On Saturday, December 2, I traveled, together with Guillermo López (INEF graduate and physical trainer) to the Island of Gran Canaria, with the intention of taking part in La Cicloturista de Gran Canaria. A 6-stage cycling march that is in its 29th edition. He was the first hand cyclist to participate and the profiles of the stages scared anyone so my presence was a real mystery to everyone.
Stage 1 was on Sunday, December 3, “LA TITANIC”. As its name suggests, it is not a walk through hills but a real disaster for the legs. 118 km and more than 3000 meters of positive slope. It starts in Puerto de Mogán, ascends the pass that leads to the Village and from there goes back up a road with narrow and sinuous curves to Artenara. Once in this town, the road smoothes out until Cruz de Tejada but here the most powerful slopes of 14% begin, in a straight line that never ends. After everything we have traveled, the final touch comes with the ascent to the Llanos de la Pez. Here the timed time ends and a controlled descent to Puerto de Mogán begins.
I had the great honor of cutting the ribbon that inaugurated La Cicloturista de Gran Canaria and La Titánica 2017. Surrounded by great athletes like Dori Ruano, prestigious trainers like Chema Arguedas, journalists from the world of cycling like Pablo Bueno, LA TITÁNICA started.
I overcame the first pass to La Aldea, went up by car to Artenara and completed the final ascent to Tejada and Los Llanos de la Pez. More than 4 hours of cycling with your arms through beautiful volcanic lands and hard slopes.
Stage 2 left Puerto de Mogán and arrived at Tasartico, 60 km and +1500mt. December 5th. I started first and arrived last but my satisfaction was enormous at being able to complete the stage. Being able to pedal with my arms what cyclists do makes me happy, thinking that I would never do routes like that again. The visit to Tasartico captivates, the excellent asphalt of the descent becomes an enjoyment for the senses on the ascent, since the view is lost before the impressive mountain rocks that we have before our eyes.
Stage 3, December 6, the most powerful port in Gran Canaria and Europe, the feared “Pico de las Nieves”. 24 km of ascent with ramps of more than 22%. I had never climbed something like this, trying seemed crazy to me but my motto is WANTING IS POWER! I had to try it.
I started first, almost 1 hour before the standing cyclists. Simply getting to where I started timing seemed like the hardest thing I had ever climbed. The ascent to La Pasadilla is feasible but that’s where hell begins. 23% ramps. He had all the development involved. A 22-tooth chainring and a 36-tooth sprocket. Further development is impossible to carry out. I was stuck as if I had the 50 chainring inserted. I even thought about stopping but the ramps are not excessively long and after a few meters they tend to soften at 10-14%, during those breaks I caught my breath. Upon reaching Cazadores, the asphalt worsens and becomes the hardest part of the climb. The rattle on the hanbike is spread throughout the body and I thought about getting off the bike but after a few gels and a brief sigh, it continues to ascend. There were 11 more km left, half of the port.
After more than 3:30 hours of climbing, I crossed the finish line with a huge smile, receiving the love of everyone present. I was excited and the glasses hid the moisture in my eyes. The hug with Óscar (my guardian angel) and Guillermo (the companion in fatigue) was magical. He had managed to climb the hardest peak in Europe, El Pico de las Nieves at 1949 meters above sea level. The views of Roque Nublo and Teide leave no one indifferent. Spectacular.
This is a non-stop of stages and kilometers, so in Stage 4 we had to pedal to the Soria reservoir, passing through the dangerous descent of Barranquillo Andrés. December 7th. He pedaled part of the ascent to the Cruz de San Antonio pass but gave up trying to complete the stage since certain sections are very dangerous for the handbike. The descent was spectacular. Magnificent asphalt through impossible curves and for dessert some wrinkled potatoes that have restored all my senses. This is a non-stop of stages and passes, with incredible weather for the month of December that has made me pedal hard every day.
Stage 5, “All in Solidarity”, took place on December 8. A 25 km route from Puerto Rico to Taurito along the beautiful coastline. A stage created by the organization to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in sport. All participants wore a solidarity bib that would be used to purchase sports equipment from functional diversity associations in the area. I cycled with Eduardo Martínez, a star who suffered a bicycle accident going down Pico de las Nieves, since then he has not stopped swimming and is capable of crossing long routes of up to 12 km through the open sea. A monster.
In the afternoon, together with Serafín Zubiri, Félix Rubio and Eduardo Martínez, we gave a conference of almost two hours in length where we addressed our lives and how we overcome the obstacles that appear. What a good time we had.
The next day the 6th and final stage. From Puerto de Mogán to Gran Canaria. December 9. Almost 90km climbing Roque Nublo (more than 44 km of ascent) that I experienced from the car to later complete the 46 km of descent to the capital. Along with a large cycling platoon where two blind tandem riders stood out, Serafín Zubiri and Raúl Fernández (what good guys). I had a wonderful experience, I had never done so many kilometers of descent. Without a doubt, I have great memories of Gran Canaria, its unbeatable people, its mountain passes, the pure cycling experienced and the love received, not to mention the gastronomic benefits that I have received.
Without a doubt, thank Ángel Bara, the head of La Cicloturista, for his invitation to such a magnificent test. I hope we can bring more lame people to pedal around this island, they will be captivated. Thanks to all the members of the technical staff who have taken care of me and pampered me at every moment. To Óscar “Guardian Angel” for his attention and affection. Guille, a crack. Thank you all, I encourage you to discover the island in Edition 30 of the Cicloturista, it will surprise you.
