Tenerife, the largest and most diverse of the Canary Islands, is gearing up to host the 6th edition of the “Vuelta al Teide” on Saturday 6th May. This is the most important cycling event in the Canary Islands – included in the world calendar of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) – and will bring together thousands of cyclists from more than 25 countries.
“Vuelta al Teide” aims to bring together cyclists from all around the world. This year’s edition will be 108 miles long (175k), with an altitude difference of 14,400 feet (4,400 metres). The event will start and finish in the northern seafaring town of Puerto de la Cruz.
Participants of the “Vuelta al Teide” will feel like pros at the event, as they will be riding on the roads where professional teams train every year. These choose Tenerife as their training camp due to the pleasant year-round weather conditions (annual average temperature of 23 degrees); high altitude (cyclists can go from sea level to an altitude of 6,500 feet in barely 18 miles); and plenty of routes to choose from.
“Vuelta al Teide” will run through the northern part of the island, climbing the ports of Icod el Alto, Garachico and the mythical Masca wall. After 80 miles, cyclists will face the ascent to Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak – the views from the top will be worth the ride.
Like last year, the event will have two categories: the full “Vuelta al Teide” and “Half Vuelta al Teide”, with 60 miles and 6,500 feet of gained altitude. This variant will start in the town of Santiago del Teide and finish in Puerto de La Cruz, after crossing the stunning UNESCO-listed Teide National Park.
Travelling to Tenerife
Travelling to Tenerife is very easy from the UK and Ireland; and participants can either bring their own bike or rent one on the island.
To take part in the 6th “Vuelta al Teide”, cyclists will need to register and book their accommodation here: https://vteide.com/ Registration for the event costs €65 (approximately £54) for ‘Vuelta al Teide’ and €55 (£45) for ‘Half Vuelta al Teide’.
Tenerife, a diverse destination
Tenerife, with an average temperature of 23 degrees all year round, offers a plethora of experiences for those cyclists taking part in the Vuelta al Teide. To start with, the stunning Teide National Park and the city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Off track, participants will be able to enjoy Tenerife’s traditional and avant-garde gastronomy, including five Michelin-starred restaurants, paired with the island’s award-winning volcanic wines. Not to mention Tenerife’s coastline and its exceptional nature, where visitors can enjoy outdoor activities all year round: from hiking and running to windsurfing paragliding.
When the evening falls, it is time to explore the fun side of Tenerife. Its good weather makes it possible to enjoy, for example, the island’s al fresco terraces at any time of the year. They can be found in parks, in bustling shopping streets, in marinas, and also by the sea and on the beach.
For further information about Tenerife, please visit: www.webtenerife.co.uk
