Laurens Verluyten and Lourdes Oyarbide were the big winners in the first edition of this event
The Vuelta Ciclista in Lanzarote has concluded its first edition with great success, with Laurens Verluyten and Lourdes Oyarbide as the big winners of the time trials in a competition that covered the spectacular landscapes of the Island. The event, which brought together more than 500 cyclists, had a total route of 189 kilometres spread over two intense and exciting days, with a festive atmosphere in each municipality.
The event started from the Club La Santa with a stage of 115 kilometres and a cumulative gradient of almost 1,800 metres. The time trial in Haría was the highlight of the day, with Verluyten beating Daniel Ocaña by 10 seconds, and Lourdes Oyarbide dominating the women’s category, crossing the finish line 44 seconds ahead of Denmark’s Signe Thomsen.
Second stage: Pedro López and Lourdes Oyarbide dominate the general classification
In the second stage, the cyclists set off from Puerto del Carmen and covered 74 kilometres through the south and west of the island, crossing Playa Blanca and Yaiza. The day included two timed sections that provided a great spectacle. In the first, Alejandro Valverde and Oyarbide were the fastest, while in the second, which started from the Timanfaya road to Mancha Blanca, Abel Rodríguez and the cyclist from Alava stood out again.
Adding the times of the three timed sections, Lourdes Oyarbide and Pedro López were proclaimed winners of the general time trial classification. In the team classification, the teams “Los recuperados” and “¡Qué existencia!” took the titles in their respective categories.
Statements from the outstanding participants
Alberto Contador, one of the big names present at this first edition, took stock of the event, highlighting the beauty of the surroundings and the excellent organisation: “It has been two very nice days to enjoy our passion in a different setting, a paradise. Since I retired I have had the opportunity to be in many cycle touring events and I have to give an outstanding mark to the organisers of this event in an idyllic setting, it is a race that is here to stay”.
For his part, Alejandro Valverde also shared his satisfaction with the event: “I have enjoyed it very much, quality refreshments and safety – a very good event”.
Lourdes Oyarbide, a great protagonist through dominating the women’s time trial, said that she had used the timed sections as preparation for her next competitions: “the truth is that we had a great time, with a great atmosphere. This cycle tourism format is perfect for everyone to be encouraged to participate, regardless of their level, and above all I encourage women to enjoy this type of event.”
An event that leaves a mark on Lanzarote
The first edition of the Vuelta Ciclista in Lanzarote has been a resounding success, mobilising more than 300 people between organisers, volunteers and security staff. In addition, it has had the support of the Government of the Canary Islands, the Council of Lanzarote, Promotur Turismo de Lanzarote and the seven town councils of the Island, together with private sponsors who have promoted the sports calendar of the region.
With the participation of figures such as Alberto Contador, Alejandro Valverde, Carlos Verona, Luis Pasamontes and Lourdes Oyarbide, the event has not only offered a unique sporting experience, but has also positioned Lanzarote as a key destination for high-quality sports tourism.
The next edition of the Vuelta Ciclista in Lanzarote already has a confirmed date: it will be held on 4 and 5 October 2025, consolidating this event as an unmissable event on the cycling calendar.
