The Catalan athlete, considered a mountain bike legend, returns to the island for the eleventh edition of this prestigious race, where he is one of the most prominent participants. His presence adds significant appeal to the competition, which features important new developments this year.
Hermida's career is impressive, including an Olympic silver medal in Athens 2004 and a world champion title in Mount Sainte-Anne (Canada) in 2010. As an ambassador for the Merida brand, he has participated in five Olympic Games, from Sydney 2000 to Rio 2016, earning Olympic diplomas in Sydney and London 2012.
In addition to his individual achievements, Hermida boasts three world relay golds (1999, 2000, and 2005), two individual world championship bronzes, and three European continental golds. With a total of 14 medals in world and continental events, he has established himself as one of Spain's most decorated mountain cyclists.
His sporting excellence has been recognized with the Silver Medal (2006) and the Gold Medal (2016) of the Royal Order of Sports Merit, both awarded by the Superior Sports Council. With over two decades at the global elite level, Hermida continues to be a benchmark figure in the international circuit.
The eleventh edition of the Fred. Olsen Express Transgrancanaria Bike introduces significant changes to the Half format, with new routes designed to offer a four-stage experience with less accumulated demand. The competition maintains its status as a scoring event for the UCI in the S2 cross-country marathon stage category for the fourth consecutive year.
The event will feature other prominent names at the starting line, including last year's champions, Tessa Kortekaas and Hans Becking. Also participating will be Luis Ángel Maté, who finished second last year and has four podium finishes in Gran Canaria, alongside local cyclists Blas Rivero and Néstor Rodríguez.
Registrations for the race remain open, offering various modalities ranging from the All Stages format to individual stages, three-day packages, or the weekend option. The organization also provides reduced-price accommodation through Dunas Hotels & Resorts.
The Fred. Olsen Express Transgrancanaria Bike is organized by Arista Eventos and primarily sponsored by Fred. Olsen Express. It receives institutional support from the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, through Turismo de Gran Canaria and the Insular Sports Institute, as well as from the Government of the Canary Islands with Islas Canarias Latitud de Vida, the San Bartolomé de Tirajana City Council, and Maspalomas Costa Canaria. Other collaborators include Universidad Fernando Pessoa Canarias, 226ERS, Dunas Hotels & Resorts, Gobik, Emicela, Pepsi, Aguas de Teror, Gofio La Piña, Bonflex, Provital, and Inetel.
