Words Mark Bailey Photography Russell Burton
DESTINATION
With its stunning volcanic landscapes, average year-round temperatures of 23°C and smooth roads that soar to 2,300m in altitude, Tenerife has become the playground of pro cyclists. Several elite teams train here, and can usually be found with a block booking at the Parador de Las Cañades del Teide hotel, in the Teide National Park at over 2,000m altitude.
Tenerife is a land of strange contradictions. It’s an autonomous region of Spain, but this sun-baked island is geographically closer to Africa, which lies just 300km away. It is one of the most popular beach destinations in Europe, but is isolated enough to be a designated Starlight destination for its pure skies and low light pollution. And although the Teide National Park – a region of jaw-dropping terrain around the 3,718m Teide volcano – is hot, arid and hostile, the island also boasts lush laurel forests and flower-drenched mountain villages.
The four sea-to-summit ascents of the Mount Teide volcano (from north, south, east or west) top most cyclists’ hit lists. Riders can grind through hallucinogenic volcanic landscapes and oxygen-starved air to the highest paved road at 2,300m. Chris Froome, the four-time Tour de France winner, says that cycling up here is like “travelling to Mars.”
But cyclists can enjoy so much more. Drink in dazzling coastal views on the south-eastern mountain roads of the TF-28, from the pretty plazas and rugged caves of Güímar in the east, to the garden city of Chayofa (have lunch at the bike-friendly Regency Country Club). Explore the lush forests of the Anaga Rural Park (see box). Take on the brutal 11% slopes out of Masca, in the west. Or spin from the historic square of Icod de los Vinos, past volcanic cliffs and through rock-hewn tunnels, to the Punta de Teno lighthouse in the north-west.
Big dates
The Vuelta al Teide sportive (vteide. com) around Mount Teide next takes place on May 18, 2024. Choose from a 175km or 95km route, with either 4,400m or 2,000m altitude. It’s based out of Puerto de la Cruz, a city on the northern coast of Tenerife, and takes the ascent of Teide from Guia de Isora in the west.
Don’t miss
The aforementioned Parador hotel (parador.es) in the Teide National Park. Bring your autograph book.
Travel
Tenerife is a four-hour flight from the UK, with EasyJe
