La EPIC Gran Canaria The event brings together around twenty different nationalities to kick off the annual calendar, but also a lot of local talent, who will demonstrate that experience and knowledge of the terrain counts. Montse Pereira, the best Canarian in the last edition of the EPIC, is back on her bike to represent and show her face for the islands.
Montse Pereira, from the Seven Pro Cycling club, says that this event “is certainly easy, but above all it is very attractive to ride alongside so many nationalities and very strong girls”. For her, “there is no better environment and climate, despite living here the change of terrain in so few kilometres is still impressive”. Pereira will seek to revalidate her title of best local on the eastern island 8 y February 9 to continue the climb of a year full of good news.
“It has been a great year for me, I managed to be champion in the Spanish Cup, which is not easy because they are between seven and nine “I have been competing in different races all over the Peninsula and riding alongside the Junior category,” she said. In addition, while competing in the cup, “I also won the road race in the Canary Islands and, without a doubt, the event that excited me the most was becoming the Spanish time trial champion, the first time I had won this title.”
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For her the EPIC Gran Canaria This will be the starting shot for the season because “for me it is the first test of the year” that serves “as a test and also as training for the upcoming competitions”. This test is the beginning of the season, during which he will be “progressively increasing the load 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 in two stages, with 115 kilometres and two timed sections on Saturday 8 in FebruaryThe first timed section of this stage runs from Aqualand to Ayagaures, with the finish line at the top of Pedro González in a 12,3 km time trial climb up to 470 metres of altitude and an average gradient of 4,4%. The second battle is the iconic climb to Ayacata, with an average gradient of 4,7%, on a route through El Pajar, Cercados de Espino, Soria, Barranquillo Andrés, the Las Niñas dam and, finally, the top of Ayacata.
The EPIC Gran Canaria will close a weekend of sport with a second stage Sunday, February 9th, which celebrates a fast and dynamic spectacle in a single timed section. With a 75-kilometre route, the 22-kilometre time trial decides the podium with average gradients of 4%.
An island of cycling
Gran Canaria is a cycling paradise, and this is defended every day by its locals, but it is also reaffirmed by the millions of bicycle lovers from all over the world who see the island as the perfect destination for training, competing, getting to know or relaxing due to 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.
