Cycling Legend Haimar Zubeldia returns to EPIC Gran Canaria 2026

The former cyclist from Gipuzkoa, a leading figure in the golden age of cycling in the late 90s and 2000s, never misses his annual EPIC Gran Canaria race, solidifying a very special relationship with the event and the island, which he professes to love. For Zubeldia, the EPIC is much more than a competition; it's a weekend of connection and an experience that unites sport, the island, and a passion for cycling.

For this athlete, this race is unique, which is why he never misses it. Demanding routes, spectacular scenery, and an organization that attends to every detail are just some of the reasons that draw the cyclist from Gipuzkoa to the island, where he confesses he feels at home, comfortable, and like family. Zubeldia returns to this event, part of the UCI calendar and the Gran Fondo World Tour circuit, with the goal of giving his best, sharing his love of cycling with other athletes, and above all, enjoying himself.

A benchmark career in world cycling

Haimar Zubeldia is a sporting icon, renowned for his impressive record and one of the most solid careers in Spanish professional cycling. Winner of 29 Grand Tours, he achieved top-10 finishes in the Tour de France, where he distinguished himself with his consistency and endurance in the high mountains, securing fifth place in the 2003 Tour, in addition to numerous podium finishes in major stages. He competed at the highest level for over a decade with teams such as Euskaltel-Euskadi and Astana, leaving his mark as one of the most consistent riders in the international peloton.

That experience and knowledge of long-duration effort fit perfectly with the spirit of the EPIC Gran Canaria, a race that combines demanding stages, timed sections and a unique natural environment, which have captivated the athlete, becoming a fixed date on his personal calendar.

Gran Canaria, a cycling paradise for Zubeldia

The cyclist from Usurbil knows the island's roads intimately, having spent long periods there training and preparing for seasons. As he has stated, Gran Canaria is one of the best places in the world for winter training, combining excellent weather, roads in perfect condition, and a wide variety of routes. 

Zubeldia has found himself in love with, especially, the island's long and constant climbs, which he describes as "tough but very rewarding," and acknowledges that stages with emblematic climbs such as Ayagaures, Ayacata, or Tirajana are among his favorite routes within the EPIC.

An event that grows year after year

The presence of Haimar Zubeldia reinforces the international character and prestige of an event that in 2026 has once again sold out, selling out its 500 places in just six hours and bringing together cyclists from 25 nationalities.

For Zubeldia, being part of the EPIC Gran Canaria also means witnessing its growth: “Each year the event takes another step forward in terms of organization, participation, and international reach. It’s an honor to continue being part of this story and to share kilometers with cyclists from all over the world.”

The EPIC Gran Canaria 2026 will once again turn Maspalomas and the southern and mid-altitude municipalities of the island into the epicenter of the best international amateur cycling, uniting professionals, former professionals and amateurs in a unique sporting and human experience, with Haimar Zubeldia as one of its main protagonists.

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  Maspalomas24h.