Last October, cyclists Pol Tarrés and Lina Bo took on the eight Canary Islands cycling challenge. An adventure recognized as one of the most demanding in the sport.
With 900 km and 21,600 m of positive ascent, the route devised by Pol Tarrés and Lina Bo is a piece of bravery that must be endured over several days. In the heart of the Atlantic, on the eight Canary Islands, the two Spaniards completed the challenge in just eight days. It's a real adventure when you have to do a series of days covering around a hundred kilometers, with an average gradient of between 2,000 and 3,500 D+. But the scenery offered by the eight Canary Islands is well worth the effort (just take a look at the short film made on this crossing and the images below of Pol Tarrés and Lina Bo taken last October).
The first day begins on the island of La Palma, in Santa Cruz de la Palma, for a 154 km course that can be completed in 7 hours and 30 minutes for the most experienced riders. The gradient is already immense for this first day, which is in fact quite a main course. A total of 3,909 meters of D+, including the 2,312 m summit of Roque De Los Muchachos. On the island of La Gomera, lush laurel forests and the Garajonay National Park offer a stunning landscape for cyclists. 98 km "only" but 2,763 meters of ascent all the same. In the Canaries, a volcanic archipelago, roads are rarely flat...
The third day on the island of El Hierro, nicknamed the island at the end of the world, takes you on a 112 km ride dotted with ocean views and through impressive canyons. The ascent from Frontera offers breathtaking views, while the descent to Timijiraque and return to Puerto de la Estaca complete this unique adventure. In Tenerife, the 150 km stage passes through villages such as La Laguna, La Orotava and Icod de los Vinos, the Anaga rural park and offers breathtaking views of the Teide volcano.
Gran Canaria also offers some fine climbs to Tejeda and Pico de las Nieves, at an altitude of 1,861 meters. Passing Roque Nublo, one of the world's largest natural rock formations, is one of the highlights of the 135 km route. On the island of Fuerteventura, the roads lead along white sandy beaches, while the climbs to Betancuria and the descent to Corralejo are a challenge for passing cyclists.
The penultimate stage of the tour on the island of Lanzarote departs from Playa Blanca for a 113 km adventure. Cyclists cross lunar landscapes, lava fields and panoramic ocean views. To reach Órzola, the itinerary's finish point, cyclists face a magnificent sunset over La Graciosa, the last island to be visited the following day, but only for relaxation. With a surface area of less than 30 km², this island is ideal for active recuperation. Protected as a nature park, this tranquil island, surrounded by heavenly beaches, is the perfect place to recharge your batteries after this eight-island crossing. Find out more about this cycling adventure at this address.
