Helminen and Rebellin, duel of titans in the first stage of the EPIC Gran Canaria RIU Hotels & Resort

IMAGE GALLERY HERE

The EPIC Gran Canaria RIU Hotels & Resorts is underway. At 8:30 a.m., the starting horn sounded, signaling the start of Gran Canaria's premier cycling event, where two top riders have engaged in a thrilling climb along the island's roads. Matti Helminen is attempting to defend his title and achieve a hat trick, but he's been challenged by Italian Davide Rebellin, who's giving him a run for his money.

 

Finnish rider Matti Helminen, competing for Belgium , is currently leading this first stage with an accumulated time of 23 minutes, 39 seconds, and 1 hour, 33 minutes, while in the women's category, Romanian cyclist Manuela Mureson has accumulated 26 minutes, 56 seconds, and 1 hour, 51 minutes, placing her as the group leader. Haimar Zubeldia also performed well, crossing the finish line in fourth place in the second time trial, close behind Constantin Bartels. Sweden's Susan Maclean, Poland's Marta Keller-Kurach, and Spain's Lourdes Bethencourth also had strong performances in the women's race.

 

 

The first timed section, from Aqualand to Ayagaures, with the finish line at the summit, was a 12,3-kilometer climb at an altitude of 470 meters , with a 460-meter elevation gain and an average gradient of 4,4%. The cut-off time was 50 minutes, and the Finn once again led the pack unchallenged. He crossed the finish line in 23 minutes and 39 seconds, followed by Spaniard Constantin Bartels in 24 minutes and German Karsten Meier in 24 minutes and 24 seconds.

 

However, the race was decided in the second time trial, a winding road that challenged the two wheels with a dizzying climb to the summit of Gran Canaria. From Pasito Blanco on the ascent to Ayacata, 45 kilometers, 1.304 meters of altitude, and a 1.038-meter elevation gain, the most demanding section put the Finn to the test in a head-to-head battle with Rebellin , who gave him no respite. A showdown between two greats, power and strength clashed between youth and experience, delivering a top-level cycling spectacle.

 

With an average slope of 4,7%, this time trial will pass through El Pajar, Cercados de Espino, Soria, Barranquillo Andrés, the Las Niñas dam and culminates at the top of Ayacata. 

 

 

Finnish champion Matti Helminen, winner of the last few editions, seeks to secure his third victory in Gran Canaria, in his duel with World Cup runner-up and Olympian Davide Rebellin, alongside a peloton featuring dozens of stars. 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, climber Claudio Chiappucci 'El Diavolo' (Tour and Giro podium finisher 'El Diablo') , Spanish M30 Cyclocross champion Martín Mata Cabello , and record-breaking speed holder Fred Rompelberg (268 km/h), who at 76 years old has once again proven his talent and consistency.

 

Curve by curve, the sporting festival once again showcased the south of Gran Canaria on two wheels, with lively atmosphere and a batucada band setting the rhythm to the beat of Samba Isleña. Summer in the heart of February, with blue skies, breathtaking views, the Roque Nublo as a backdrop, and the best cycling routes exclusively for the event, completed the picture. This fifth edition was a resounding success and a significant leap forward, featuring 400 athletes from 18 different countries.

 

Davide Rebellin noted that the race “was very tough” but that it was useful for him to “know the course well” because this island has always been “a destination for training and improving my physical performance.” He declared himself “very happy to be here and to be able to enjoy the sun,” and hopes to continue giving his best in upcoming competitions. Matti Helminen emphasized that he loves this race and is very happy to have been able to return for another year. However, this time “it was more complicated” because Rebellin was right behind him. “ He is a very tough rival ,” he asserted, but that added “ excitement and impact to this stage.”

 

The cyclists have enjoyed a Saturday of cycling and a “very explosive climb”, as they have defined it, which those who are faithful to the event and those competing for the first time have enjoyed. Nerves and excitement at the start, which kicked off the first stage that brings cycling lovers to tomorrow with their last day of competition.

 

 

Tomorrow, second stage

 

The second stage, taking place tomorrow, 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.

 

The competitive stage, starting at the Mirador viewpoint, follows a route through Fataga to Tirajana , reaching an altitude of 925 meters, with a vertical drop of 810 meters and average gradients of 4% . After the timed section, the cyclists begin their descent on one of the island's most popular cycling routes, passing 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 sporting celebration will begin.

  

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.