You might be a seasoned cyclist looking for a new spot to train over the grey season, or entirely new to the winter training pack, either way, sooner or later in every cyclist’s life, the winter training camp is bound to crop up. According to Road Cycling UK, “the winter training camp is a significant milestone in the season of professional and amateur cyclists alike. It’s an opportunity to dedicate a long weekend or, ideally, a week to cycling, with the sole aim of clocking up high mileage ahead of a season of sportives and racing.”
Before embarking upon one of the top winter cycling training destinations, there are a few things you should know about cycling Calpe.
- There’s no better place for winter training. With more than 2800 hours of sunshine per year and a mild dry winter compared to the rest of Europe, Calpe is ideal for it.
- Winter training most often takes place between January and May. Although the region’s conditions are favourable for cycling Calpe all year round, summers can get steamy so early mornings are the best time to ride.
- Spring is glorious. In the Jalon region, valleys transform into pillows of pink as the almond blossoms come out. The added bonus of arriving early in spring is that you might catch the Fallas festival on March 19th, a Valencian tradition that sees huge colourful wooden statues parading through the streets before they’re burned in bonfire at midnight to mark the beginning of spring.
- The quiet roads are made for cyclists. Throughout the region there is little traffic and when drivers are around they’re mostly highly hospitable to cyclists. Many roads come complete with cycle lanes.
- When it comes to routes there is a wide range and huge scope. Although Calpe is at sea level, making rides up the mountains uphill slogs (perfect for intense training), there are flatter coastal roads that are wonderful for speeding along.
- You’re likely to see some pros. Since the region featured in the Tour of Spain and Valencia Region Cycling, its reputation as a cycling haven has only been further emphasised. Tour de France greats like Oscar Pereiro and Alberto Contador are just a couple of the many pros who frequent the region.
- There’s no need to worry about bike maintenance. There is great biking assistance, shops and bike rental possibilities in and around Calpe.
- Cyclists are made to feel at home. Top Calpe hotels cater specially for cyclists’ needs. From bike storage facilities to post-ride massages, you can be sure your aches, pains and anxieties will be well taken care of.
- There are certain routes in Costa Blanca you simply shouldn’t miss. The stretch between Javea and Denia is worth noting (you can catch a ferry back to Javea after lunch at the marina). More serious cyclists might opt for the 77 kilometre uphill route towards Guadalest, beginning and ending in Abdet (the views are worth the sweat). For a far easier coastal route, try the 26 kilometre stretch between Playa de San Juan and Coveta Fuma. The beauty of the region, of course, is not only in the routes themselves but also owing to the lush surrounds, the charming old towns, rustic restaurants and breathtaking views that beautifully break up the rides.
To find out more about the most comfortable Calpe hotels for amateur and professional riders alike, contact AR-hotels . Our portfolio of award-winning Calpe hotels cater to cyclists regardless of individual needs. Owing to the region’s popularity as a riding destination, we aim to provide the very best accommodation for all those cycling Calpe. We know that riders aren’t only there for the scope of the routes, but also for the beauty of the surroundings, the comfort of the spas, the flavours of the restaurants and comfort of the rooms to deservedly cushion the strain from the hills.
