Gran Canaria
Cycling Camp

A beautiful ride today with a mix of coastal cliff scenery and high mountains on the Ruta de las Presas.

From Agaete you’ll head south-west for 30km (19 miles) through the Tamadaba Natural Park along a spectacular road that clings to the cliffs, high above the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll want to stop at every corner for another photo – the views are that stunning! La Aldea signals the end of the coastal road and the beginning of the long climb to the central part of the island. The top lies 26km (16 miles) ahead at an altitude of 1,100m (3,600ft) – through some of the most incredible scenery on the island. From the top enjoy 20km (12 miles) of rolling terrain through forests and green fields before the long descent back to the hotel.

This is one of the most remarkable and challenging days you will ever spend on a bike. The Valley of the Tears route is one of the hardest rides on the island. This is epic Thomson terrain!

From the hotel in Agaete you’ll head inland to Fagajesto where you’ll join yesterday’s ride (in the opposite direction). At the Paralillo Reservoir a sharp left turn signals the start of the Valley of the Tears climb with initial ramps of over 15%. 10km (6 miles) of hurt lie ahead – but the views are amazing!

Just over the top of the climb you’ll be rewarded with a well deserved lunch stop in the cycling cafe in Ayacata – then a 35km (22 miles) descent to your next hotel in Puerto de Mogan.

Remember that 35km (22 miles) descent you came down yesterday, well the ride today starts with the same 35km – but uphill. The climb is simply spectacular – switchbacks galore, a perfect road surface, no traffic and a forest of pine trees to ride through. The first top comes at just under 1,000m (3,300m) in Cruz San Antonio, then it’s another 15km (9 miles) to the final summit at 1,300m (4,300ft) in Ayacata.

After a coffee-stop in Ayacata you’ll descend through San Bartolome and Fataga to the coast. Beware of the few short, ambush climbs on the descent, especially the final climb to Degollada de las Yeguas. A final 30km (19 miles) along the coast closes off the ride.

From the hotel you’ll head along the coast then inland towards Baranquillo Andres. Keep your eyes open as this is the road most frequented by the many pros who train on the island.

At the 25km (15 miles) mark, the climbing starts with the steady climb to Barranquillo. Enjoy this section of the climb, after Barranquillo you’ll take a narrow, much steeper road with pitches between 10 and 15%.

The route continues with the fantastic descent to Pie de la Cuesta then it’s out and back from La Aldea, over the Degollada de la Aldea climb. A tough day in the saddle with almost 3,000m (9,800ft) of elevation!

Today’s ride takes you right into the centre of the island. The first 60km (37 miles) are just stunning with the climb to Cruz San Antonio followed by the climb to Ayacata.

After a coffee-stop in Ayacata you’ll continue climbing to the beautiful village of Tejeda which is classified in the list of “pueblos mas bonitos de Espana” (the most beautiful villages in Spain). From Tejeda the climbing continues with our staff’s favourite climb in Gran Canaria, the climb to Cruz de Tejeda and on to Los Llanos. From Los Llanos enjoy the 40km (25 miles) descent back to the hotel!

The Camp ends with the most challenging climb on the island (and one of the toughest climbs in all of Europe), the brutal climb to Pico de las Nieves from Ingenio. Starting just above sea level, the summit tops out after 23km (14 miles) at 1,900m (6,200ft). It’s a tough one – but at the top, you are rewarded with stunning views of Tenerife’s El Teide in the distance. Keep your eyes open at the summit, we often meet pro riders out training on this great climb.

In the evening, join us at the hotel bar where beers and cocktails are in order to toast a fantastic week of riding!

Note: there’s a shorter ride option today which will also climb Pico de las Nieves, but from the much easier Ayacata side.

Unfortunately, our Canary Island Cycling Camp has come to an end.

Our shuttle will drop you off at Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Airport.