La Tea Granfondo
San Andrés y Sauces · September 26, 2026
A UCI-recognised road cyclosportive through the northern region of La Palma, starting and finishing in San Andrés y Sauces, combining the cycling challenge with local gastronomy, rural tourism and the products of Barlovento, Garafía and Puntagorda.
La Tea Granfondo 2026 has already taken place
Start preparing for the next one: arrive with your gear tested and your form dialled in.
La Tea Granfondo
La Tea Granfondo is a UCI-recognised road cyclosportive that from 2026 holds its 5th edition, starting and finishing in San Andrés y Sauces, in the northeast of La Palma. It is part of the Ruta de La Tea, a project that goes far beyond cycling: alongside the sporting challenge, the organisation showcases local gastronomy, rural tourism, local product tastings and the ethnography of the municipalities in the island’s north.
A 91-kilometre route through northern La Palma
The main route combines 91 km with 2,600 m of elevation gain, crossing some of the most iconic landscapes of Barlovento, Garafía and Puntagorda before returning to San Andrés y Sauces. Those who prefer a more manageable distance can take on the MedioFondo, 48 km with 1,400 m+, which covers a shorter route through the same region. Both modalities share the same start and finish, and there are several feed stations along the way.
Much more than cycling
What sets La Tea Granfondo apart from other road events is its ambition to showcase northern La Palma: the organisation pairs the race with rural tourism activities, visits to farms and livestock operations, and tastings of local produce, aiming to promote and boost the local economy. The event also applies environmental sustainability measures, in keeping with the volcanic and protected surroundings in which it takes place.
San Andrés y Sauces beyond the ride
San Andrés y Sauces preserves some of the greenest landscapes on La Palma, with the Barranco del Nogal ravine, the Cueva del Agua cave and a historic centre of traditional Canarian architecture. The northern region of the island, neighbouring Barlovento, Garafía and Puntagorda, offers volcanic viewpoints, natural pools and a network of trails that invite you to extend your stay beyond the event weekend. Discover more rides in the region at Canary Islands.
Your 360 Pack
Everything you need to prepare for this event, in one place.
La Tea Granfondo 2026 registration
Registration is managed through TrackingSport, with a reduced price until late August and registration closing in mid-September. Places are limited as this is a UCI-recognised event.
Tips
- Register early: the price rises once the August discount ends
- Check whether you need a UCI licence or one-day insurance to start
Where to stay for La Tea Granfondo
San Andrés y Sauces and the rest of northern La Palma have a limited supply of rural houses and small hotels, so booking well in advance is advisable for the late-September weekend.
Tips
- Book accommodation in San Andrés y Sauces or Puntallana several weeks ahead
- Los Sauces is a convenient base thanks to its proximity to the start
Bike gear for La Tea Granfondo
With 2,600 m+ in just 91 km, the route demands generous gearing and a well-tuned bike before tackling the climbs of the island's north.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Fit a wide-range cassette for the route's long climbs
- Check brakes and tyres: there are technical descents on the route
Technical clothing for La Tea Granfondo
In late September in La Palma, temperatures are mild at the coast but can drop at altitude, with the intense sun typical of the Canary climate for much of the route.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Wear a light, breathable jersey for the Canary heat and sun
- Pack a light windbreaker for the higher-altitude sections
Nutrition for La Tea Granfondo
The 2,600 m+ of accumulated climbing over 91 km calls for a solid fuelling strategy, complementing the organisation's feed stations with your own gels or bars on the toughest sections.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Make use of the official feed stations and carry a backup of your own
- Hydrate well before the start given the island's typical heat
How to get to San Andrés y Sauces
San Andrés y Sauces sits in the northeast of the island of La Palma, about 30 minutes by car from La Palma airport and from Santa Cruz de La Palma.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Fly into La Palma airport (SPC), the closest to the municipality
- Flying with your bike requires packing it: check with your airline
Car rental in La Palma
To get around the northern region and reach San Andrés y Sauces, the most practical option is renting a car at La Palma airport.
Tips
- Book the car in advance: availability drops on the event weekend
Sports insurance for La Tea Granfondo
As a UCI-recognised event, a federative licence or one-day insurance is mandatory to take the start.
Tips
- Federative licence or one-day insurance required
Body care for La Tea Granfondo
The Canary sun is intense even in late September, and the 2,600 m+ of climbing calls for taking care of your skin and your recovery after crossing the line.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Wear high-protection mineral sunscreen throughout the event
- Stretch and rehydrate well at the finish, after the accumulated climbing
Components for La Tea Granfondo
With 2,600 m of climbing over 91 km through the volcanic passes of northern La Palma, wide-range gearing and reliable power data help pace your effort between Barlovento, Garafía and Puntagorda.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Fit a wide-range cassette for the ramps in the northern region
- Set power zones per section so you don't empty the tank before Puntagorda
Sunglasses for La Tea Granfondo
The volcanic La Palma sun in late September and the long hours on the road make good eye protection essential across the 91 km route.
Guides to get you ready
Tips
- Pair your sunglasses with sunscreen to properly cover the eye area
