Two intrepid Catalan cyclists, Pol Tarrés and Lina Bo, have taken cycling to new heights by completing the challenging “8 Island Cycling Challenge”, covering the eight stunning Canary Islands in a record time of 8 days. This unprecedented achievement highlights not only the tenacity and skill of the cyclists, but also the beauty and diversity of the landscapes that the archipelago offers.
The challenge covered the islands of La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and, finally, La Graciosa. A total of 900 kilometers that took riders through varied terrain, from dense forests and majestic mountains to white sand beaches and lava valleys.
The high point of the challenge was the ascent of Roque de los Muchachos in La Palma, a 32-kilometer pass with a positive gradient of 2,406 meters. They also faced challenges on other islands, such as the Garajonay Natural Park on La Gomera, the majestic Teide on Tenerife and the winding roads of Gran Canaria.
Despite the steep slopes that reached up to 23%, Tarrés and Bo overcame each obstacle with determination and passion. The cycling experts highlighted the geographical diversity and unique flora of each island, with lush forests in La Palma or lunar landscapes in Lanzarote.
This challenge not only tested the physical endurance of the cyclists, but also allowed them to explore the rich culture and heritage of the charming Canarian towns. In addition, the benevolent climate of the islands provided athletes with ideal conditions for cycling, with blue skies even in the winter months.
The “8 Island Cycling Challenge” is now recognized as a milestone in the world of cycling, highlighting the unique possibilities that the Canary Islands offer for lovers of this sport. Pol Tarrés and Lina Bo have not only left their mark in the history book of cycling, but they are sure to inspire others to explore the natural wonders of this archipelago by bicycle. A unique challenge.
