The EPIC Gran Canaria is a unique challenge and an opportunity to revive the passion for cycling in a spectacular setting
The EPIC Gran Canaria has once again outdone itself, and some riders never miss what has become a must-attend event for cycling enthusiasts worldwide. The quintessential climber, 'El Diablo' (The Devil), Claudio Chiapucci, has confirmed his participation in the most popular cycling event in southern Gran Canaria, which will take place on February 8th and 9th , marking his third consecutive year competing.
“The EPIC Gran Canaria is a unique challenge and an opportunity to rekindle my passion for cycling in a spectacular setting. What motivates me is the pleasure of tackling the time trials and sharing this experience with other cyclists,” he said. Although retired, this iconic cyclist will be no easy rival on the climbs and the “challenging gradients” of the EPIC Gran Canaria , as he explained, because, although he comes to the island to have fun, “I’m still very demanding of myself.”
Since it debuted in its first year, the EPIC Gran Canaria RIU Hotels & Resorts has become one of his favourite races. “It is impressive. Gran Canaria has a unique terrain, with climbs that test not only the body, but also the mind. Timed sections such as Ayacata or Fataga are a climber's dream.” With specific training, the 'Devil' will not make it easy. “I train for 3-4 hours, alternating different intensities and working on slopes similar to those in Gran Canaria. In addition, I include specific training for the time trial climbs, simulating the conditions of the race.”
The EPIC includes several of the challenges that made Chiapucci fall in love with cycling, because in this discipline “mentality is everything, even more important than physical preparation, because there are moments when your legs want to stop, but it’s your mind that has to keep going.” Maintaining a positive attitude and enjoying the effort “is key, especially in such demanding races.”
“The EPIC is a unique experience, it is not just a race but a cycling celebration because of the atmosphere, the coexistence and the beauty of the landscapes. I am sure it will be an unforgettable experience,” he said.
This two-stage race will fill the island with an unparalleled sporting spectacle, which in this edition will feature several world champions. After filling the maximum capacity of 500 places in less than 48 hours and with more than 300 already on the waiting list, this edition returns in 2025 with two cycling stages from the sea to the midlands of Gran Canaria, touring the heart of the island on its best routes with half a thousand cyclists of twenty nationalities.
Claudio Chiapucci, from Uboldo (Italy), is a legendary figure in cycling, known as one of the best climbers and a combative athlete with several legendary feats to his name. These include podiums in the Giro d'Italia, the demanding 13th stage of the Tour de France, champion of the Volta a Catalunya, and the Tour of the Basque Country, as well as podiums in the Fleche Wallonne, Italy on the Road and the Zurich championship, and the title of Milan-San Remo, or the San Sebastian Classic.
He made his name and his career, in part, by putting Miguel Indurain on the ropes, with whom he coincided in big climbs. 'El Diablo' became known in the 1990 Tour de France and from that moment on he became a dangerous rival and one of the most brilliant climbers in cycling in the 90s.
Two stages for an international cycling weekend
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. The first timed section of this stage runs from Aqualand to Ayagaures, finishing at the summit of Pedro González. This section is a 12,3-kilometer climb to an altitude of 470 meters , with an average gradient of 4,4% and a cut-off time of 50 minutes.
The second time trial, between Pasito Blanco and Ayacata, presents a challenge of 45 kilometres and 1.304 metres of altitude, with an average gradient of 4,7%, up to the top of Ayacata.
The second stage, on Saturday, February 9, will determine the podium. Demanding and fast, this 75-kilometer route and timed section runs from the Mirador, to Fataga, Tirajana, and finally to Tunte , at an altitude of 925 meters, with a climb of 810 meters and average gradients of 4%.
