At a glance
- Distance
- ~180 km
- Climbing
- ~2,500 m
- Riding time
- ~7.5–11 h
- Level
- Hard
- Surface
- Road
- Start
- Puerto del Carmen
- Best bike
- Road bike
~ = approximate: distance and climbing change with your start point and the way you ride. Riding time is an estimate of time in the saddle, from a sporty to a relaxed rider on the best bike for the route, without wind or stops.
About the course
Ironman Lanzarote was first held in May 1992. The bike leg is a single loop of about 180 km with around 2,500 m of climbing. The 2027 race, the 35th, is on Saturday 15 May, starting at Playa Grande in Puerto del Carmen.
The course takes in the lava fields of Timanfaya, the north-west coast at La Santa and Famara, Teguise, the climb to the Mirador de Haría and the Mirador del Río in the far north. The climbs are long and steady rather than steep: the biggest on the island gains nearly 600 m.
Outside race day the roads are open to traffic, and a few of the race-day turns aren't allowed in normal traffic. Most riders who come to train ride the course in two or three parts over several days. Check the official course map on ironman.com before you go: details can change from year to year.
The course in sections
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1. The south and Timanfaya
From Puerto del Carmen through the south of the island, then north from Yaiza through the lava fields of Timanfaya.
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2. La Santa and Famara
Out to the north-west coast at La Santa, then across to Famara.
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3. Teguise and the Mirador de Haría
Through Teguise to Los Valles and up to the Mirador de Haría, then down into Haría.
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4. The Mirador del Río and home
On through Máguez to the Mirador del Río, down towards Arrieta, and back south through the middle of the island.
Food and water
Carry two bottles and food for the whole loop: there is nothing to buy in the lava fields of Timanfaya.
Jonnie Bakes in Teguise is a favourite café stop for cyclists (mornings only, closed Monday and Tuesday). Haría has bars on its main square, the Plaza León y Castillo.
Wind and tips
The wind decides how hard the day is. It usually blows from the north or north-north-east, and in race week gusts of 30–50 km/h are common. Expect a long stretch into the wind as you head north towards the Mirador del Río.
Most riders use a compact chainset for the climbs. There is little shade anywhere on the loop: start early and take sun cream.
Ironman course questions
How long is the Ironman Lanzarote bike course?
When is Ironman Lanzarote?
Can I ride the course when there is no race?
Which bike do I need for the Ironman course?
More cycling routes
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Mirador del Río and Tabayesco
The longest climb on the island, up to the viewpoint over La Graciosa.
- Distance
- ~85 km
- Climbing
- ~1,200 m
- Riding time
- ~3.5–5 h
- Level
- Hard
Best bike: Road / e-bike
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Timanfaya and the lava fields
Through the black lava of the national park, past the salt pans and La Geria.
- Distance
- ~90 km
- Climbing
- ~1,000 m
- Riding time
- ~3.5–4.5 h
- Level
- Hard
Best bike: Road / e-bike
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Famara loop
Out to the surf village of Caleta de Famara below the cliffs.
- Distance
- ~75 km
- Climbing
- ~900 m
- Riding time
- ~3–4 h
- Level
- Moderate
Best bike: Road / e-bike
Ride the course, we bring the road bike
We deliver it free to your hotel in Puerto del Carmen or anywhere on the island.
From €24 a day