Interviews: Emma Stuart and Josh Wade Prepare to Tackle the Transgrancanaria Classic 128km

Now, less than 12 hours until the beginning of the Transgrancanaria Classic, which begins at 23:59 tonight, racers like Courtney Dauwalter, Emma Stuart and Josh Wade are preparing for a night among the beautiful Gran Canarian Mountains.

Covering 126km, the Classic race begins in Las Canteras, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, travelling the island’s length and finishing at the lively event village in Parque Sur, Maspalomas. Racers will take in over 7,000m of elevation in that time, travelling through Arucas, Artenara, Tejeda, and Tunte.

Emma Stuart recently made headlines in 2023 by excelling atts in 82:21:44, the Tor De Gean adding to her victories at the Arc of Attrition and Ultra-Trail Snowdonia. Speaking to us in Gran Canaria she said:

“I’m super excited, actually. Yeah, so I came out before Christmas, had a budget holiday, and did the course, so I know what to expect. I have to save myself for the last descent in the climb because it’s absolutely brutal.

“The field in the 120K blows my mind. So, I plan to go out there, conserve myself in the first half and, yeah, enjoy it. It is a stunning route. I mean, kind of from 50 kilometres in, it really is beautiful.”

Emma continued, explaining she was going to rely on poles for the ascents, but an injury last week at work (as a veterinarian) meant she might have to forgo these: “For me, it’s the first race in the season. I may not have had a perfect build-up. I’ve been really busy at work.