The EPIC Gran Canaria is a unique challenge and an opportunity to revive the passion for cycling in a spectacular setting
La EPIC Gran Canaria once again surpasses himself, and there are those who do not miss what is already a must for cycling lovers around the world. The climber par excellence, the 'Devil', Claudio Chiapucci has already confirmed its presence at the most popular cycling event in the south of Gran Canaria, which will be held on 8 and 9 February, and in which he repeats for the third consecutive year.
“The EPIC Gran Canaria is a unique challenge and an opportunity to relive the passion for cycling in a spectacular setting. What motivates me is the pleasure of facing time trials and sharing this experience with other cyclists,” he said. Although now retired, this iconic cyclist will not be an easy rival on the climbs and on the “challenging slopes” that the EPIC Gran Canaria proposes. EPIC Gran Canaria, as he has stated, because, although he comes to the island to have fun, “I am still very demanding with 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 captivated Chiapucci cycling, because in this discipline “mentality is everything, even more important than physical preparation, because there are times when the legs want to stop, but it is the head that has to keep going.” Maintaining a positive attitude and enjoying the effort “is the key, especially in such demanding tests.”
“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 signature control, the first stage of the EPIC Gran Canaria RIU Hotels & Resorts, on February 8, 2025, will feature 115 kilometers of challenge and two timed sections, starting from the Maspalomas Dunes viewing point at the RIU Palace Maspalomas hotel. The first timed section of this stage runs from Aqualand to Ayagaures, with the finish line at the top Pedro González, with a time trial of 12,3 kilometers at 470 meters of altitude, in a rise of average inclination 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 9 February, will determine the podium. Demanding and fast, these 75 kilometers of route and a timed section runs from the Mirador, to Fataga, Tirajana to Tunte, with 925 meters of altitude, in a gradient of 810 meters and average slopes of 4%.
