The ninth EPIC Gran Canaria sees a surge in participation, reaching 680 cyclists from 28 countries

 

The most popular cycling event in southern Gran Canaria reinforces its position on the sporting calendar by taking on new challenges that mark a turning point while maintaining its recognition as one of the great events of high-level amateur cycling, being part of the official calendar of the International Cycling Union (UCI) and the prestigious Gran Fondo World Tour, an endorsement that places it among the most relevant cycling events in the world.

 

 

This ninth edition features a new route, changes that will allow participants to ride along sections that run alongside the sea, incorporating the coastal landscape into the race's traditional mountain course. This new approach gives a different character to the EPIC 2026, whose first stage will return to the RIU Palace Hotel via the GC-500 with a time trial starting from the area known as Alto del Salto del Perro, covering 29 kilometers from Pasito Blanco to the summit, followed by a neutralized descent towards Mogán along the coastal road.

 

 

The EPIC Gran Canaria transcends the purely competitive aspect, establishing itself as a meeting point between the current cycling elite and great historical figures of the sport. The 2026 edition features the confirmed participation of the Swiss cyclist. Nikolas Ginter, one of the big favorites, as well as the participation of the former professional cyclist Haimar Zubeldia, Alessandro ballan o Max StefaniAlongside them, previous editions of EPIC have featured illustrious names such as Mario Cipollini, Abraham Olano, Claudio Chiappucci, Iban Mayo, and Javier Guillén, forming a sporting legacy that reinforces the prestige of the event.

 

During that weekend, Gran Canaria becomes the epicenter of international cycling, bringing together top-level cyclists, former champions, experienced amateurs, and personalities from the world of sport. The EPIC exclusively uses some of the island's most iconic and sought-after cycling routes, helping to position Gran Canaria as a world-class destination for road cycling.

 

Tomorrow, Friday, 'social ride'

 

The EPIC Gran Canaria 2026 activity will begin on Friday, February 6, with the arrival of the participants, the collection of bib numbers and a welcome day that will include a social ride and the first official events, conceived as a space for coexistence between cyclists, organization and guests.

 

 

The first competitive stage will be held on Saturday, February 7th, a demanding route that will combine timed mountain sections with strategic sectors that are decisive for the general classification, in a day that will mark the first differences between the favorites.

 

The race will conclude on Sunday, February 8th, with the second stage, which will feature the revamped route with coastal sections before tackling the decisive final climb. The finish line will be followed by the awards ceremony and the official closing of a weekend in which Gran Canaria will once again showcase itself as a major international cycling destination with a grand celebration that has become a hallmark of the event.

 

 

 

Growing with new challenges

 

Yojanan ReyesThe event organizer has celebrated the arrival of a new edition, with which the event is approaching its tenth anniversary, “growing and facing new challenges,” in addition to new features and the inclusion of Mogán. The Gran Fondo World Tour commissioner, Daniel BuyoHe highlighted the importance of the event in positioning the destination, with a race that has a great return and allows Gran Canaria to be promoted internationally through cycling.

 

 

Linked since the first edition, Maurice Damen, sales director for the Canary Islands and Madeira at RIU Hotels, celebrated that the EPIC Gran Canaria “continues to surpass itself every year, this year with more participants, nationalities and in organization”, which allows us to “enjoy cycling and the island, which is at its best this weekend”.

 

This is the idea that has stood out. Carlos AlamoThe councilor and president of Gran Canaria Tourism, highlighted that the EPIC Gran Canaria “continues to grow year after year, taking small but firm steps,” helping to “showcase the island as a magnificent place for year-round sports, especially winter cycling.” This was emphasized by the mayor of San Bartolomé de Tirajana. Marco Aurelio Pérez, who has emphasized the municipality's "natural setting," which makes it a "competitive destination 365 days a year." The Mogán Sports Councillor, Louis BecerraHe emphasized that riding on dry, safe roads all year round is a combination of elements that makes the island of Gran Canaria unique, offering guarantees in a sport that enhances our destination as an open-air gym.”

 

Professional cyclists Alessandro Ballan and Haimar Zubeldia and the athlete and content creator Ana GonzálezThey have all agreed on the beauty of the island, which they "fell in love" with years ago and to which they return for a visit that is now a "tradition" in their annual calendar.

 

 

The EPIC Gran Canaria RIU Hotels & Resorts event is supported by the Gran Canaria Island Sports Institute, Gran Canaria Tourism, Canary Islands Tourism, Maspalomas Costa Canaria, RIU Hotels & Resorts, Mogán Tourism, Hospiten, Free Motion, Coca-Cola, Aquabona, Greenwood, Gold Nutrition, Sport Dealer, Sonocom, AVIS Canarias, Esenat Specialized School in Health and Wellness, Xtravans, Tirma, Romantic Corp, Fund Grube, Maspalomas 24h and Gran Fondo World Tour, among others.