Transgrancanaria, a very strong field, an impressive Dylan Bowman

In the men’s race, it was a tight battle between the Spaniards Pau Capell and Pablo Villa who eventually crossed the line together to seal a joint victory with over 35 minutes advantage. Working his way through the field was Dylan Bowman who earned himself a fantastic 3^rd place on the podium. After his misfortunes of 2019, it is great to see Dylan back where he belongs.

Meanwhile in the hunt all race, Diego ´Zpeedy´ Pazos showed great form. Despite some foot problems, he managed 6^th while Gediminas Grinius was a further 3 minutes back for 7^th  place. Unfortunately for Helio Fumo, he was forced to abandon after spraining his ankle through the night.

In the women's race, it was France´s Audrey Tanguy lining up for the first time in Compressport colours who put in a strong start, setting the pace early at the head of the race. By the halfway mark she had to drop the pace, but still managed to keep in the fight and run herself into 4^th place. Meanwhile unfortunately Fernanda Maciel also was forced to abandon the race, but we know she will be back stronger than ever very soon!

Feedback from Dylan Bowman, 3rd Transgrancanaria 2020

"After a year of injury and hardship in 2019, one of my ideas for 2020 was to go back to races I'd done in the past where I hadn't performed the way I'd wanted to -- I'm calling it the 2020 Revenge Tour. For me, Transgrancanaria fit perfectly with this theme because I'd run the race in 2014 and had a really hard run and sub-par finish. It felt great to get some redemption.

My focus for the race was to just try to have a solid run, not try to contend for the win as I usually would. In pursuit of this goal, I tried to minimize mistakes as much as I could, running conservatively early, being diligent with my nutrition and hydration and generally just managing my emotions and effort efficiently. By not thinking about the competition or my standing in the race and instead focusing on the controllable elements, I was able to slowly work my way through the field, ultimately finishing on the podium."

"Now my main objective for the season is the Hardrock 100 in July, which I'm very excited about. Before that, I'll run the VVX 110k as part of the Ultra Trail World Tour in May. After Hardrock, my plan is to run CCC at the end of August. It should be an amazing season!"

Feedback from Diego Pazos, 6th Transgrancanaria 2020

I chose TGC to start my 2020 season because I wanted to race a high profile race at the beginning of the year and this was the most competitive and one of the most important on the Ultra Trail World Tour. In addition, I am going to be Dad for the second time in May and the date of the TGC did suit me well ;-)

Finally I love to run on islands..it gives it a special taste to the race. When you are racing, you realise that you are crossing the whole island and this is crazy!

I was on the start line without any race reference this year so everything was based on training feelings and self-confidence ;-)

I felt actually quite good even if the start was very fast. I spent the first 32k with Dylan and then I wanted to stay on my own pace because I knew that the race was still very long. I felt great during the night in my bubble. An Ultra is really a matter of consistency, pacing and you must believe in what you’re doing at every step of the way, otherwise you can easily give up. After a hard moment at the end of the night between Artenara and Tejeda, I felt really good again on the uphill to Roque Nublo and Garañon. I thought I could pass the 5th or 4th Runner in front of me. I was very motivated and confident at that moment but at the beginning of the big downhill towards the finish line (the last 40km), I destroyed two toenails so I was suffering like hell on every step and I lost a lot of time in this section. I was frustrated because I saved some energy for this last part and I couldn't give it all physically, but actually with the pain I gave it all mentally ;-)

At the end I am very happy with my shape and with the way I managed my pace and the race but a bit disappointed due to this small "nail" injury...but this is Ultra Running and you have to deal with these problems.

My next race will be One&1 with Arthur Joyeux-Bouillon and then I will focus on training at home with my second baby before focusing on UTMB and on my personal challenge of Crossing Switzerland at the end of September

Feedback from Gediminas Grinius, 7th Transgrancanaria 2020

I was super relaxed, happy and ready for the race as I spent a really good time with the family in the island leading up to the race. I have been to Gran Canaria more than 12 times for holidays, Trail Running Factory Coaching Camps and also races, as the island is always great escape from cold and wet European continental climate. The trails are perfect and with the support of all the people there, it is one of my favourite trail running destinations.

The race was tougher than I thought it would be and I really struggled on the stretch from Tejeda to Roque Nublo. But when I met family at Garanon and got their encouragement, my legs got back to life once again and was able to finish the race strong and with smile on my face.

Now there is a small uncertainty in my racing calendar as most likely the two unexpected races are jumping into it - Patagonia Run and Australia Ultra Trail, so if they won't be cancelled because of Coronavirus, it be great but tough to add on the Eiger Ultra Trail and UTMB later the year.

But for now I will make a trip to India, to meet friends, breath in positive energy and breathe out destructive thoughts. 

Feedback from Audrey Tanguy, 4th Transgrancanaria 2020

At the start line I was a little bit unsure because it was my first time at TGC and also because it was my first Ultra Trail of the season. So while I was happy to be here, I was also anxious because I didn't know how it would go.

I chose that race because it is a World Tour Race so that always means a lot of good runners but also because it was a new race for me.

At the start, I felt ok but after 30k I knew that I had to calm down because my legs already hurt. After that I lost the track a couple of times, so I didn't see Kaytlyn and my legs weren't as good as I would have liked. It was hard mentally and physically but I tried to keep going. When the Chinese girl arrived.. Very fast, I wasn't able to follow her and I decided to forget about my ranking and tried to finish my race as fast as I could. I just tried to enjoy the scenery and every single moment that could be enjoyed, because I felt really lucky to be here.

My next race is the One&1 with Katie Schide and after that Pennyagolosa. My main goal of the season is, for sure, UTMB at the end of August, in my playground ;-)