Triathlons to Lanzarote are a bit like scandals to politicians – they happen on a fairly regular basis, and the island has long played host to the cruellest of triathlete tests with Ironman Lanzarote.

Last year the island held its first Ocean Lava Lanzarote Triathlon and it was such a huge success that the organisers are repeating the exercise this year on the 8th October 2011. Coming in at precisely half the distance covered by Ironman, it’s a chance for lesser mortals to participate in what is nevertheless a tough test of strength and endurance, as well as giving Ironman athletes a a real time workout.

The Stages
The Ocean Lava Lanzarote Triathlon begins at 8am with a 1.9km swim course which is held over two loops off Playa Grande beach in Puerto del Carmen. From there, athletes will dash for their bikes and set off on a 90km cycle ride which will take them through Lanzarote’s extraordinary and unique landscape of volcanoes and vines.

The biggest test on the cycle circuit is the energy sapping Fermés climb from 35 metres to 355 metres above sea level with a 20% incline to make the final push to the top. With Fermés mercifully behind them, participants then cycle through the volcanic wonderland of Timanfaya National Park before returning to Puerto del Carmen to face the final test.

On legs that by ordinary standards would now be fit only to take their owners to the nearest horizontal position, participants begin a 21.1km run over a three lap circuit along the sea front at Puerto del Carmen.

Be a part of Ocean Lava Lanzarote
The organisers anticipate that they can accommodate up to 1000 athletes participating and the early commitments are already off to a flying start with well over 100 registrations. The fee for participating in the event is €150 for individuals and €220 for a relay team. Registration is available online and is open up until 24th September 2011.

If you don’t see yourself as a triathlete, you can still participate by volunteering to help out on the day. Enthusiastic volunteers are needed for a multitude of tasks from helping to lay out the courses and areas to cleaning up when all the participants and crowds have dispersed. T shirts and food and drink are provided and you get to be a part of the wonderful atmosphere and camaraderie of the event. You can volunteer online at the Ocean Lava Lanzarote website.

Apart from rigorous training, a nutritional diet and super fitness levels, one if the things that keeps participants going on the day is the encouragement they get from the crowds. If you’re on  holiday at Sands Beach Resort over the weekend of 8th October 2011, why not apply the sunscreen, grab the sun hat and pop over to Puerto del Carmen on the Saturday to lend your support. It’s a great day out and you can enjoy the after triathlon party afterwards which promises to carry on until the early hours or as long as legs will hold up.

All photographs are from James Mitchell Photography

It’s funny how geographical features can sometimes be referred to in terms that completely belie their reality, like referring to the Atlantic Ocean as the pond. I mean, we’re talking over 4,500 nautical miles of ocean. The word understatement doesn’t really cover it.

Well El Rio (the river), which is what the participants in the Travesia a Nado El Rio have to swim, is a little bit like that. El Rio is the local name for the stretch of sea that divides Lanzarote from its satellite island of La Graciosa, the most north easterly point of the Canary Islands.  Unlike the mental image of a lazy, slow moving body of water that the name conjures up, the reality is a stretch of 2,600 metres of open water which can regularly take pleasure boat and ferry passengers to the brink of sea sickness and beyond.

On 24th September 2011, over 600 swimmers will make their way to the tiny harbour of Caleta del Sebo on La Graciosa where, beneath the fluttering bunting, and encouraged and supported by crowds of spectators, they will register for their race number, their dorsal and their chip. There will be synchronised warm up sessions, massages, sunscreen application and photo calls on the white sand paradise island before the swimmers are ferried to Playa Bajo Risco on Lanzarote’s northern tip of La Haría for the 12.30pm start of the race.

El Rio is part of the largest marine reserve in Spain and although the water is only 10 to 12 metres deep, it can swell in the middle and the undercurrents can be deceptive. Last year’s winner came home in a time of 34 minutes and 38 seconds and 586 out of the 650 starters finished the swim. It’s a fantastic day out for spectators and swimmers alike and it’s the most popular of all the Canary Islands swim events, particularly as it allows visitors to enjoy a taste of paradise on La Graciosa.

Registration
All participants in this, the 19th edition of the Lanzarote to La Graciosa Travesía a Nado El Rio, have to be accredited as fit to do the swim before they can register and there are flotillas of boats, lifeguards and a helicopter on hand to ensure their safety. Places are limited so if you want to participate, complete your online registration before the cut off date of 7th September 2011.

There are going to be some epic sea battles off Lanzarote’s shores in September as man goes up against what is considered by many professional fisherman to be the equivalent of the Barcelona of big game fishing; the sleek, blue and very dangerous marlin fish.

The IX Marina Rubicón Marlin Cup is three days of competition fishing followed by a post tournament blow out party at the port of Playa Blanca. It is also a qualifier for the IGFA offshore World Championship which concludes in Mexico next year and as such is bound to attract the world’s top big game fishermen. Over 50 boats are expected to participate.

Ironically, three days of competitive marlin fishing for marlin doesn’t mean that the fish of the day on menus in Lanzarote‘s restaurants is going to be what you might think is the obvious. The IGFA have a strong conservationist policy and are currently running a ‘Take Marlin Off the Menu’ campaign because of concerns about the threat to marlin populations posed by commercial overfishing.

The IX Marina Rubicón Marlin Cup takes place from 15th to 17th September 2011 at Playa Blanca.

Carmen opens the back of the van and takes out neat bundles of silver foil which she passes to each of us, along with an apple and a chocolate bar. “Lunch”, she smiles, as we head off towards Monte Corona, stopping every so often for Carmen to point out the native flora.

Born in Prague to a Czech mother and a Peruvian father, Carmen has lived on Lanzarote for eight years. Three years ago she set up Lanzarote Active Club in order to “start enjoying the things that are important to me” as she puts it.

Like so many of us, somewhere in between earning a living and raising a family, Carmen realised that the joy she got from doing the things she loved most – spending time outdoors and developing a deeper understanding of nature and her environment – was being sucked away by life’s necessities. But unlike most of us, she didn’t just sigh and carry on, she decided to do something about it. And that’s when she set up Lanzarote Active Club.

As we walk and chat, we can hear whistling and we look around to see two farmers trying to attract the attention of a Podenco (Ibizan Hound) who seems far more intent on tracking down rabbits than she does responding to her calls. After a while the farmers give up and disappear inside their finca. The dog begins to follow us at a distance. We continue on our hike, trekking the Cliffs of Famara with their jaw-dropping views over La Graciosa and watching an amazing aerial battle between two male falcons over the attentions of a female.

Still the Podenco follows us. Now she’s braver, rubbing her soft muzzle against our hands; her bright eyes and keen expression revealing her intelligence, her protruding ribs betraying a lack of regular food. When we arrive back at the van, Carmen puts the dog inside and we drive all the way back to the finca to deliver her to her owners. But it turns out they don’t own her. She’s a stray who’s been around for months and she’s clearly in need of care. Carmen resolves to keep her overnight and then to take her to Ladies Who Lunch – an animal protection organisation – who will find her a home.

That’s Carmen. Her caring nature ensures that everyone in her group is okay and is getting the experience they want from the trip. She always takes an extra sandwich on her guided walks for the dog who’s chained in the yard at the finca and she takes responsibility for a stray because it’s in need of help.

Two days later, Francesca is leading us on a hike to Peñas del Chache, her passion for vulcanology providing us with fascinating insights into the different types of volcanic eruptions that have formed Lanzarote. An encyclopedia of information, she points out to us the way that the terrain changes as time passes between eruption and present day and she explains the invaluable role algae play in the restoration of the planet.

Born in a small village outside Rimini where her mother still lives, Francesca exhibits a love verging on obsession for the environment in which she lives, at one point taking the entire group on a small detour rather than walk through a spider web across the path. Like Carmen, she stops to point out the various indigenous flora and to explain how the plants trap and retain moisture in this arid terrain. Her enthusiasm is infectious, as is her knowledge. By the time we get back to Sands Beach Resort, I find I can identify and name at least half a dozen plant species en route.

Later that evening we head into Arrecife for a wine tasting being held by Alena, the third member of the Active Lanzarote Club team. I come away with a deeper understanding of the wine culture on Lanzarote, knowing how to taste wine properly and a glow on my cheeks which must have come from the exertions of the day and couldn’t possibly have come from doing Alena a favour by draining the unfinished bottles…

With Active Lanzarote Club you don’t just get a walking guide who ensures your health and safety while showing you the best bits of Lanzarote, you also gain an understanding of botany, vulcanology and viniculture. And you get it while enjoying the company of what feels like friends – a family.

Incidentally, the Podenco never made it to Ladies Who Lunch, she was adopted by Carmen’s friend who already owned a Podenco and who fell in love with our stray while looking after her overnight. And they’re all living happily ever after…aaahhh

Visiting Lanzarote without taking a tour of its inspiring volcanic landscape would be a bit like visiting the Sahara without seeing sand. The volcanic cones and crater that lend the island an other-worldly aspect are part of the island’s character and the reason why, every now and again, you’ll come across an angry looking little devil brandishing his three pronged fork.

There are plenty of coach tours to transport visitors from their resorts in Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca to the heart of Lanzarote’s lava land. And most people know about the trips into Timanfaya National Park where natural magic is performed when dry tinder is placed in holes to apparently self combust and where the hot earth sends geysers of water shooting into the air. However, some of the most spectacular craters and astounding views lie away from the well trodden tourist track. A bit of effort is required to be rewarded with some Lanzarote experiences that deliver awe inspiring vistas that most visitors to the island never get to enjoy.

One of these is the La Caldera Blanca and El Cuervo walking route organised by Lanzarote Active Club who work closely with Sands Beach Resort. The route covers between 8 and 10 kilometres of volcanic terrain (not all in the one location) and takes in three very different volcanoes –  two of which are guaranteed to bring on those essential ‘WOW’ moments – even for anyone familiar with volcanic landscapes.

Apart from the ascent of the first volcano, Montaña Blanca, which involves a bit of a thigh testing climb (no problem for anyone who’s reasonably fit and it does mean that it keeps it exclusive), the going is on the flat; or at least as flat as volcanic terrain can be. Trust me, the climb to the lip of Montaña Blanca is more than worth the effort. The rewards are not only epic views across Timanfaya National Park but a unique sight of La Caldera Blanca; a perfectly formed, 1 kilometre in diameter crater whose hidden floor is a favourite grazing spot for goats.

The second of the three volcanoes, Montaña Negra is a cinder cone whose slopes glint with a reddish hue under the Lanzarote sun. Nearby is possibly the most interesting of the trio, El Cuervo. The volcano slopes to ragged and jagged dramatic peaks which contrast with the bizarre formations that resemble whisked chocolate cake mix at a gap in the wall that leads to the heart of the crater. Standing on the floor of El Cuervo is both humbling and slightly unnerving as it can invoke a sense of being transported from a sub-tropical holiday island into a place that feels completely unfamiliar. It’s a sensation that is quite overpowering and an appropriately exciting end to Lanzarote Active Club’s walking route through Lanzarote’s volcanoes.

The route takes half a day and costs €35. Transport and a picnic are included in the price.

More details to follow.

There’s a buzz around the beach at Las Cucharas as the summer trade winds lift the rainbow sails of Lanzarote windsurfing and send them riding across the waves. It’s a little over two weeks until the start of the 2011 PWA Windsurf World Tour and everyone’s looking forward to seeing some spectacular freestyle sailing.

Like everything else, the PWA (Professional Windsurfers Association) World Tour has been affected by the world economic crisis with the result that this year, it’s only the freestyle men who will get to compete in the Costa Teguise event. But that won’t dampen the spirits of the sailors and spectators who will crowd the beautiful bay over the four days of the event to enjoy the sun and the spectacle. Costa Teguise is hoping that the weather puts in a better performance than at last year’s competition and musters its trademark constant 15 – 20 knots with good waves to produce some world class moves.

The PWA rankings currently have last year’s winner, Jose ‘Gollito’ Estredo, sitting in second position to Kiri Thode who stood in second place on the podium last year. But with Kiri currently sitting in pole position at Bonaire and Gollito in fourth as I write, it’s likely to be another exciting battle of the waves between the topped ranked players when they set sail in Lanzarote. With valuable points and prize money of 30,000 euros at stake, there’s plenty to play for.

For spectators, Playa Cucharas is a perfect crescent-shaped bay backed by shops, bars and restaurants where days usually slip by in sun-filled hours of golden beach, clear waters, finger-licking lunches and chilled beers. But when the PWA Tour comes to town, the adrenalin is notched up and everyone gets carried away on the tide of excitement and the party atmosphere. If you’re lucky enough to be staying at Sands Beach Resort, an idyllic coastal stroll takes you to the action within minutes and later in the day, back to the Mai Tai for a chill out and a sundowner.

Fact file:
PWA Freestyle Windsurf  Tour; June 30th – July 3rd 2011; Playa Las Cucharas, Costa Teguise; the Championships move to Gran Canaria (July 5th – July 10th), Tenerife (July 14th – 20th) and Fuerteventura (July 22nd – August 1st)

Photos from PWA World Tour gallery

The Lanzarote Wine Run is a 21.1 kilometre cross country race with a bit of a difference. Not only do the winners receive the equivalent of their own weight in the best Lanzarote wines as a prize, runners are offered the opportunity to sample the island’s wines along the route.

It’s quite a bizarre aspect to a race and we’re not sure how many athletes actually take the opportunity to sample Malvasias, Diegos and Moscatels as they race through Lanzarote‘s countryside, but it does add a fun element to the proceedings.

The route begins at the Los Dolores Church in Mancha Blanca at 10 am on 19th June and follows a trail through the incredible volcanic vineyards of La Geria where the unique landscape is pockmarked by rows of circular picón pits in which the grapes are grown. As is the norm, there will be plenty of water and, in this particular event, wine sampling stations throughout the length of the course. Not so much a case of wining and dining, but wining and winning.

The Lanzarote Wine Run 2011 also includes a 10 kilometre hike through the La Geria region. It’s probably the more suitable option for those whose interests veer more towards wine tasting than running across a challenging volcanic landscape.

Anyone interested in entering the Lanzarote Wine Run should register before 10th June.

“Not sure the legs are going to hold up tonight” was the fear from some as the Lanzarote Ironman Awards Party kicked off last night to reward those whose superhuman achievements had taken them to a podium place.

It was a dark and chilly start to the event this year as 1500 athletes lined up on Playa Grande, spurred on by an enthusiastic crowd who had sacrificed sleep to lend their support to the pre-dawn start. At the swim section Rachel Joyce and Natasha Badman led the field for the women while Konstantin Bachor and Timo Bracht set the pace for the men.
It was a fast swim section, the conditions and tide proving favourable for the athletes and the leaders emerging from the water in under fifty minutes.

As predicted, it was the cycle section that proved the toughest test for many with the wind being “brutal” in some parts as one athlete described it and even some rain making an appearance during this section. Rachel Joyce maintained her lead for the women with Natasha Badman just five minutes behind her at the start, but Rachel increased that lead to eight minutes by time she returned to Puerto del Carmen. Konstantin Bachor and Timo Bracht continued to lead the field for the men with less than four minutes between them.

Local pro triathlete and Sands Beach Resort sponsored participant, Nico Ward began the cycle section in 20th position but quickly pulled out the stops for an incredible ride, gaining five places to 15th by the time he reached Famara and another four to get him to 11th slot at Los Valles. Coming into his strongest section, the marathon, Nico was looking determined to raise his game even further.

Back in Puerto del Carmen as the spectators waited for the first of the bikes to appear, the sun finally decided to join us, blazing from behind the clouds to add an even tougher dimension to the marathon. As the first wheels came into sight, rumours spread of a new record for the event, adding to the excitement and the party atmosphere being fuelled by the music and entertainment.

To tumultuous support from the crowds, the athletes began their final test under a fierce sun. First to cross the finish line, having made up the gap between him and Bachor to snatch the lead and take the tape in record-breaking time, was Timo Bracht. Bachor came in second place just four and a half minutes behind Bracht. Rachel Joyce maintained the lead she had taken right from the swim to finish in first place for the women and just three and a half minutes short of breaking the record which has been held by Paula Newby-Fraser since 1995.

After an incredibly exciting battle for fourth, fifth and sixth place, Nico Ward finished in fifth position with a run time of 2:50:37 taking his total time to an incredible 09:02:45. Congratulations, Nico, we’re all so proud of you!

As always, Ironman Lanzarote proved to be an incredible day. A huge debt of gratitude goes to all those who participated, volunteered and supported the race and to those who provided live coverage throughout the day. A special thank you also goes to James at James Mitchell Photography for his awesome photos.

We’re already looking forward to 2012.

Results:
Men
1 Timo Bracht GER 08:30:34
2 Konstantin Bachor GER 08:44:06
3 Esben Hovgaard DEN 08:54:38
4 Joel Jameson GBR 09:01:49
5 Nicholas Peter Ward Muñoz GBR 09:02:45
6 Gregorio Caceres Morales ESP 09:03:46

Women
1 Rachel Joyce GBR 09:28:12
2 Natascha Badmann SUI 09:43:40
3 Karina Ottosen DEN 10:10:15
4 Heidi Jesberger GER 10:28:33
5 Emma Ruth Smith GBR 10:31:08
6 Angela Niklaus SUI 10:34:05

Image by James Mitchell Photography

With training tapered off to rest muscles, nerves are on edge and tendons are twitching as there’s just one week to go before athletes line up at Playa Grande in Puerto del Carmen to kick off one of the world’s most gruelling triathlon races with the swim course.

Now in its 20th year, Ironman Lanzarote 2011 was sold out in just two months of registration opening when the lists were closed at 1450 registered participants, leaving 75 slots open for pro athletes. In total, more than 1500 athletes will compete.

Topping the nationalities participating is Spain with 32% of the field, followed closely by the UK with 26%. The rest of the field is made up of mainly Europeans but there are representatives from 40 different countries, from Argentina to Venezuela, making up the International starting line.

The race begins at 7am with the swim section which comprises a distance of 3.8 kilometres over two loops of 1.9 kilometres each. Anyone still in the water at 09.20am will end their Ironman challenge at that point. Although anyone who has witnessed the lemming-like run into the water at the start of an Ironman competition may think it looks like a free-for-all, in fact the athletes are grouped into three sections – pro athletes, those whose swim time is expected to be under 65 minutes, and everyone else.

Emerging from the sea and shedding wetsuits, athletes then run to the bike area for the start of what is arguably the most gruelling leg of the competition – a 180.2 kilometres of cycling. Involving over 2551 metres of climbing, including the long slog to Los Nieves and the Mirador del Haría from which the views are so stunning. Not that the athletes will be hanging around to take any snapshots, hurtling instead on the short downward before climbing again to Mirador del Rio before the worst of the thigh crunching is complete.

The cut off time for the cycle section is 6.30pm and anyone still in the saddle after that will have to pedal off into the distance, their challenge ended.

The final and most exciting section of the race is the 42.2 kilometres marathon run which consists of three laps – the first is 18.66 kilometres followed by two laps each of 11.80 kilometres. The distance is run along the Puerto del Carmen seafront of Avenida de Las Playas to Playa Honda with the second and third laps looping at Matagorda and the route is traditionally lined with thousands of spectators urging the athletes on to achieve new personal best times.

Athletes have until midnight to complete the final leg of the triathlon before time will be called on their efforts.

The leaders and podium places are expected to complete the course in a time of under 10 hours and the records being chased are a final time of 08:35:40 for men, held by Thomas Hellriegel of Germany and 09:24:39 for women held by Paula Newby-Fraser of Zimbabwe.