Victory for world champion Jonas Van de Steene: “Lanzarote is a paradise for training and living, thanks to its accessibility and quality of life”
In the warm and vibrant atmosphere of southern Lanzarote, Playa Blanca became the epicentre of a display of speed and sporting prowess, where the spirit of perseverance and passion for adaptive sports were showcased at their finest. The setting: the fourteenth edition of the “Vuelta a Playa Blanca Handbike,” a unique event in the Canary Islands that brings together over fifty men and women, handbikers, ready to push their limits and conquer new goals.
Avenida Papagayo was transformed into a stage of thrilling action, with handbikers racing “at full throttle” at speeds of up to 55 kilometres per hour, as the audience eagerly followed every move from the sidewalks. However, the true test of strength and determination came with the slope of Calle Jaime Quesada, where participants faced a steep climb, pulling the bike with sheer arm strength after navigating the challenging “curve of fear.” Among the crowd stood out Jonas Van de Steene, a Belgian athlete and world champion in para-cycling, residing in Playa Blanca, who shone with skill and determination in this exciting event.
The “Vuelta a Playa Blanca Handbike” took place on two different days, each having its own technical challenge. On Friday, participants took on a 7.5 kilometre individual time trial, while on Saturday, the action moved to a 2.2 kilometre closed circuit in the heart of Playa Blanca. There, the handbikers worked hard for 55 minutes, seeking to complete the greatest number of laps and delighting the spectators who cheered from both sides of the road.
The race was not only an individual competition, but also a collective triumph that celebrated the determination and courage of all participants. With athletes from ten different nationalities, including a large representation from European countries such as Denmark, Germany and France, diversity and camaraderie were the pillars of this event.
For Jonas Van de Steene, the undisputed winner, the race was “super tough because of the wind and the quality of the handbikers that we see coming to Playa Blanca more and more every year.” The Belgian with a Canarian heart highlights Playa Blanca as “a paradise to train and live in, due to the accessibility and quality of life, and because here, due to the climate, those of us who are in wheelchairs suffer much less.”.
The success of the “Vuelta a Playa Blanca Handbike” is a testament to the commitment and collaboration of all parties involved, from the organizers to the volunteers and spectators. This event is not only a celebration of adapted sport, but also a tribute to the spirit of community and solidarity that defines Playa Blanca and the entire island of Lanzarote.