The most innovative sporting event in the Canary Islands is now opening its books to entrants. As registration and the build up to the Tres Islas on May 31st starts to gather pace.
Las Tres Islas 2008 – which is enjoying its Fifth Anniversary this year – is a unique quadrathalon. And takes place across three of the seven Canary Islands. Encompassing La Graciosa, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura in its spectacular sporting scope.
The unique event extends the already gruelling triathlon format and takes it to another level altogether. Inviting entrants to compete in four different disciplines, across three islands in one day. With nothing to power them other than their own natural energy.
Las Tres Islas kicks off on the shores of the neighbouring island of La Graciosa (thought to be the real life setting of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic book Treasure Island).
From the harbour area of Caleta de Sebo contestants swim 2km across the Rio straits – before reaching dry land again on Lanzarote at the Playa del Risco beach – which lies just below Cesar Manrique´s well known creation the Mirador del Rio.
After a quick towel down and change of clothing entrants then race on foot up the 2km long pathway from the beach – climbing some 650km in the process. At the top, they then collect their racing bikes and set off on a 72km cycle ride – which winds its way through some of the most picturesque (and hence telegenic) landscapes on the island.
Dropping down past Guinate and into Maguez, the cyclists’ battle up some small hills before arriving in Haría, and start the steady road climb up “Curvas del Malpaso” towards the “Mirador del Haría” restaurant.
From there they will continue along the long sweeping road downhill towards Teguise,and then up towards the Monumento al Campesino – the geographical centre of Lanzarote – just outside San Bartolomé. Passing along the recently re-surfaced roads of La Geria and onto the island’s beautiful wine-growing regions of El Grifo, the cyclists will then turn left up and over the hill into La Asomada, and then on to Yaiza. From here they continue along the quiet old main road towards the third stage finish line in Playa Blanca.
This is the point at which Las Tres Islas really strays from the conventional triathlon format in spectacular fashion. As the grand finale of the event invites the now somewhat knackered contestants to complete their second sea crossing of the day. But this time in any type of sea faring craft of their choosing – so long, of course, as it doesn’t have a motor.
Resulting in a fantastic flotilla of varied vessels and boards akin to an aquatic wacky races – as windsurfers, kite surfers, hobie catamarans and whatever else entrants can lay their hands on speed across the Bocaina Straits to the final finishing line just outside Corralejo on the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura. Where the whole event culminates in the mother of all beach parties.
Despite its serious sporting credentials though, the event is much more about community spirit and participation than individual athletic prowess. Making it accessible to all – not just super fit athletes. As many contestants enter as part of a group of friends, family or work colleagues and split the various stages amongst themselves. So sharing the endurance burden.
If anything the real stars of the event are the Canaries themselves – as Las Tres Islas has been specifically designed to highlight the intense natural beauty of the islands and to emphasise their relevance as an ideal destination for sports, eco and rural tourism. And fittingly the event is being staged on Dia de Canarias – the islands most important ‘national’ holiday.
According to event organizer Tila Braddock from Youths United (the team behind Las Tres Islas); “This event has massive potential as a tool for helping to promote both individual islands and the Canaries as a whole and we look forward to working with the authorities to show the Canaries in the best possible light as a sports Mecca with fantastic weather and a unique beauty. Las Tres Islas 2008 will have more top athletes, more high profile celebrities, more international TV coverage and the best party ever to round things off on the beach in Fuerteventura”
For more information and entry details contact Youths United direct on 0034 928 592 329 or by email :: info@youthsunited.com
All Photos © James Mitchell
