When we say that Lanzarote is a perfect location for sports-people of all levels of abilities; from enthusiast to amateur to professionals to world champions, it’s no wild claim.

The island’s landscape, facilities and climate make it hard to beat for sport related activities, whether relating to training or competitive events, and in a couple of weeks we welcome the return of the  Third Vuelta Playa Blanca. It’s a cycle race which is a perfect illustration of why Lanzarote is a paradise for all sportsmen and sportswomen.

For those who don’t know about it, the Vuelta Playa Blanca is a cycle race with a bit of a difference as the 70+ contestants race through Playa Blanca’s streets using hand cycles. The race starts in the centre of Playa Blanca at midday on the 12th February and Sands Beach Resort will be there as usual to cheer on one our sponsored athletes and good friend, Rafa Botello.

Although the big race takes place on Sunday the 12th, there’s another, less competitive, event on Saturday 11th  February. The 1st Concentración Ciclista de Lanzarote is open to everyone of all ages (participants  under 13 must be accompanied by an adult) and cycling abilities and bikes of any sort from leisure to mountain to handbikes. The 1st Concentración Ciclista de Lanzarote starts at H10 Timanfaya Palace at 11.00 (registration drom 10.15am) and finishes at Puerto Marina Rubicon… well, whenever you get there.

Registration is free, but a contribution of €3 (which goes to the TriWWW charity supporting people with disabilities through involvement in sporting activities) will ensure your name is entered in a draw and you’re in with a chance of winning some great prizes including dinner at some of Lanzarote’s top restaurants, T-shirts and loads more.

As always, the Vuelta Playa Blanca promises to be an hard fought and exciting race and the events planned around it, like the 1st Concentración Ciclista de Lanzarote, a lot of fun.

Lying on the south east coast of Lanzarote where, sheltered from the dominant NE winds of the area and protected from high waves by the presence of the islands of Fuertaventura and Lobos it’s the ideal base for sailing, is the deluxe marina of Puerto Calero, venue for the 2012 RC44 Cup to be held from 8th to 12th February 2012.

The RC44 is a boat which is suitable for both lake and coastal conditions and is effective in both fleet and match racing. Designed by Andrej Justin and first created in 2005 from an idea by New Zealand sailor Russell Coutts (RC) to develop a smaller and more portable America’s Cup class, the RC44′s scoop, keel and mast can be dismantled so that the boat fits into a 40′ container for easy transportation. So popular has the boat proved to be that in just five years the class has expanded across three continents. The RC44 has been gracing the off-shore seas of Lanzarote since 2007.

The picturesque marina of Puerto Calero first opened her floating pontoons in 1989 with 220 berths and has been expanded over the years to 420 berths for boats up to 60 metres in length and 20 super yacht berths for boats between 25 and 50 metres. As well as sailing, the nautical contingent can indulge in sea kayaking, fishing, diving or heading out on a submarine safari while the family landlubbers get to grips with golf, squash or tennis. And with brand label boutiques lining up alongside restaurants whose menus range from Britain to China, via Italy and Argentina, the focus is very firmly on leisure.

Having ended their 2011 World Cup season here in November last year, the RC44 class returns to Puerto Calero in February to kick off their 2012 racing calendar. For spectators, the event promises to be an exciting two days of racing over Thursday 9th and Friday 10th February, and with all the additional razzmatazz of an International boating event, Puerto Calero is the place to be.

Photos from www.rc44puertocalero.com and marina.puertocalero.com

What is it about Lanzarote that produces athletes made from girders? Is it the stark, volcanic terrain that transfers its rugged nature to the island’s inhabitants or perhaps the near constant breeze that instils a spirit of man pitted against the elements? Either way, Mother Nature is certainly to be held partly responsible for producing an island whose terrain and weather create such a perfect setting for athletes to train and compete 365 days a year. The rest is down to the friendliness and warmth of the participating athletes, organisers and spectators that make Lanzarote such a unique sporting venue.

Home to the extraordinary rigours of the annual Lanzarote Ironman competition, Lanzarote is rapidly becoming one of Europe’s foremost triathlon venues and the first triathlon of 2012 is just around the corner.

Organised by Enduroman in conjunction with Lanzarote Cabildo and officially registered with IUTA (International Ultra Triathlon Association), the Second Enduroman Lanzarote will be held over the weekend of the 4th and 5th of February in the island’s southern resort of Playa Blanca. Four individual events will be held simultaneously over the weekend allowing athletes to choose which distances suit them best. The four categories are:

Double Enduroman: 7.6km swimming; 360km cycling; 84km running – entry fee €285
Enduroman: 3.8km swimming; 180km cycling; 42km running – entry fee €190
Half Enduroman: 1.9km swimming; 90km cycling; 21km running – entry fee €110
Olympic Enduroman: 1.5km swimming; 40km cycling; 10km running – entry fee €40

Athletes competing in the triathlons will each receive a race bag, gels and isotonic during the race, a finishing T shirt and medal. Winners will get prize money of:
Double Enduroman €350
Enduroman €250
Half Enduroman €150
Olympic Enduroman €100

The Course
The swim section will be held from the resort beach in Playa Blanca with the Double, Enduroman and Half Enduroman swimmers completing eight, four or two laps respectively around a 950 metre circuit. The Olympic Enduroman swimmers will complete 2 laps of a 750 metre circuit.
The cycle segment will take riders around a 15km return circuit beginning in the centre of Playa Blanca along the coastal road to Charco de Los Clicos.
Runners will pound a 2630 metre circuit from the town centre, heading along the promenade towards Marina Rubicon and will complete 32, 16 or eight laps according to their category. Olympic Enduroman runners will continue the circuit for a further 700 metres and will complete three laps to make up their 10km distance.

The deadline for registration for Enduroman Lanzarote 2012 is 31st January 2012 and you can apply online.

Sun, sea, sand and sports
Whether you’re an athlete, a support crew member, a volunteer or a spectator, Enduroman Lanzarote is a chance to enjoy one of the island’s newest resorts and experience the warmth and friendliness of its world class sports facilities and competitions.

Just 5 nautical kilometres from the neighbouring Canary Island of Fuerteventura, Playa Blanca has regular ferry crossings between the two islands. Its long, golden beach was the site of the first Europeans to invade the Canary Islands at the beginning of the 15th century and changed little over the ensuing years until the 1980s when it was developed for tourism.

Very much Lanzarote’s quieter resort, Playa Blanca provides the perfect setting for Enduroman Triathlon and is in easy distance of Sands Beach Resort.

Photos Bob Foy

Fast paced and skilful, handball is a major sport in Europe and a firm favourite in Spain. Sands Beach Resort are proud to be a key sponsor of the 2012 International Mens Handball Tournament held in Arrecife, the Lanzarote capital. Working closely with the Lanzarote cabildo (government) and Lanzarote Tourism, Sands Beach will be eager to see some hard fought games.

Sands Beach is a natural partner for this event as the beachfront hotel is both a family and sporting centre and is used to hosting visitors from many action sports. The 2012 tournament runs from 6^th to 8^th January and features Spain, Tunisia, and Argentina, all top ranking nations on the world stage. All games start at 1pm and entrance is free.

The action starts on Friday 6^th January with Spain v Argentina, continues the next day with Argentina v Tunisia, and concludes in the 8^th January with Spain v Tunisia. The venue is the Palicio de los Deportes in Arrecife, just a 15 minute drive away from Costa Teguise. Pop along if you get the chance and see why this game grips the Spanish nation.