclusive sports for adapted shooters. A standout feature of the training program is the leadership of Beatriz Laparra Cuenca, Spain's legendary multi-time World and European Sporting Champion, who regularly conducts masterclasses at the facility. Key educational offerings include:

• Professional Shooting Instruction: Personalized and group coaching focusing on mechanics and shot correction.

• Gundog Training Seminars: Specialized workshops on tracking, retrieving, and canine field safety.

• Referee and Judge Certification: National-level courses to train sporting clay officials.

• Youth & Junior Camps: Educational and solidarity-focused initiatives promoting safe firearms handling and ecological ethics.

The complex has demonstrated its capacity to host large-scale events by serving as the venue for major tournaments, such as the 35th FITASC World Sporting Clays Championship and numerous Spanish National Championships. The onsite infrastructure includes a fully staffed restaurant and cafeteria, an official administrative secretariat, and specialized dog-training grounds. Accommodation is conveniently distributed throughout Castillejo de Robledo, offering comfortable stays in local rural hotels and guest houses. These include:

• Centro de Turismo Rural "La Sabina": Located directly in the village for quick access.

• Hotel Rural Venta de Corpes: A charming traditional lodging option.

• Casas Rurales (La Senda, Isabel y Fernando): Cozy rural houses ideal for families or teams.

The Centro Integral serves a diverse target audience, functioning as an essential resource for national shooting teams, hobbyist hunters, and families looking for safe outdoor recreation. The venue's prominent competitive advantages are highly recognized across Europe:

• Realistic Flight Trajectories: The natural juniper cover forces shooters to develop exceptional tracking speed and spatial awareness.

• Strict Safety and Accessibility: Firing lines conform to stringent FITASC and RFEC safety standards, incorporating adapted layouts for disabled sports.

• Comprehensive Logistics: Exceptional coordination between local tourism offices, dining services, and rural lodging ensures seamless visits.

• Socio-Economic Contribution: Major events draw thousands of visitors, solidifying Soria's reputation as a premiere destination for rural sports tourism.

The facility operates under structured pricing models designed to keep the sport accessible while maintaining world-class equipment. A standard practice series of training targets on the automated layout is priced at approximately €7.00, while single target clays during selected events cost around €3.50. Comprehensive educational courses, such as introductory shotgun shooting clinics, start at €120.00. More intensive, specialized training—such as the 12.5-hour gundog retrieving seminars—range between €160.00 for returning students and €200.00 for new participants, covering all study materials, certifications, and catering.