Arsenio realizes that what attracts him most about the Gran Canaria event is “the atmosphere around and during the race, in addition to the beautiful tracks on the island.” In fact, his best memories of last year's race were the “amazing atmosphere” at the start at Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, as well as the stunning landscape he encountered during the competition. “I really enjoyed the second part of the race going through Roque Nublo and the amazing trails.”
Last year he finished second in his debut at The North Face Transgrancanaria. As he explains, the key to winning such a long race is that “everything goes well,” and he admits that in 2023, “I was probably too conservative in the first half” of the race, so “this year, I will try to take more risks to put “Myself among the best.”
“I feel like my preparations for this year are going well, with the Portuguese Ultra National Championship a week before the race. Although there is still time, I hope to arrive in excellent condition,” he admits.
Arsenio, considered the best Portuguese runner at the moment, started his professional career in 2019, but his breakout year on the international scene was in 2023. In addition to reaching the finals of the Gran Canaria, he achieved his biggest international victory to date. By winning the Ultra Pirineu race. He was also champion of two races outside his country: the Epic Trail Costa Daurada and the MaXi Race in France.
With the presence of the Portuguese rider, revenge for last year's duel looms, as Andreu Simón, winner of 2023, also confirmed his presence in Gran Canaria. They will be joined by American superstar Jim Walmsley, as well as other elite male runners to be announced in the coming weeks, all vying for the biggest prize money in racing history.
