“Expect palm trees and paella as you kick off your race season – and suntan – with this early bird middle distance race in the Canaries. Featuring a challenging, but stunning, course and plenty of options for your post-race vacation. Our race guide tells you everything you need to know to make the most of your race at Challenge Gran Canaria.”
TRI247 delved into the world of Challenge Mogán-Canaria and explains why this is a race you definitely want to put on your bucket list!
“Stuck miles out in the Atlantic Ocean off the north African coast it may be, but Gran Canaria, the third-largest island in the Canaries archipelago is very much Spanish in every way from its language and deliciously fresh cuisine to its glorious architecture.
“Here the mercury rarely dips below 20°C / 68°F at any time of the year and if you’ve spent the winter months training in cold, wet weather, then starting your race season with an epic middle distance in the warm April sunshine is surely a no brainer.
“Away from the cruise ships and nightlife of the capital Las Palmas, the peaceful fishing town of Mogan on the south west coast, hosts the Canaries only international triathlon and one of the first European races of the season.
“With its vertiginous mountain backdrop on the bike, a swim and run courses based in a beach resort and paella on the post-race menu it will feel more like a holiday than a triathlon.”
Location – Sporting mecca
“Mogán has become a sporting mecca for both amateur athletes and pro teams eager to escape the cold weather back home and train and race in near perfect conditions.
“It has everything a triathlete could wish for – guaranteed sun, a calm, sheltered ocean bay, both flat and mountainous roads and trails in addition to apartments and hotels equipped with pools and gyms.
“And getting there is pretty easy.
“With 4 million tourists visiting annually, unsurprisingly you can easily fly to Gran Canaria from all major European cities.
“Once you’ve landed at Gran Canaria airport, Puerto de Mogan is 55km away – about 40 minutes – so you can hop on the hourly public bus, book a transfer minibus or hire a car.
“The Challenge race village is based around the Anfi del Mar beach resort in Playa de Mogan where everything happens from registration, briefings and prize ceremonies as well as the Tri Expo with the start and finish lines within 200 metres.
“The popular holiday destination has accommodation to suit all budgets from guesthouses, self-catering apartments to villas and five star hotels all a short distance from the race village.
“You’ll find one or two bed apartments at discounted rates for competitors at the Anfi del Mar and Anfi Tauro, the official race hotel a few minutes away with free shuttle buses. But throughout the town there are plenty of other full/half board or self catering hotels, which also have pools and spa facilities.”
Full story here.
