Dutch cyclist Tessa Kortekaas managed a comfortable lead from the start, while Buff Megamo biker Hans Becking claimed victory in a tight sprint against Luis Ángel Maté
Montserrat Pereira and Blas Rivero debut the special jersey as the leading Canarian riders
This Friday, the 23.5-kilometer time trial stage will take place, running from Maspalomas to Ayagaures
This Thursday, May 15, marked the start of the tenth edition of the Fred. Olsen Express Transgrancanaria Bike, a race scoring points in the UCI S2 category. The event kicked off with over 200 cyclists at the starting line of the 45.6-kilometer circular stage, which both started and finished at Cañón del Águila. Riders faced a spectacular yet demanding route, with strong winds in the southern part of the island making conditions particularly challenging.
In the women’s category, a leading trio quickly formed, composed of Tessa Kortekaas (Cannondale ISB), Manuela Muresan, and Ada Xinxó (Trideporte). By the midway point at Sorrueda, the Dutch rider based in Lanzarote—Kortekaas, the race favorite—had broken away, putting over a minute on Muresan and five minutes on Xinxó. She held her advantage to the finish line to secure the stage win.
“Very strong headwinds at the start, but then we were flying with the tailwind all the way to the finish. Tomorrow it’s the time trial, all uphill, so now it’s time to eat and rest at the hotel to be ready,” said the first overall leader.
Second-placed Manuela Muresan commented, “I felt very good, it was a fast race. I hope to keep my rhythm because tomorrow’s time trial will be very fast and tough,” added the Romanian biker who lives in Gran Canaria.
Manuela Muresan. Alex Basha
The men’s race came down to the wire, with near-perfect parity until the finish line. Two-time race winner Hans Becking (Buff Megamo) and Marbella native Luis Ángel Maté (Marbella CC) were neck and neck from the first checkpoint at the 2-kilometer mark. The duo took control of the race near Sorrueda and battled all the way through to the final descent into Cañón del Águila, where the Dutch rider edged out Maté by mere centimeters.
The fight for third place was equally exciting, with Xavier Ariza (Scott Bikes Club Esportiu) and Gran Canaria local Blas Rivero (Z2 Bike) swapping positions throughout the race. Ultimately, Ariza secured the podium spot by less than a minute.
“I remembered this stage a bit from last year. At first, we had a small group, so it was more tactical, but then Luis and I worked well together. Luckily, the final descent was very technical, and I managed to win,” said stage winner Hans Becking. “We still have three more days ahead. I’m thrilled to be back here enjoying the great weather on this beautiful island,” added the two-time Transgrancanaria champion.
“It was an entertaining stage, full of action—a great way to start the Transgrancanaria Bike, but there are still three big stages ahead,” said Luis Ángel Maté.
Becking y Maté en meta. Alex Basha.
In the Master 30 category, Brazilian rider Vanessa Lessa (Iduna), based in Gran Canaria, finished first with a time of 2:18:47, placing her fifth overall in the stage. Among the men, the best in the category was Blas Rivero, clocking in at 1:47:31.
In Master 40, the top female rider was Montserrat Pereira (Seven Pro Cycling), who narrowly missed the podium with a fourth-place finish at 2:18:41. In the men’s field, French rider Christian Largier came first with 1:53:46.
In Master 50, Silvia Pineda led the women with a time of 2:42:27, while Guzmán Travieso (GE7 Bike Arcuas) topped the men’s field at 1:57:31, placing him 19th overall.
Thanks to their strong performances, Montserrat Pereira and Blas Rivero earned the inaugural Canarian Leader Jerseys, a new addition to this year’s edition.
he Fred. Olsen Express Transgrancanaria Bike continues this Friday at 4:00 PM with the individual time trial stage between Parque Sur and Ayagaures. Riders will face a 23.5-kilometer climb through the Fataga ravine, expected to create the first significant gaps in the general classification.
Luis Ángel Maté. David Delfour
Vanessa Lessa TGC Bike 2025. David Delfour
The Fred. Olsen Express Transgrancanaria Bike is organized by Arista Eventos and is proudly sponsored by Fred. Olsen Express. The event also receives support from the Cabildo de Gran Canaria through Turismo de Gran Canaria and the Insular Sports Institute, as well as from the Canary Islands Government via the “Islas Canarias, Latitud de Vida” campaign. The municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana and Maspalomas Costa Canaria also lend their backing. Additional support comes from 226ERS, Dunas Hotels & Resorts, Gobik, Emicela, Pepsi, Aguas de Teror, Lorenzo González Automoción, Gofio La Piña, Sonocom, Provital, and Inetel.
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