Vuelta al Teide Solidifies Tenerife’s Status as Global Cycling Hub

The ninth edition of the Vuelta Ciclista Isla de Tenerife-Vuelta al Teide has cemented its place as a key event for sports tourism in the Canary Islands. Supported by the Island Council and organized by 7Raid, the race is now a recognized fixture on the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) calendar for long-distance cycling in Europe.

The event provides a significant boost to the local economy and promotes the island globally, with 70% of the 1,000 registered cyclists traveling from outside Tenerife, representing over 30 different nationalities. The race route spans 13 municipalities, though access to Teide National Park is strictly regulated. Due to these environmental protections, the 182-kilometer Gran Fondo category—which features 4,600 meters of climbing—sold out weeks in advance, limiting entry to 400 riders. The remaining participants are split between two shorter routes of 86 and 64 kilometers.

This year’s race also features former professional cyclist Luis León Sánchez. After finishing second last year, Sánchez is returning with a new focus on enjoying the ride rather than chasing competitive results. His participation highlights Tenerife’s reputation as a premier altitude training destination, a location frequently used by international stars like Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel, and Primoz Roglic.

The event also serves as a platform for rising talent, including Valeriia Ponomarenko and Diana Smirnova of the Pafgio-Dema team, who are competing in the medium-distance category. By combining challenging volcanic terrain with high-quality tourism, Tenerife continues to grow as a strategic hub for cycling enthusiasts.