The 2024 Tour de France has kicked off with many riders, including title contenders, training in the Canary Islands. Known for its sports infrastructure and ideal conditions, the Spanish archipelago offers a variety of terrains, from coastline to high-altitude mountains, making it a paradise for athletes looking to prepare for big events or take part in international competitions. With pleasant temperatures year-round and plenty of sunshine, the Canaries attract professional cyclists, swimmers, and other athletes seeking top-notch training conditions.
Le Teide National Park on the island of Tenerife is a popular training ground for cycling champions due to its challenging roads and high altitude. Legendary cyclists like Chris Froome, Tadej Pogacar, and Primoz Roglic have been spotted training on the steep roads of the park. Two-time Tour de France winner Alberto Contador has also trained in the Canaries for years, citing the ideal altitude of 1800 meters above sea level that allows for hypoxic training. The archipelago’s diverse terrain and exceptional outdoor conditions have made it a magnet for sports stars from around the world.
Professional cyclists aren’t the only ones who benefit from training in the Canaries. The islands host prestigious competitions such as the Transgrancanaria, Tenerife Blue-Trail, and Ironman Lanzarote, attracting athletes from various disciplines. The Lanzarote sailing spot has also become a popular training destination for sailors, with a multitude of international teams praising the consistent winds and exceptional marine life in the bay. The infrastructure in the Canary Islands has adapted to accommodate athletes, with over 30 high-level sports centers and numerous recovery and physiotherapy facilities available to support training needs.
Italy is one of the nations that have established training grounds in the Canary Islands, reaping the benefits with athletes like Marcel Jacobs, who won gold in the 100 meters at the Tokyo Olympics. Italian athletes praise the top-notch facilities in the archipelago, including the track at the Antonio Dominguez Alfonso stadium. World-class swimmers also flock to the Canaries to train in the golden pools, with athletes like Alessandro Miressi and Katinka Hosszu attesting to the ideal training conditions. Swimmers training in facilities like Tenerife’s Top Training aquatic center have seen success in international competitions, with Italy’s men’s team winning numerous medals in European championships.
The Canary Islands continue to be a sought-after destination for athletes seeking optimal training conditions and top-notch facilities. From professional cyclists tackling the challenging routes of Le Teide National Park to world-class swimmers honing their skills in state-of-the-art aquatic centers, the archipelago offers a diverse range of training opportunities for athletes of all disciplines. With its pleasant climate, diverse terrain, and exceptional infrastructure, the Canary Islands have solidified their reputation as a sports paradise that attracts champions from around the world.
