The EPIC Gran Canaria is counting down the hours until it gets underway, with 500 cyclists from 23 countries and up to three world champions on the starting line. Amateurs and professionals will set off together tomorrow, Saturday, February 8th , for the first stage of this eighth edition, with iconic names in the sport among the ranks, such as Alessandro Ballan, Igor Astarloa, Haimar Zubeldia, Iban Mayo, David López, Mario Cipollini, Claudio Chiapucci, and last year's winner, Luca Chiesa.
Furthermore, in this edition the island will be the epicenter of world cycling thanks to a dozen content creators such as Ana González, Juliet Elliot, Martín Mata or Daniel Sanz, in addition to the visionary behind the Gran Fondo World Tour circuit , Dani Buyo, who will be ambassadors of this event around the globe to kick off the year in a unique destination.
The race will have two stages on February 8 and 9 , with 115 kilometers ahead tomorrow, Saturday, and two famous mountain passes and the epic climb to Ayacata, to shape the podium on Sunday, February 9, with a 75-kilometer stage and a 22-kilometer time trial up to the town of Tirajana and a meeting at its arrival in Tunte.
The event organizer, Yojanán Reyes, has emphasized that this event is much more than a cycling tour because "it has become the meeting point for the cycling community from all over the world" and an event that attracts amateurs and professionals, who can share a weekend with some of the cyclists who made history in this discipline and who thrilled the whole world with their competitions.
As he pointed out, the EPIC Gran Canaria “showcases Gran Canaria to the world” as a unique cycling destination and “the most visited at this time of year.” The EPIC is about sport “but it’s also about spectacular landscapes and images that go viral,” highlighting the island’s attractions, its safe roads, and its unbeatable climate in the middle of February.
The same sentiment was echoed by the Gran Canaria Tourism Councillor, Carlos Álamo , who celebrated that this event "puts Gran Canaria on the map worldwide," especially "at the island's best moment for tourism." In terms of arrivals, connectivity, and above all, revenue, Gran Canaria is experiencing a boom, and cycling has been a major draw "for over 25 years" and is now a "hallmark" of the destination. Athletes "find even more motivation here," he added.
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The Councilor for Sports of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Ramón Suárez , echoed this sentiment, highlighting this healthy way to "enjoy the municipality" and demonstrating that it offers more than just sun and sand, positioning itself as a leading destination in world cycling. He confessed that it is "an honor" for the municipality to host this event, which has already become a fixture on the calendar and marks the start of the European cycling season.
Maurice Damen , Sales Director for the Canary Islands at RIU Hotels & Resorts, expressed his satisfaction and delight at welcoming another edition of the event, which has brought 500 cyclists from 23 countries to the hotels. Having supported the event from the outset, Damen emphasized its importance to the destination.
Among the world champions participating will be Igor Astarloa , who arrived on the island after his flight was canceled for what was to be his debut edition. He expressed his delight at finally being able to "participate in this race, on an island that brings back very fond memories," as he finished second only to a fellow Canarian in the Vuelta a Gran Canaria. "I was really looking forward to coming back and reliving those great moments," he said.
For Dani Buyo and the Gran Fondo World Tour team, this is the race that kicks off the circuit each year, and since 2017, “it’s been the start of the season.” He declared himself “very happy to be here, in this international cycling destination,” and with a race that “brings together cyclists from all over the world.” For the Gran Fondo World Tour, he asserted, “there’s no better place to start the year,” adding that it’s a great honor “to be part of the family.” “We can’t imagine the circuit without this event,” he confessed.
Tomorrow, Saturday, the starting shot is fired
The EPIC Gran Canaria will kick off tomorrow, Saturday, with its grand start from the RIU Palace Maspalomas hotel at 8:30 a.m. , following the riders' check-in. The 115-kilometer stage features the first ascent of the Cima Pedro González, passing through El Pajar, Filipinas, and Barranquillo Andrés, before the iconic climb to Ayacata. With two timed sections, this stage is a favorite among amateur and professional cyclists alike, thanks to its stunning scenery and challenging climbs.
On Sunday, the EPIC Gran Canaria will be back on track with a fast and dynamic second decisive stage of 75 kilometres with a single 22-kilometre time trial.
