Alessandro Ballan makes his debut at the EPIC Gran Canaria: a world champion arrives in cycling paradise

The most popular cycling event in southern Gran Canaria, the E PIC Gran Canaria RIU Hotels & Resorts , is back in style after reaching its maximum capacity of 500 places in less than 48 hours, with over 300 already on the waiting list. This edition, to be held on February 8th and 9th , will feature a world champion on the starting line, Alessandro Ballan, who will be making his debut in this event, which is part of the UCI international calendar and the Gran Fondo World Tour.

 

The new edition of the EPIC Gran Canaria Hotels & Resorts surpasses itself once again, adding new stars of the sport and consolidating its international presence with two exceptional cycling stages that traverse some of the island's most popular routes. Alessandro Ballan is one of the world champions making his debut this year, which he considers "an opportunity to remain connected to cycling, enjoy a spectacular setting, and share the experience with other cyclists, whether amateur or professional." For the 2008 world champion , "cycling is and continues to be a passion, and in events like the EPIC, where there's no pressure of professional competition, the personal challenge of giving it your all remains," in addition to the "connection with the cycling community" that allows him to "experience the camaraderie of the sport."

 

Ballan, who has 12 UCI championship titles under his belt, has declared himself “motivated and very grateful” to be part of this event that will serve as a test of fire for his training in climbs and descents because the EPIC “is a good endurance session”. He will come to the island to “have fun and complete the route with satisfaction”, as he pointed out, “the routes of Gran Canaria are incredible, they combine the beauty of the landscape with the technical challenge of the climbs and descents” so for those who, like him, “love hard races, this route is simply perfect”.

 

 

 

 

“My experience in the classics taught me to manage effort, a lesson I will also apply to the EPIC. Knowing when to attack and when to conserve energy is crucial. In addition, the mentality I developed in my professional career helps me stay focused in the most difficult moments.” Although he is grateful not to have pressure, the level will be high, with several greats of the sport already confirmed. “The EPIC Gran Canaria combines a challenging course with impeccable organisation and an extraordinary natural environment. I am sure it will be an unforgettable experience.”

 

Ballan will test himself in the midlands of Gran Canaria, which has a world champion in 2025, although he will not be the only one. Ballan, also known by his nickname, 'Bontempino', began to stand out in 2005, when his career became unstoppable. In 2008 he surprised in a very tough Vuelta with victory in the seventh stage, a prelude to his greatest title in September of that same year. In Varese, Italy, he was proclaimed world road champion after a tough attack in the final straight two kilometers from the finish, arriving alone and knocking out the big favorites of that edition.

 

First stage, the takeoff to Ayacata

 

Following the registration check, the first stage of the EPIC Gran Canaria RIU Hotels & Resorts, on February 8, 2025, will feature a challenging 115-kilometer route with two timed sections. Starting from the Maspalomas Dunes viewpoint at the RIU Palace Maspalomas hotel, riders will enjoy one of the island's most popular routes, passing through Arteara, Fataga, Tirajana, El Pajar, and Pasito Blanco. The first timed section of this stage runs from Aqualand to Ayagaures, finishing at the summit of Pedro González. This 12,3-kilometer climb, reaching an altitude of 470 meters , is the perfect way to kick off the race, with an average gradient of 4,4% and a cut-off time of 50 minutes.

 

The second of the time trials will put the athletes to the test on a challenging climbing section between Pasito Blanco and Ayacata, with 45 kilometres and 1.304 metres of altitude. With an average gradient of 4,7%, this time trial will be the launching pad for cyclists seeking the coveted podium, with a challenge that passes through El Pajar, Cercados de Espino, Soria, Barranquillo Andrés, or the Las Niñas dam to close the stage at the top of Ayacata. 

 

Second stage, climbing to Tunte

 

The second stage will determine the 2025 champions in what promises to be a spectacular sporting event, featuring a demanding and fast 75-kilometer route with a single timed section where riders will give their all for the title. Starting from the RIU Palace Maspalomas hotel, the participants will face a stage that begins at the Mirador viewpoint, continues to Fataga and Tirajana, and ends in Tunte , reaching an altitude of 925 meters, with an elevation gain of 810 meters and average gradients of 4% . This timed section will decide the winners of this edition, in a day of elite cycling on one of the island's most iconic cycling routes.