Cycling in the Canary Islands is experiencing a significant boom, not only as a tourist attraction but also in the sporting arena, with an increase in licenses and the emergence of new generations of cyclists. This momentum has led to the reintroduction of important events to the regional calendar, such as the historic Vuelta Ciclista al Norte de Gran Canaria.
The last edition of this race was held in 2009, and its return in 2026 will mark its 30th edition. The competition is designed as an elite event for the U23 category, structured to take advantage of the island's unique topography. This event also strengthens Gran Canaria's bid to host a future stage of the Vuelta Ciclista a España.
The presentation event was attended by prominent figures such as Poli Suárez, Counselor of Education, Vocational Training, Physical Activity and Sports of the Government of the Canary Islands; María del Carmen Rosario Godoy, president of the Mancomunidad del Norte de Gran Canaria; and Carla Campoamor, Sports Councilor for the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria City Council. Noelia Pérez Peñate, president of the Gran Canaria Bike Team and organizer of the race, outlined the key aspects of the event.
“"We are recovering its legacy. It is not just a competition but a tool for projecting young talent. We are living the best moment, with an increase in cyclists and tourists who love this sport."
The event has the support of the regional Government, the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, and several municipalities on the island. Poli Suárez highlighted cycling's capacity to project the image of the Canary Islands and foster sports role models among young people, emphasizing the importance of supporting such high-level events for sports development and consolidating the region as a venue for major competitions.
“"Cycling has an enormous capacity to project our land abroad and to generate sports role models among the youngest. Betting on tests of this level is betting on the development of sport and on consolidating the Canary Islands as a setting for great sporting events."
For her part, María del Carmen Rosario Godoy stressed the significance of this day for the island, particularly for the eleven municipalities that form the Mancomunidad, highlighting the value of the natural environment where the race will take place. Carla Campoamor expressed pride that the race will start in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and traverse the most emblematic landscapes of the northern island, emphasizing institutional support as crucial for the success and consolidation of such initiatives.
The competition will run from July 1 to 4 and will feature over 140 U23 cyclists, including Canarian teams such as the Gran Canaria Bike Team, Tenerife Bike Point, and Tenerife Viclass. The race structure includes an initial time trial from Moya to Fontanales, followed by two road stages through the northern roads of Gran Canaria, with the final stage departing from Plaza de Santa Ana in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
