MASPALOMAS, Spain 07 Feb – 08 Feb 2026 Class CPTR – Cycling For All – Road
Website www.epicgrancanaria.com
Email info@epicgrancanaria.com
From 6th to 8th February 2026
🔻 Gran Fondo World Tour
The EPIC Gran Canaria is among the elite of amateur cycling worldwide. It is part of the Gran Fondo World Tour Calendar designed for the most passionate, where you can also be part of this experience.
Conquer the island on two wheels
🔴 SOLD OUT
Imagine the excitement at the starting line: three days of epic cycling, a Social Ride with cycling legends, and two challenging stages in a festive atmosphere. There have been nine editions with over 650 cyclists from 28 countries.
In 2026, the magic is back ✨
DAY 0 ▷ Thursday 5th February 2026
📅 Press conference
DAY 1 ▷ Friday 6th February 2026
📅 Collection of Race BIB Numbers
📅 Social Ride
📅 Golden Hour & Riu Party
Bib Number Collection Authorization ✅ PdfParental Consent for Minors Participation ✅ Pdf
DAY 2 ▷ Saturday 7th February 2026
📅 Stage 1 · 112 km
DAY 3 ▷ Sunday 8th February 2026
📅 Stage 2· 75 km
🎉 The party starts at the end
The EPIC GRAN CANARIA RIU Hotels & Resorts has quickly become a crown jewel of European amateur cycling. Launched in 2018, it was designed to showcase the island’s dramatic volcanic topography and year-round “eternal spring” climate.
Here is a breakdown of its history and how it evolved into a world-class event.
🚴 Origins and Evolution
The event was founded with the ambition of bringing a professional-style racing experience to amateur cyclists.
- First Edition (2018): Originally limited to approximately 500 participants, it immediately stood out by combining a high-end holiday atmosphere (partnering with RIU Hotels) with rigorous competition.
- Global Recognition: By its 7th edition in 2024, the race reached a major milestone by hosting the Gran Fondo World Tour® Championship, officially crowning world champions in the amateur circuit.
- International Appeal: What began as a local challenge has expanded to attract cyclists from over 28 countries, including heavyweights like Italy, Sweden, and Romania.
🏔️ The Legend of the “Stages”
The race is famous for its format: two stages consisting of non-competitive sections for socializing and high-intensity timed climbs for the leaderboard.
- Stage 1 (The Big Climb): Traditionally around 115 km. It features the grueling climb to Ayacata, pushing riders through the rugged interior of the island.
- Stage 2 (The Sprint): A shorter, more explosive 75 km route. It typically centers on the climb to Tirajana, testing the athletes’ remaining power after the first day’s exertion.
🌟 Stars on the Island
One of the most unique aspects of the EPIC Gran Canaria’s history is its ability to attract former professional legends. The peloton has frequently included:
- Mario Cipollini: The “Lion King” and former World Champion.
- Abraham Olano: World Time Trial and Road Champion.
- Claudio Chiappucci: Tour de France podium finisher.
- Haimar Zubeldia: Five-time Tour de France top-10 finisher.
🏆 Recent Champions
The race has seen a diverse list of winners, reflecting its growing international prestige: | Year | Men’s Champion | Women’s Champion | | :— | :— | :— | | 2025 | Luca Chiesa (ITA) | Emma Belforth (SWE) | | 2024 | Luca Chiesa (ITA) | Manuela Muresan (ROM) | | 2022 | Matti Helminen (FIN) | Manuela Muresan (ROM) |
Note: The race is more than just a competition; it’s a “twinned” event with major Italian Gran Fondos, emphasizing the deep cultural link between the Canary Islands and the European cycling heartland.
