A historic 27th edition of The North Face Transgrancanaria kicked off today with challenging conditions. Under a cold, rainy sky, the Kilómetro Vertical (KV) El Gigante crowned its new champions: Germany’s Madlen Kappeler and Italy’s Henri Aymonod, who continues to build his legacy with a third consecutive victory in the event.
A Battle Against Time and the Elements
Starting at 3:30 PM from the picturesque Agaete Valley, runners faced a grueling 5.5-kilometer climb with 1,090 meters of elevation gain. The finish line, located in the Tamadaba Recreational Area at an altitude of 1,225 meters, greeted the athletes with a truly wintery atmosphere that intensified the ascent.
In the women’s race, the late withdrawals of favorites like Ida-Sophie Hegemann, Naiara Irigoyen, and Camila Magliano opened up the competition. German professional triathlete Madlen Kappeler (Sportshoes) surprised the field, posting a time of 48:21, just 10 seconds ahead of Spain’s Moana Lilly Kehres (Joma), who fought hard until the incredibly complete. Italy’s Arianna Dentis (Atletica Saluzzo) completed the podium, having been the first to start the race.
Aymonod: The “King” of El Gigante
The men’s race saw no surprises as Italy’s Henri Aymonod (The North Face) reaffirmed his dominance with a stunning time of 39:08. This victory marks his third consecutive year at the top of the podium. The podium was an all-Italian affair, with Edoardo Rossano (Runaway ASD) and Matteo Siletto taking second and third place, respectively.
Canarian Talent Shines in the Peaks
Local pride was on full display with a spectacular performance from Moana Lilly Kehres, who led the Canarian residents’ category. She was followed by Estela Guerra (6th overall) and Tatiana Cruz (7th). On the men’s side, the fastest runner from the archipelago was Raúl Santana (7th overall), followed by Esteban García (8th) and Raúl Ramírez (12th).
KV El Gigante Results
Women’s Category
1. Madlen Kappeler (GER) 48:21
2. Moana Lilly Kehres (ESP) 48:31
3. Arianna Dentis (ITA) 49:01
Men’s Category
1. Henri Aymonod (ITA) 39:08
2. Edoardo Rossano (ITA) 42:49
3. Matteo Siletto (ITA) 43:18
Tomorrow: Santa Lucía de Tirajana and Artenara Take Over
The competition continues tomorrow, Thursday, with:
- The Half (21 km): Starting at 9:00 AM from Santa Lucía de Tirajana.
- The Promo (12 km): Starting at 10:30 AM from Artenara.
Both events will finish in the iconic town of Tejeda.
For the first time in history, the organization is offering live streaming of the four main races (KV, Half, Marathon, and Classic) through the official YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@transgrancanaria102.
The North Face Transgrancanaria is a race organized by Arista Eventos with sponsorship from the Gran Canaria Island Council, through Gran Canaria Tourism and the Island Sports Institute; the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria City Council through the Municipal Sports Institute; the Teror City Council and the Tejeda City Council. It also has the support of The North Face, Hospitales Universitarios San Roque, Lopesan Hotel Group, ExpoMeloneras, 226ERS, Fred. Olsen Express, Sonocom Audiovisuales and Aguas de Teror.
