The most relevant cycle sports event in the south of Gran Canaria, the EPIC Gran Canaria RIU Hotels & Resorts, opens its program with a 'social ride' and a day of talks, the warm-up to receive a record edition in participation, with more than a dozen of international cyclists on its starting line and which is not only integrated into the UCI calendar, but also goes international as the venue for the Gran Fondo World Championship, crowning the champions of the world circuit
At the official presentation of the event, at the foot of the Maspalomas Dunes, an icon of this sporting event, Yojanán Reyes , organizer of the EPIC Gran Canaria RIU Hotels & Resorts, celebrated that in 2024 the race has reached its maximum participation, with a full capacity of 500 participants from 24 countries. Today, Friday, the event kicks off with a social ride and a talk with professional cyclists, a meeting point for cycling enthusiasts, leading up to a weekend of international cycling on Saturday the 10th and Sunday the 11th, with two stages that will traverse the island from the coast to the midlands and peaks.
The EPIC Gran Canaria, Reyes has pointed out, maintains its commitment to being “a way to present Gran Canaria and show it to the outside world”, using “cycling as a very important tool for the projection of the island”, through half a thousand cyclists. and world leaders of this sport from several generations, who will be ambassadors of the benefits of Gran Canaria around the world. This is “a sport that we are passionate about” and that we use every year “as a means of communicating the island's perfect conditions for outdoor sports.”
The same idea was shared by the sales director for the Canary Islands and Madeira of RIU Hotels, Maurice Damen , who described this event as "a very important event for Maspalomas, Gran Canaria and the Canary Islands" as it serves as a sporting epicenter for the best cycling stars in the world.
The Sports Councillor of the Gran Canaria Island Council, Aridany Romero , shared his words, highlighting that "we will see on the island cyclists who have thrilled several generations with their sprints and climbs."
Furthermore, he announced that work is already underway on the return of the Vuelta a Canarias (Tour of the Canary Islands ), which he anticipates will become a reality in 2026. He stated that sport "is a tool for promoting the island" with the "winning combination" of tourism and sport, especially with cycling, which "is gaining more and more followers" and which kicks off "a thrilling weekend and a first-rate spectacle."
The Tourism Councillor of the Gran Canaria Island Council, Carlos Álamo , echoed Romero's words, highlighting the "courage and professionalism" of the organization, which is preparing the "most international" edition, which is "undoubtedly the boost to consolidate the event as a tool for projecting the island" in an objective that has the firm support of the Island Council," he said.
The mayor of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Marco Aurelio Pérez , together with the Councilor for Sports, Ramón Suárez, has highlighted the importance of this "well-established" event that each year "excites more people" and that since its inception "has only grown" to showcase the landscapes of the municipality throughout the world, presenting it as a quality international destination for cycling and sport.
The “second home” of international cyclists
The EPIC Gran Canaria RIU Hotels & Resorts will feature Luis León Sánchez (European Champion, Tour stage winner), Igor Astarloa (World Champion), Haimar Zubeldia (29 Grand Tours, Tour top 10), Mario Cipollini (World Champion), Claudio Chiappucci (El Diablo, Tour and Giro podium finishes), Michael Teuber (German Paralympic Team), Manolo Saiz (Former ONCE and UCI Director), and Fred Rompelber (269km/h speed record holder) among many other cycling sports figures, who have confessed that Gran Canaria is their second home.
This is how Mario Cipollini , a returning visitor to the island, described it as "a marvel for cycling." He explained that both the hotels and the opportunity to enjoy cycling from coast to summit while immersed in nature make this destination truly special. Claudio Chiappucci knows the island well, using it as his training base and where he will "start the season this year," he announced. For Luis León Sánchez , this is his "first time on the island as both a cyclist and a tourist," and he declared himself "grateful" and deeply honored to be able to share events with cyclists who "have been role models for me throughout my life and career."
