The presentation of the fourth edition of the EPIC Gran Canaria Riu Hotels & Resorts, which will start today, Friday, October 15, with professional conferences and the weekend, October 16 and 17
The presentation of the fourth edition of the EPIC Gran Canaria Riu Hotels & Resorts , which will start today, Friday, October 15, with professional days and the weekend, October 16 and 17, with its competitive stages, has had the participation of two of its star guests, Mario Cipollini and Javier Guillén, supporters of bringing the Tour of Spain to Gran Canaria.
For two-time world champion and record holder Mario Cipollini, the island is " perfect for cycling, it's magic " because it has all the elements that make it the perfect setting to practice this sport.
A seasoned cyclist, Mario Cipollini explained that he had been training in Gran Canaria for 20 years because "this island is extraordinary and magical for cycling ," not only for "the nature, the roads, and the landscapes, but also because it adds that element of fatigue that comes with the mountains, which are the heart of this sport." Gran Canaria "has incredible climbs to test the body," because it is "designed for cycling ," which is why he decided "to return to Gran Canaria just to enjoy them, to experience that extraordinary feeling that makes all the difference."
Furthermore, the island " blends the comfort and services of a perfect tourist destination with the rural world , just a few kilometers from the Maspalomas Dunes," and for Cipollini, this is one of the characteristics that makes it a special destination. "Feeling the difference between a tourist destination full of services and being just minutes from the rural world is an image that takes us back to the past, and that is true happiness ," he said, the "essence of cycling" that allows you to experience destinations in a different way, with its people who "are one of the best things about Gran Canaria."
He wants, and has made this clear, to be able to " have the Vuelta on the island, because the heart of Spain is here, " and the most important classification "could be held here," to "make the difference between the champions." This idea has been echoed by the Vuelta's director, Javier Guillén , who is committed to "making that dream come true."
The director of the Vuelta a España, Javier Guillén , has confessed to being “in complete agreement” and “working to make it possible,” because although “we don’t know how, we will do it; we want to take advantage of the strength of the mountains and incorporate at least two islands.” It is “a challenge for the Vuelta, which is committed to the Canary Islands” as the final destination of the circuit.
Guillén emphasized that " cycling has been the best ambassador for the islands ," especially "during the pandemic, which, although it has taken many things from us, has relied on cycling to support us through these difficult times." It is a sport that "continues to grow every day," and without a doubt, Gran Canaria "is the premier training camp for professional cyclists."
The Sports Councillor of the Gran Canaria Island Council, Francisco Castellano , has highlighted the importance of cycling on the island "as an ambassador for the destination" that "uses all the facilities and advantages, from its nature, roads to its climate" which is "unique in Europe".
The Councilor for Sports of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Samuel Henríquez , elaborated on this idea, highlighting that "the municipality is an open-air gym, safe and with unique conditions," and that during the pandemic it has been "a training ground for the best athletes in the world."
RIU Hotels & Resorts Sales Director Maurice Damen celebrated "the momentum this event has gained," noting that from being just an idea six years ago, "it has become a premier event for the world's best professional cyclists and continues to grow every year." He stated that RIU's support is "unconditional" and that he is "proud" to participate and contribute to the event's continued growth.
The race director, Yojanán Reyes, explained some of the new features of this year's event, which "blends competition with cycle touring" and boasts 300 participants from 18 countries . The maximum number of places available, in accordance with Covid-19 health measures, "was filled in just 24 hours," which is "a source of joy and pride, as this project was born with great enthusiasm and grows year after year."
Previous day: October 15
In 2021, the EPIC Gran Canaria RIU Hotels & Resorts returns with its commitment to being more than just a sporting event, expanding its program with an opening day dedicated to cycling, featuring international professional stars of the sport. Javier Gullén will share the stage with Mario Cipollini , kicking off the event on Friday, October 15th, with a day of discussions about cycling , sport, and successful professional careers.
This series of sports conferences complements the flagship event in southern Gran Canaria and enhances the program, bringing together cycling enthusiasts in Gran Canaria to meet and talk with international stars. Experience , career paths, advice and anecdotes for amateurs and professionals in a day designed to whet the appetite for one of the most important cyclotourism events in the Canary Islands.
First stage: October 16
The first stage, consisting of 115 kilometers and two timed sections, will be held on October 16.
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: October 17
The second stage, taking place on October 17th, 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
The IV 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 with the Tourist Board and within the framework of the European Sports Island project, AVIS Canarias , Xtravans, Coca Cola, AquaBona, La Estrella, Emicela, Sonocom, Free Motion, Phisiorelax, Esenat, Fund Grube, Aqualand, Maspalomas 24h, Mas Eventos, FicGC, Provital, Urban Graphic, Top Time Events, Grupo 33, Club Deportivo Atlefulca and PRO Cycling Camp.
