Mallorca’s Council launches the 1st Water Bike Circuit with 200 participants

The President of the Mallorca Council, Llorenç Galmés, and the Councillor for Sports, Pedro Bestard, officially launched this innovative water-bike activity, a new initiative introduced by the institution in 2026 for young people and seniors.

The Mallorca Council has unveiled the 1st Water Bike Circuit, a new series of pedal-powered races on water using this innovative aquatic vehicle. Open to participants of all ages, the initiative includes three inaugural events scheduled for 2026. The first race took place yesterday, Sunday, June 14, at Parc de la Mar in Palma, attracting 200 participants of various ages and receiving support from the Canoeing and Cycling Federations.

The new Mallorca Water Bike Circuit consists of a series of competitions designed to promote a new sporting discipline that combines cycling and canoeing. Participation is open to all individuals aged 12 and above, or with a minimum height of 1.50 metres. Competitors race in five categories: Master, Adult, Cadet, Children, and Promotion. Participants must complete a designated course in the shortest possible time.

The presentation event, held today beside the lake at Parc de la Mar, was attended by Mallorca Council President Llorenç Galmés; Second Vice President and Councillor for Environment, Rural Affairs and Sports Pedro Bestard; and the Council’s Island Director of Sports, Toni Prats. They were joined by David Salom, General Director of the Municipal Sports Institute (IME) of Palma City Council, and José Francisco Riudavets, President of the Balearic Canoeing Federation, a collaborating organization in the initiative.

President Llorenç Galmés highlighted that: “At the Mallorca Council, we are continually renewing our sports programme, and this is one of our key initiatives for the coming seasons. The water bike combines cycling technique through pedal propulsion with elements of paddle surfing thanks to its floating platform, which requires riders to maintain balance. This year, it will become part of our regular activities for seniors and young people, and it will also feature three races like this one, providing families with an opportunity to enjoy sport together.”

Councillor Pedro Bestard emphasized that: “This is a new initiative by the Mallorca Council that we hope is here to stay. It has a sporting, recreational and social dimension. We are launching it today in Palma, and two additional events are planned in Alcúdia and Port d’Andratx.” Bestard also added that: “We are already offering this new activity as part of the ‘Viu en gran!’ programmes, and it has been very well received.”

“El Negro” González served as master of ceremonies, presenting the circuit and guiding the five races as well as the final qualifying event.