gravel

GranGuanche Audax Gravel

Canary Islands, Spain · 24–31 January 2027

Difficulty: 5/5 — Brutal

An intense 800 km self-supported bikepacking adventure spanning five Canary Islands, testing riders with 17,000 meters of elevation on unpaved double tracks and quiet secondary roads. The route demands meticulous logistical planning around strict ferry schedules and a one-week cut-off time.

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Distances
800 km
Elevation
17,000 m
Surface
gravel, tarmac, dirt
Typical W/kg
3.5–4.5

Rider fit

Who it's for

Experienced ultra-endurance cyclists who thrive on self-supported logistics, steep climbs, and the unique challenges of multi-island bikepacking.

Who will struggle

Riders lacking experience in self-supported mountain travel, those who struggle on steep gradients with loaded bikes, and anyone unprepared for fast-changing microclimates and tight ferry connections.

Training focus

Concentrate on back-to-back long-distance training days, sustained climbing with a loaded setup, and dialing in your hydration strategies for arid environments.

Are you ready for this race?

Compare your W/kg to see how you stack up against this race's typical level — and which races fit you best right now.

FAQs

What is the total distance and elevation profile?+

The full route covers 800 kilometers and features roughly 17,000 meters of total climbing.

How are the ferry connections managed?+

The route uses four ferries to connect the islands. Participants can purchase a flexible €300 GranGuanche Ferry Pass up to 15 days before the event, allowing last-minute boarding on Fred. Olsen ferries without booking each leg in advance.

What kind of bike and tires are recommended?+

The organizers recommend a gravel or mountain bike with low gearing, a very light setup, and a minimum tire width of 45 mm to handle the double tracks and steep grades.

How do riders handle tracking during the event?+

Tracking is managed via followmychallenge.com. Riders must pay a refundable €100 deposit for a rented tracker, as personal GPS/SPOT/InReach units are not tracked.

Is there a time limit to complete the ride?+

Yes, there is a strict one-week cut-off time to complete the entire route.

What is included with the entry fee?+

For €320, participants receive a spot in the event (limited to 99 riders), a small bag transfer (up to 10 liters / 5 kg) to the finish line, and a cardboard bike box for flying home.

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