Train in Spain

There’s a reason (actually there are several) why the area around Call and Denia on the Costa Blanca is the discerning professional’s location of choice for early season training: good weather (better than the nearby Mallorca); smooth, quiet roads; a selection of great climbs; and easy access to Alicante airport.

It’s also rapidly becoming a favourite of the Wheelers with six of us heading out in mid February for a 10 day “training camp”, joining several who were already out there (and meeting up with other people from local clubs). We enjoyed fantastic weather (riding in shorts and short sleeves most days), discovered several new climbs and tackled some old favourites such as the Bernia and the notorious 17% ramps of Tollos (which are helpfully displayed on an accompanying road sign). We saw lots of professionals out training, including Lotto Soudal’s Thomas De Gendt on several occasions as well as former member Mike Cuming with his Madison Genesis squad. In all, we rode just short of 600 miles over the 10 days and climbed over 29,000 feet. Despite that some of us managed to come back heavier than we left having overindulged in the local food and drink.

Enjoying “end of camp” beer and pizzas