One week in the sun – Costa Blanca cycling

One Week in the Sun by Roy Pearson

Albir Gardens Spanish Cycle Training Camp 2018

This was my first time on the Sports Tours Training Camp. I came to this same resort two years ago for the Vuelta Espania, Spain’s major 3 week tour. We stayed at the same complex and had 3 pro teams for company. That was September 2016 and temperatures were hot.

For this camp, in March 2018, I was expecting cooler temperatures. Weather was pretty perfect really. 12’c to 23’c! It was windy some days, but you are by the sea.

I arrived late Saturday from Liverpool, but had food waiting for me when I reached Albir Gardens. Flying into Alicante is good with a bike, not many cyclist so no big queues waiting for your bike.

Also working were Darrel & Tony, who have been coming here for the last 15 years. When asked why here, they say it works. The routes, weather, choice of cafes which they have built up contacts with over the years. The routes each day heading in a different direction.

Most of the group arrived mid-afternoon Saturday, some on Friday. So they had chance to try their bikes out and collect hire bikes which were from the hotel. The bikes looked good, mid-range Ridley’s. The rest including myself, brought their own bikes.

The plan for Group 1 & 2 was around 400miles and 34000ft of climbing for the week (645km 10400m). Group 3 was a little shorter and left the hotel 30mins earlier than group 1&2 each day.

On the first climb group 1 would ride away while group 2 rode a slightly slower pace but the same route. This allowed us to arrive at the café just as group 1 was getting ready to leave. Easier for getting served etc. The cafes where so cheap. Coffee barely €2. Spaghetti Bolognaise, €6!!

Normal Itinerary:

• Friday & Saturday arrival days
• Sunday 100km ride with rolling roads and a possible longer climb
• Monday & Tuesdays are big days, with 2 climbs 135km
• Wednesday is a rest day normally ride a short loop around to Benidorm beach front for a social, enjoy an ice cream etc. This was a good enjoyable day, people were free to ride and head back to the hotel early if they wanted or if they had partners back at the hotel
• Thursday was the 3^rd big day with lots of climbing for Group 1 & 2 135km
• Friday is an easier day to finish the week off. A brilliant loop around a reservoir and a climb up to a café. Good descent back to the hotel from here. 75km

Mechanicals

Even though I am myself a Bicycle mechanic, the other guides also have a good knowledge of the bike. If we can’t sort it, due to the tool requirements etc there are 2 very good bike shops in walking distance of the hotel.

Transfers

These were well planned. No long waiting time, meet and greet and shown were to go. A lot of riders arrived at a similar time on the Saturday so a coach was organised. Minibuses were used to collect the others including my late arrival.

My feedback for this week is that it was enjoyable and rewarding. There are lots of climbs around this area but they are gentle climbs with an average gradient of probably 5-7%. The longest climb being 15-17km.

Weather was good. Typically warmer and dryer than Majorca due to being on the mainland. Food and drink prices were very cheap. A well-stocked supermarket directly opposite the hotel, with a fridge and a basic kitchenette in your room, you can make good use of this.

OUR 2019 COSTA BLANCA WARM WEATHER CYCLING CAMP IS NOW AVAILABLE

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