Mallorca gets ready for its first water bike race
The unusual sport will bring pedal-powered racing to Parc de la Mar beside Palma Cathedral
Mallorca is about to see something rather unusual on the water. Next month, the island will host its first water bike competition, with riders pedalling across the sea in front of Palma Cathedral in Parc de la Mar.The event takes place on June 14 and is open to anyone aged 12 and over, as long as they are at least 1.50 metres tall. It will be the first time the island has staged the 1st Water Bike Circuit, a new event designed to introduce locals and visitors to a sport that combines cycling and sailing.
The competition will feature several time trials, with participants having to complete different courses in the shortest possible time. There will be five categories in total: master, adult, cadet, junior and promotion, so both young people and adults will be able to take part.
Water biking is still something of a novelty for many people, but it is already being offered in Mallorca as a recreational activity too. It mixes pedalling with movement across the water, using a floating structure that works rather like a cross between a stationary bike and a canoe.
As the island's sports councillor, Pedro Bestard, explained, the aim is to offer a sporting alternative that lets people do cardio and toning while enjoying the scenery. In other words, it's fitness with a very good view.
Ahead of the official launch, the Sa Ràpita Nautical Club recently held a workshop as part of the Súma't programme, with around 100 people attending. The day also included demonstrations by Mallorcan cyclist Lluís Mas and canoeist Joan Toni Moreno.
Representatives from the Balearic cycling and canoeing federations were also present, underlining the fact that this activity draws on elements from both sports. That combination is part of what makes water biking so different, and so eye-catching.
The choice of Parc de la Mar should help the event attract attention, too. With the Cathedral on one side and the sea on the other, the setting is one of Palma's busiest and most recognisable spots. It also means residents and tourists will be able to watch part of the competition from the promenade.
For now, organisers have not said how many participants they expect, or whether the event will return in future years. But this first edition should give them a good idea of how the public responds to one of the island's more curious new sports.
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