More than 700 cyclists, accompanied by several professional riders, flooded the island in a march and a weekend of dreams.
The first chapter of the Giro d’Italia Ride Like A Pro Spain came to a successful conclusion after the towns of Adeje and Arona welcomed the peloton that completed two demanding stages, of 110 and 64 kilometres respectively, full of incomparable landscapes, impossible ramps and almost 4,500 metres of elevation gain between the two days, to which the partial ascent of Teide contributed.
With the fundamental support of Turismo de Tenerife and the Italian institutional brand BEIt, this new cycling march joined the calendar with the firm intention of establishing itself as one of the unmissable dates for any bicycle lover. And so it has been after more than 700 participants, from 20 different nationalities (including the United States), have tasted the geographical riches, the pleasant climate and the many tourist options offered by the island.
Tenerife and the inescapable link with cycling
The organisation, carried out by Unidad Editorial Sports&Events, ensured that the experience of all the participants was as close as possible to that of the professionals in the Giro d’Italia, albeit in the unique and unprecedented setting of Tenerife. Both on the route and in the moments before and after the race, to the point of being able to admire and photograph the majestic Trofeo Senza Fine, an award that is presented each year to the champion of the corsa rosa, or to regain strength at the unique Pasta Party of the two stages, with a clear influence of Italian gastronomy. The complementary activities were completed on Saturday with an innovative Pink Party attended by several of the participants, which took place on the rooftop of the MYND hotel in Adeje, sponsor of the event.
To all this must be added the presence of great elite riders, who acted as ambassadors of the event pedalling alongside the large peloton in Tenerife. This was the case of Stefano Garzelli, winner of the 2000 Giro; Juanpe López (Trek-Segaredo), this year’s best young rider and the holder of the precious maglia rosa for 10 days; and Raúl García Pierna (Kern Pharma Team), the Spanish time trial champion. They were joined by representatives of Victory Endurance, official supplier of the race, all members of the Caja Rural-Seguros RGA team: Jonathan Lastra, Fernando Barceló, David González and Sergio Román Martín.
The event was represented and supported by the Cabildo Insular thanks to the appearance of Laura Castro, director of Tourism of Tenerife, who was in charge of the ceremonial ribbon cutting. She was joined by Franco Morelli, director of Unidad Editorial Sports&Events, and Pascual Momparler, technical director of the Giro d’Italia Ride Like A Pro Spain.
Laura Castro (Director of Tenerife Tourism): “This type of event allows us to continue positioning Tenerife as a diverse destination for outdoor sports, especially cycling tourism. Every year we receive teams and professionals from all over the world who choose the destination to train because of the good weather conditions all year round and the island’s orography. The Cabildo is committed to hosting this sport event with the aim of consolidating it over time, making the island a benchmark destination on the calendar for cycling enthusiasts”.
Franco Morelli (General Manager of Unidad Editorial Sports&Events): “The organisers are thrilled with how the first edition of the Giro d’Italia Ride Like a Pro Spain has developed. We want to highlight the great reception and welcome of the island of Tenerife during the three days we have been there, so we can’t wait to continue with this project. In this sense, we would like to thank the Cabildo Insular, through Turismo de Tenerife, the town councils of Adeje and Arona, all the sponsors and the Canarian Cycling Federation, as well as the Tenerife Island Cycling Federation for their work. We must not forget the security forces, Guardia Civil and Police, who have ensured that the race went perfectly. On the other hand, it has been very gratifying to see how many participants have been able to discover the incredible scenery of the island under the brand of the Giro d’Italia. In fact, we have spoken directly to most of the riders to get their opinion, note down the details and improve for future editions”.
Stefano Garzelli (Giro d’Italia 2000 champion and Ride Like A Pro ambassador): “Tenerife is a destination that never ceases to surprise you. In my professional career, I used to come here regularly to concentrate on my main objectives for the season and, even so, every time I come here I discover something new. And this weekend was no exception thanks to a spectacular course and event. I think it is very symbolic that a brand like the Giro d’Italia lands on this island, with all that this means for cycling tourism and the fans of this sport”.
Juanpe López (Trek-Segafredo cyclist and Ride Like A Pro ambassador): “It’s the first time I’ve visited Tenerife and I’ve been amazed by the great variety of training areas that the island offers. For a climber like me, it’s a luxury to have so many contrasts in so few kilometres. As for the walk, it has been a very positive debut, with a demanding but enjoyable route. I would like to thank the fans for all the affection I have received during the weekend”.
Raúl García Pierna (Kern Pharma rider and Ride Like A Pro ambassador): “It has been a very entertaining race, with incredible weather that you can only find in Tenerife at this time of the year. It’s a destination I love. I’ve had a great time with all the people who have been in the march, with my partners peloton and with the great atmosphere that has been breathed in Adeje and Arona”.