The EPIC Gran Canaria RIU Hotels & Resorts has presented a star-studded line-up in this fifth edition, which will begin this afternoon with the round table and tomorrow with the first of the competitive stages.
The race director, Yojanán Reyes , pointed out that this event has brought together a dozen athletes who "reached the top in international cycling" in the five pillars of the sport, "technique, tactics, physical and psychology," thus managing to "make history" and reach "the highest level."
World champion Abraham Olano has stated that the island of Gran Canaria is a “perfect place for cycle tourism” and a destination “still waiting to be discovered,” boasting unparalleled attractions in its roads, landscapes, and a climate that allows it to be enjoyed “all year round.” Olano acknowledged that he was familiar with the island and was delighted “to be able to return” and, above all, “to enjoy the race and also the people who cheered us on from the roadside and on television,” with an opportunity “to strengthen ties with them, chat, and share moments on an island steeped in cycling.”
German paracyclist Michael Teuber, 20-time world champion; two-time world champion and Giro d'Italia record holder Mario Cipollini; world champion Abraham Olano; track and cyclocross rider with 29 Grand Tours and Tour de France top 10 finishes Haimar Zubeldia; three-time Tour de France podium finisher Joseba Beloki; and World Cup runner-up and Olympian Davide Rebellin are just a few of the cycling stars gathering for this event. Other notable participants include climber Claudio Chiappucci, known as "El Diavolo" ( a Tour and Giro podium finisher) , record-breaking speed holder Fred Rompelberg (268 km/h), Spanish M30 Cyclocross champion Martín Mata Cabello, and Finnish champion Matti Helminen, winner of the last few editions and aiming for his third victory in Gran Canaria.
Mario Cipollini declared himself “happy to be here, for the second time in a year” because this island is “a dream” and “a different experience every day.” Besides having “the dunes, the mountains, the roads, and the nature,” the EPIC Gran Canaria RIU Hotels & Resorts has given him “the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and enjoy cycling with them again.”
Claudio Ciappucci noted that he often travels to Gran Canaria, an “island with a perfect climate” to “live, train, and enjoy the island of cyclists.” It has been “a meeting point where sport is lived,” and thanks to the event, he will be able to enjoy “a few days together and a great party.”
The Tourism Councillor of the Gran Canaria Island Council, Carlos Álamo , stated that it is “undoubtedly a prime destination for sports” and “top-tier,” with “a magnificent lineup that comes at a time when the island is committed to sports tourism” and wants athletes “to be ambassadors for the island worldwide.” The Sports Councillor of the Gran Canaria Island Council, Francisco Castellano , emphasized that “this fifth edition boasts a star-studded lineup” with athletes who “have made history.” He indicated that this event “is in excellent health and has great potential for both the present and the future.”
The mayor of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Concepción Narváez , highlighted the importance of this event for the municipality, noting its significant impact and role in tourism promotion. She described it as "an unparalleled showcase" that will "take Maspalomas to the world." This event, with its "spectacular array of activities," highlights the municipality's "open-air gym."
RIU's commercial director, Maurice Damen , emphasized that the event "continues to grow" and is "a source of pride," and that they will always support the EPIC Gran Canaria RIU Hotels & Resorts because "it is a pleasure for us to be able to support an event with the best cyclists in the world."
With more than a dozen international champions and hundreds of world podium finishes accumulated in its record, the south of Gran Canaria already shines with the best professional cycling, and 400 participants from 18 nationalities.
First stage: February 12
The first stage, consisting of 115 kilometers and two timed sections, will be held on February 12.
Starting at 8:30 a.m. from the Maspalomas Dunes viewpoint at the RIU Palace Maspalomas, the competition's flagship event will take athletes along one of the island's most popular cycling routes. The route, beginning at the foot of the Maspalomas Dunes, passes through Arteara, Fataga, Tirajana, and El Pajar before reaching Pasito Blanco.
This stage begins with a timed section from Aqualand to Ayagaures, finishing atop the Pedro González climb in a 12,3-kilometer time trial at an altitude of 470 meters . The cyclists will have to contend with a 460-meter elevation gain and an average gradient of 4,4%, with a cut-off time of 50 minutes.
This stage introduces a new feature in this fourth edition. The second time trial will start from Pasito Blanco and climb to Ayacata, a challenging 45-kilometer ascent to 1.304 meters in altitude, with a vertical gain of 1.038 meters. The most demanding section, with an average gradient of 4,7%, will test the endurance, effort, and strength of the fastest riders. This time trial will pass through El Pajar, Cercados de Espino, Soria, Barranquillo Andrés, the Las Niñas dam, and culminate at the summit of Ayacata. This second stage has a cut-off time of 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Second stage: February 13
The second stage, taking place on February 13th, will feature a single timed section. Fast and dynamic, the second stage covers 75 kilometers , including a 22-kilometer uphill time trial. This crucial climb, key to securing the podium, will give the fastest riders the opportunity to give their all and claim the title.
Starting from the RIU Palace Maspalomas hotel, participants will head towards the competitive stage from the Mirador viewpoint, following a route through Fataga to Tirajana , reaching an altitude of 925 meters, with an elevation gain of 810 meters and average gradients of 4% . After the timed section, the cyclists will begin their descent on one of the island's most popular cycling routes, exclusively for the EPIC Gran Canaria Riu Hotels & Resorts. This downhill ride passes through Santa Lucía, La Era, Vecindario, Doctoral, and Bahía Feliz along the GC-65 and GC-500 roads, before reuniting at the hotel where the grand celebration of sport will begin at midday. With all necessary safety and COVID-19 prevention measures in place, this gathering will serve as a prelude to the highlight of the event: the podium ceremony.
Teamwork
For its V edition, the EPIC Gran Canaria Riu Hotels & Resorts is sponsored by RIU Hotel & Resorts, the City Council of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, the Cabildo of Gran Canaria and Turismo Gran Canaria, and within the framework of the European Island project. Sport, AVIS Canarias, Coca Cola, AquaBona, Maspalomas24h, La Estrella, Sonocom, Free Motion, Phisiorelax, Esenat, Fund Grube.
SEE IN THIS LINK ALL THE PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE V EPIC GRAN CANARIA