Lanzarote has established itself as a favourite Canary Island destination for cycling enthusiasts. Over the last few years, the island has seen a significant increase in the arrival of tourists seeking to explore its volcanic landscapes and rugged coastline on two wheels. It’s no coincidence that they are choosing Lanzarote – the island offers ideal conditions for cycling, with routes that challenge professionals and amateurs alike.
This boom is reflected in the presence of prominent figures such as Carlos Verona, who has documented his stay on the island through his social media, inspiring many to follow his pedals. The Spanish cyclist, known for his endurance and skill, has been taking full advantage of the Lanzarote terrain to prepare for his upcoming competitions.
Favourite venue for bike tourism
With an impressive 43.3% of visitors choosing Lanzarote specifically for cycling, the island has established itself as one of the world’s favourite destinations for cycling tourism. This remarkable interest is due to several key factors that make it a paradise for both athletes and cycling enthusiasts.
· First-class facilities
The quality of cycling facilities on Lanzarote is second to none. The island has a well-maintained network of routes and trails designed specifically for cycling, ranging from easy trails for beginners to challenging mountain routes for the more experienced. In addition, many hotels and resorts on the island offer specialised services for cyclists, such as high-end bike hire, repair workshops and secure storage areas. These services ensure that professionals and amateurs alike have everything they need to make the most of their stay.
· Natural beauty and diversity of routes
Lanzarote’s natural beauty and variety of landscapes provide an ideal backdrop for cycling. From tranquil coastlines to challenging volcanic terrain, cycling enthusiasts can enjoy spectacular views as they cycle around the island. This unique environment not only enriches the sporting experience, but also offers exceptional opportunities for photography and eco-tourism. In fact, it allows visitors to connect with nature in an intimate and personal way.
· International events and competitions
Lanzarote hosts numerous cycling events and competitions that attract elite athletes from all over the world. These events are not only a platform for cyclists to demonstrate their skill and endurance, but also promote camaraderie and cultural exchange between participants. The presence of prestigious events such as the Ultrabike Lanzarote and the Vuelta Ciclista a Lanzarote act as a magnet to attract more visitors, boosting the local economy and tourism development. In addition, these events help to put Lanzarote on the international cycling map, strengthening its reputation as a top sports destination.
These combined factors make Lanzarote not only a popular destination for cycling enthusiasts, but also a shining example of how sports tourism can be successfully integrated into the island’s overall tourism offer, benefiting both locals and visitors. This enables Lanzarote to continue evolving and improving its facilities and events, ensuring that there will always be something new and exciting to discover on two wheels.
2024 Calendar of cycling events in Lanzarote
This year’s local cycling calendar is packed with events attracting competitors from all over the world. Recently, the 2024 edition of Ultrabike Lanzarote was held, a competition that tests the skills of mountain bikers (MTB) on a course that is both brutal and beautifully desolate. In addition, the anticipation is growing around the Yaiza Extremo Sur, which will be held in July. This event is not only an MTB challenge, but this year will also include a gravel event, attracting an even greater diversity of riders.
10th edition of Ultrabike Lanzarote 2024
This year saw the tenth edition of the Ultrabike Lanzarote which has cemented its reputation as one of the most demanding and spectacular MTB competitions. Riders tackle routes that traverse the dramatic volcanic landscape of the island, challenging both their endurance and technical ability. In 2024, the competition not only tested the limits of the participants, but also offered spectacular sporting moments that were etched in the memories of spectators and competitors alike.
The Ultrabike Lanzarote 2024 route challenged the cyclists and highlighted some of Lanzarote’s most emblematic and touristic landscapes. Participants had the opportunity to compete in the exclusive landscape of La Graciosa, enjoying quality sport against the spectacular backdrop of the Chinijo Archipelago and the breathtaking Famara cliff on the opposite coast.
Yaiza Extremo Sur and the new gravel wave
The Yaiza Extremo Sur event, which takes place on July 13th, has gained renown in the MTB circuit and this year introduces a significant new feature: the gravel modality. This addition responds to the growing popularity of the discipline that combines elements of road and mountain biking, offering a unique experience over mixed terrain. But what exactly does gravel cycling involve? For those of you who haven’t got much information about it, we offer an overview below.
Gravel cycling is a discipline that takes place on mixed surfaces, including dirt roads, gravel, trails and sometimes paved sections. Gravel bikes are specifically designed to handle this diversity of terrain, combining features of both road and mountain bikes. This includes wider tyres for better traction and shock absorption, a robust frame to handle rough terrain, and geometry that provides comfort and stability over long distances.
Characteristics of Gravel Cycling
- Terrain versatility: Gravel riders can tackle a variety of surfaces on a single route, from country roads and forest trails to paved roads. This demands varied technical skills and great adaptability.
- Adventure and exploration: Gravel trails allow cyclists to explore less travelled and more remote areas, promoting a sense of adventure and discovery. It is common for gravel routes to include breathtaking and less accessible scenery.
- Comfort and endurance: Gravel bikes are designed to be comfortable over long distances, offering a more relaxed riding position and components that minimise rider fatigue.
This change to the Yaiza Extremo Sur promises to attract a wider audience and further diversify the profile of the competitors. The inclusion of the gravel modality offers a new dimension to the event, allowing cyclists to enjoy the beauty and diversity of Lanzarote’s landscapes while facing a unique technical and physical challenge.
First Vuelta Ciclista a Lanzarote
In September, Lanzarote will host the first edition of the Vuelta Ciclista a Lanzarote, marking an important milestone for road cycling on the island. With the participation of renowned professional cyclists such as Alejandro Valverde and Alberto Contador in the line-up, this tour promises to be a key event in the sporting calendar. The race will not only test the skill and strategy of the cyclists but will also highlight the natural beauty and ruggedness of the island’s landscape.
The presence of professional cyclists such as Carlos Verona, who has used the island as a training base, further underlines the importance of Lanzarote as a cycling hub. His presence and social media posts help to inspire and attract more visitors and cycling fans both on the island, and in Spain and Andorra, where he is currently based.
Without a doubt, Lanzarote is firmly positioning itself as a cycling epicentre, offering something for everyone, from challenging tracks and unique landscapes to world-class events. The island is not only a place to compete, but a true paradise for training and, above all, enjoying cycling in all its forms.
