EPIC Gran Canaria 2026 sells out its 500 places in just six hours

La EPIC Gran Canaria RIU Hotels & Resorts It has once again demonstrated its enormous international appeal by selling out all 500 available places in just six hours after registration opened. This confirms the event's position as one of the major road cycling stage races on the international calendar with cyclist from 25 nationalities.

The ninth edition of the EPIC will be held from February 6 to 8, 2026, and will feature cyclists from 25 countries, consolidating Gran Canaria as a leading destination for high-level sports tourism.

The EPIC Gran Canaria is run under the auspices of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), guaranteeing the highest standards of organizational, sporting, and safety quality. This recognition places the event among the most prestigious cycling events on the international scene.

Two stages, three timed sections and a single route

The competition is structured in two stages that combine physical challenge, safety, and the island's unique landscapes. With the roads closed for the event, the EPIC Gran Canaria opens up Gran Canaria's favorite route and one of the island's most iconic circuits to its participants.

The EPIC Gran Canaria RIU Hotels & Resorts kicks off on Saturday, February 7th with the first stage, a 112-kilometer cycling paradise designed to test the athletes from day one. The first stage includes two timed sections that will be crucial for the overall classification, as riders' times will be adjusted accordingly.

Stage 1 is the iconic climb to Ayagaures, a 12,3-kilometer ascent of scenery and sport to the summit of Pedro González. Stage 2 of this stage starts in the area known as Alto del Salto del Perro, a 29-kilometer climb from Pasito Blanco to the summit, designed to test each athlete's mettle.

After the second section, the descent is neutralized towards Mogán, ensuring the safety of the participants.

The second stage, on Sunday, February 8, includes a 75-kilometer route and the decisive time trial 3. In this demanding 22-kilometer timed section, ending in Tunte with a climb to Tirajana, the overall winner of the EPIC Gran Canaria 2026 will be decided.

The overall male and female winners will receive a unique trophy, handcrafted by master craftsman Evaristo, an exclusive marble piece that elevates the concept of a sports trophy, transforming it into an artistic jewel designed especially for the EPIC.

More than cycling

The EPIC Gran Canaria is a comprehensive sporting experience that aims to be a meeting point for cycling enthusiasts, showcasing Gran Canaria's sporting paradise to the world. The action kicks off on Friday with the highly anticipated Social Ride, a controlled ride alongside cycling legends and influencers, followed by bib collection and pre-race events.

With thousands of overnight stays generated, a prominent presence in national and international media, and hundreds of thousands of views on social media, the EPIC Gran Canaria has established itself as a driving force for tourism and sports promotion on the island, placing Maspalomas and Gran Canaria on the world cycling stage.

The 2026 EPIC Gran Canaria aims to go even further in this edition, solidifying its position as more than just a cycling event, striving to become a leading international event, uniting sport, the island, and a unique experience that has already attracted iconic names such as Alessandro Ballan, Igor Astarloa, Haimar Zubeldia, Iban Mayo, David López, Mario Cipollini, Claudio Chiapucci, and content creators such as Ana González, Juliet Elliot, Martín Mata and Daniel Sanz.

The event attracts top ex-professional riders

Showcasing the island as a cycling paradise, the setting for some of the most popular and spectacular routes, is part of the EPIC's objective. The event carries images of Gran Canaria's unique landscapes and its advantages for the sport across the globe with its participating cyclists. EPIC returns as a UCI calendar event and also serves as the kickoff to the European cycling season, uniting professionals and amateurs in a memorable experience.

The EPIC Gran Canaria RIU Hotels & Resorts event is supported by the Gran Canaria Island Sports Institute, Gran Canaria Tourism, Canary Islands Tourism, Maspalomas Costa Canaria, RIU Hotels & Resorts, Mogán Tourism, Hospiten, Free Motion, Coca-Cola, Aquabona, Greenwood, Gold Nutrition, Sport Dealer, Sonocom, AVIS Canarias, Esenat Specialized School in Health and Wellness, Xtravans, Tirma, Romantic Corp, Fund Grube and Maspalomas 24h among others.