As record breaking snow paralyzed Central Europe this past weekend the 2023 European gran fondo season wrapped-up at Gran Fondo Pico de las Nievas in the tropical Canary Islands of Spain.

Starting with a perfect sunny riding temperature of 18C (65F), 300 lucky participants embarked upon a 138 kilometers long gran fondo route that climbed to the 1912 meter volcanic summit of Pico de las Nievas, before enjoying a well earned long descent back to the finish in Telde.

Reigning Canary Islands cycling champion Blas Rivero (Z2 Bike) was fastest over the three timed competitive segments to earn the overall victory, while also winning the Pico de las Nievas KOM competition with a time of 1:12:26. Matti Helminen of Finland finished second, with José Ramón Alvarez Gutierrez taking the final podium step.

Former continental pro Josefine Huitfeldt (The Service Course) of Denmark was the fastest woman, earning the QOM title in 1:40:11, followed by Andrea Perez Figueroa and Estonian Greete Steinburg.

Photo Credit: La Provencia

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