The EPIC Gran Canaria already brings together some twenty different nationalities to kick off the annual calendar, but also plenty of local talent, who will demonstrate that experience and knowledge of the terrain are invaluable. Montse Pereira, the top Canarian finisher in the last EPIC, is back on her bike to represent and champion the islands.
Montse Pereira, from the Seven Pro Cycling club, celebrates this event, saying, “It’s certainly convenient, but above all, it’s very appealing to ride alongside so many nationalities and such strong female cyclists.” For her, “there’s no better setting or climate; even though I live here, the change in terrain over such a short distance is still impressive.” Pereira will be looking to defend her title as the island’s top local rider on February 8th and 9th , continuing her impressive climb in a year full of good news.
“It’s been a great year for me. I managed to become champion in the Spanish Cup, which isn’t easy because it involves between seven and nine different races all over the Peninsula, riding alongside the Junior category,” she celebrated. Furthermore, while competing in the Cup, “I also won the Canary Islands road race championship, and without a doubt, the race that excited me the most was becoming Spanish time trial champion, the first time I’d ever won this title.”
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For her, the E PIC Gran Canaria will be the starting gun for the season because "for me it's the first race of the year," which serves as "a test and also as training for upcoming competitions." She arrives at this race at the beginning of the season, in which she will "gradually increase the workload and volume."
Integrated into the UCI and Gran Fondo World Tour calendars, the EPIC Gran Canaria presents cyclists with the challenge of “those last two kilometres before reaching the top of Ayacata” which for her are always a challenge. This year, “I hope to feel strong so as not to suffer too much, and also to test myself and compare myself with last year.”
The EPIC Gran Canaria, which broke a record by completing registrations in just 48 hours, “is a blessing and a compliment” but, above all, “it is a motivation for young cyclists, showing that it is also possible from here”.
The EPIC Gran Canaria RIU Hotels & Resorts takes place over two stages, covering 115 kilometers and featuring two timed sections on Saturday, February 8th . The first timed section of this stage runs from Aqualand to Ayagaures, finishing at the summit of Pedro González in a 12,3 km climb to an altitude of 470 meters with an average gradient of 4,4%. The second challenge is the iconic climb to Ayacata, with an average gradient of 4,7%, passing through El Pajar, Cercados de Espino, Soria, Barranquillo Andrés, the Las Niñas dam, and finally reaching the summit of Ayacata.
The EPIC Gran Canaria will conclude a weekend of sport with a second stage on Sunday, February 9th , featuring a fast-paced and dynamic spectacle on a single timed section. The 75-kilometer time trial, with its 22-kilometer climb and average gradients of 4%, will determine the podium finishers.
An island of cycling
Gran Canaria is a cycling paradise , and this is what its locals defend every day, but it is also reaffirmed by the millions of cycling lovers from all over the world who see the island as the perfect destination to train, compete, explore or relax because of its cosmopolitan, family-friendly, sustainable and sporty spirit.
Gran Canaria is one of the best cycling destinations for amateurs and elite athletes, who choose the island for their training. With routes through spectacular natural enclaves and a privileged climate with mild temperatures and clear skies, the island has consolidated its reputation as an excellent European cycling destination, and unrivalled in winter, as its safe roads and warm climate contrast with the cold temperatures of the continent.
Outdoor sports 365 days a year, Gran Canaria also offers a terrain full of contrasts, versatile and with challenges for all levels. This, together with its ideal climate for outdoor sports, perfect beaches for relaxation, varied gastronomy, places to discover and a wide range of accommodation, have made Gran Canaria a first-class cycling 'spot', which combines nature, tourism and sport.
