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
In the official presentation of the event, at the foot of the Maspalomas Dunes that are the icon of this sporting event, the organizer of the EPIC Gran Canaria RIU Hotels & Resorts, Yojanan Reyes, has celebrated that this 2024 the race reaches its maximum participation, with its full capacity of 500 participants of 24 nationalities. Today, Friday, the test warms up with a 'social ride' and a talk with professional cyclists that will be a meeting point for lovers of this sport, to open a weekend of international cycling on Saturday the 10th and Sunday the 11th, with two stages that will tour the island from coast to 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 of the Canary Islands and Madeira of RIU Hotels, Maurice Damen, which has cataloged 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 Councilor of the Cabildo of Gran Canaria, Aridany Romero, has shared his words, highlighting that “we will see on the island cyclists who have made us vibrate with their sprints and climbs” for several generations.
Furthermore, he has announced that work is already underway on return of the Tour of the Canary Islands, which he expects to be a reality in 2026. Sport, he said, “is a tool to sell the island” with the “winning combination” of tourism and sport, even more so with cycling, which “is gaining more and more followers.” and which opens “a dizzying weekend and a first-rate show.”
The Minister of Tourism of the Cabildo of Gran Canaria, Carlos Alamo, has agreed with Romero's words, highlighting “the courage and professionalism” of the organization, which is preparing the “most international” edition that is “without a doubt, the accolade to consolidate the test as a tool for the projection of the island.” in an objective in which it has the firm support of the Cabildo,” 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 “grounded” test that “excites more people” every year and that since it was born “has only grown” to bring the landscapes of the municipality all over the planet, showing it as a quality international destination for cycling and sports.
The “second home” of international cyclists
The EPIC Gran Canaria RIU Hotels & Resorts will have Luis Leon Sanchez (European Champion, Tour stage winner), Igor Astarloa (World Champion), Haimar Zubeldia (29 grand tours, top 10 Tour), Mario Cipollini (World Champion), Claudio Chiappucci (El Diablo, Tour and Giro Podiums), Michael Teuber (German Paralympic Team), Manolo Saiz (Former ONCE and UCI Director), and Fred Rompelber (Speed record holder 269Kms/h) among many other cycling sports leaders, who have confessed that Gran Canaria is their second home.
This is how he expressed it Mario Cipollini, which he repeats in his appointment with the island, which he defines as “a wonder for cycling” because both the hotels and the possibility of enjoying cycling from coast to summit and enjoying nature is something that makes this destination special. Claudio Chiappucci He knows the island well, the base of his training and where “I will start the season this year,” he celebrated. For Luis Leon Sanchez, this is his “first time on the island as a cyclist and tourist” and he has declared himself “grateful” and very honored to be able to share events with cyclists who “have been references for me throughout my life and my career.”
