Swiss cyclist Nicolas Ginter returns to EPIC Gran Canaria as the big favourite after a successful season

The 2026 edition of EPIC Gran Canaria RIU Hotels & Resorts will feature one of the most promising names on the international cycling scene, Swiss cyclist Nicolas Ginter, who returns to the race with the clear goal of finishing what he started last year and fighting for the overall title.

Positioning himself as one of the favourites for the podium, his return does not go unnoticed after a season of growth, which reinforces the memory of a brilliant performance that put him on the verge of victory last year and raises expectations for his personal “revenge” in Gran Canaria.

Ginter was one of the big revelations of last year's EPIC Gran Canaria. The Tirol KTM Cycling Team rider won the first stage, a demanding route from coast to summit, with authority, taking the lead in the overall classification with a time of 1 hour, 57 minutes, and 56 seconds. His performance allowed him to make a difference against top-level rivals in a very close podium, but a fall in the second stage forced him to abandon the race when he was in the thick of the fight for the title, leaving a feeling of missed opportunity that he now seeks to transform into sporting revenge.

Since then, the Swiss cyclist has continued his progression and consolidated his name on the international scene. Trained in Swiss cycling and constantly evolving in the junior and under-23 categories, Ginter has racked up victories and podium finishes in national and international events, excelling particularly in demanding races and prolonged time trials. His move to the Tirol KTM Cycling Team has been a leap forward in his career, allowing him to compete regularly at the highest level and gain experience in stage races, a key factor in tackling the EPIC Gran Canaria with confidence.

The combination of youth, ambition and recent experience makes Nicolas Ginter one of the big favourites for the overall victory. His ability to perform in the mountains, manage his efforts and maintain consistency in decisive stages make him a strong candidate to dominate the general classification in a race that allows no margin for error.

The 2026 edition of EPIC Gran Canaria RIU Hotels & Resorts will feature one of the most promising names on the international cycling scene

Two stages, three time trials

The EPIC Gran Canaria RIU Hotels & Resorts will kick off on Saturday, 7 February, with a first stage of 112 kilometers that will test the cyclists from day one. The route will include two key timed sections for the overall classification, with the iconic climb to Ayagaures and a second effort from the top of Salto del Perro to Pasito Blanco, before a neutralised descent to Mogán to ensure the safety of the participants.

The competition will be decided on Sunday 8 February in the second stage, covering 75 kilometers, with a demanding final 22-kilometre timed section finishing in Tunte, on the climb to Tirajana, where the overall winner of the 2026 edition will be announced.

The winners of the general classification will receive a unique trophy, handcrafted by master craftsman Evaristo, an exclusive marble piece designed especially for the EPIC Gran Canaria and symbolising the union between sport, landscape, encounter and territory.

With his motivation intact and the experience he has gained, Nicolas Ginter returns to Gran Canaria determined to turn revenge into victory and confirm his status as favourite in one of the most demanding and spectacular events on the calendar.

Ginter is undoubtedly one of the rivals to beat in this edition, but he will not be the only one. The EPIC has seen iconic names such as Alessandro Ballan, Igor Astarloa, Haimar Zubeldia, Iban Mayo, David López and Mario Cipollini take part.

EPIC Gran Canaria RIU Hotels & Resorts is supported by the Gran Canaria Island Council 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 Escuela Especializada en Salud y Bienestar, Xtravans, Tirma, Romantic Corp, Fund Grube, Maspalomas 24h among others.