The most popular cycling sports event in the south of Gran Canaria, the EPIC Gran Canaria, continues adding stars for its 2025 date 8 y February 9. In this edition, some of the iconic names of this sport are not missing, with Haimar Zubeldia confirmed in a test that it is already part of their cult quotes.
“The EPIC Gran Canaria is much more than a race; it is a unique experience. I come back every year because it combines everything I love about cycling: sporting challenges, spectacular scenery and an incredible atmosphere. Plus, the organisation always excels, and participating here feels like coming home.” The winner of 29 Grand Tours and top 10 in the Tour, Haimar Zubeldia, returns to this new edition, which has completed its maximum capacity of 500 places in less than 48 hours and already has hundreds of cyclists on the waiting list.
El 8 y February 9 The best international cycling once again takes over San Bartolomé de Tirajana and several mid-mountain municipalities, so that Gran Canaria shines as a privileged destination for this sport. the black Not only does he not miss his annual appointment with the EPIC, but he also knows the beauty of Gran Canaria as a cycling paradise for training and competition. “Gran Canaria is, without a doubt, one of my favourite destinations. It is an ideal place to train, especially in winter, due to its perfect climate and its varied routes.” He has spent several seasons on the island “and every time I discover something new, there is something magical that always makes me want to return.”
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This race, part of the UCI international calendar and the Gran Fondo World Tour circuit, opens the season in Europe with an enviable climate, while in other parts of the continent the weather is freezing. “In Gran Canaria you have sunshine, pleasant temperatures and roads in perfect condition. I took advantage of the opportunity to do many of the climbs that are part of the EPIC, such as Ayacata, and prepare myself mentally and physically for this edition,” said the cyclist from Usurbil.
Zubeldia knows and loves this route, which he has described as “demanding but very rewarding” thanks to its “long and challenging climbs, but with views and surroundings that make them more bearable.” Each stage, he said, “has something special, from the time trials to the technical descents, it is an unforgettable experience.”
Haimar Zubeldia, a representative of the golden age of cycling in the late 90s and 2000s, says that the EPIC Gran Canaria is “a physical and mental challenge” that he attends “without pressure”, which allows him to “connect with the sport that I love, surrounded by other cyclists who share the same passion”.
Every year “it grows in participants, level of organisation and international recognition”, which is why he has confessed to being proud of “being part of that growth”. Zubeldia will not make it easy for his rivals, although his priority will be “to enjoy every kilometre to the fullest, gain good memories, share moments with other cyclists and continue adding experiences on this island that means so much to me”. Each edition of the EPIC “is unique, and this one will not be the exception”.
Zubeldia forged a great career as track and cyclocross runner, with several medals since his debut as a professional in 1998. With the Euskaltel-Euskadi team and Astana, his list of achievements includes Grand Tours, finishing tenth in the Back to Spain 2000, eleventh in the same event in 2002, and fifth in the Tour de Francia 2003. He achieved two third places, two fourths and a fifth at different stages in that year, and continued to accumulate great races for 10 more years.
The climb to Ayacata, the “favorite”
“Without a doubt, the climb to Ayacata is my favourite.” Haimar Zubeldia’s favourite climb is one of the routes that make this an unforgettable test. “It is hard, but the views and the feeling of reaching the top make it worth it.” Meanwhile, “the technical descents require a lot of concentration, they are part of the charm of the test.”
The first stage of the EPIC Gran Canaria, the 8 of February of 2025, will have 115 kilometres and two timed sections, starting from the Maspalomas Dunes viewing point at the RIU Palace Maspalomas hotel for a circuit that passes through Arteara, Fataga, Tirajana, El Pajar or Pasito Blanco. The first timed section runs from Aqualand to Ayagaures, with the finish line at the top of Pedro González, in a time trial of 12,3 kilometers at 470 meters of altitude, And a average slope of 4,4%The second timed section of this first stage is a climb between Pasito Blanco and Ayacata, with 45 kilometres and 1.304 metres of altitude, and an average gradient of 4,7%.
The second of the stages, Sunday, February 9th, names the podium in 75 kilometers of route, with a timed section with a 810-meter gradient and 4% slope.
