Top training camp destinations
This is not meant to be an exhaustive list of destinations – but these are the ones I can vouch for personally
If you’re prepared to fly…
CALPE
Where is it:
East coast of Spain, south of Valencia
How to get there:
Fly to Alicante, then take a bus north along the coast
What can I expect?
I last visited in February 2019, and have since dreamed about going back. From infamous climbs such as the Col de Rats to the flatlands around Benidorm, the region offers something for everyone. Smooth, fast-rolling roads that wind up into the mountains before you descend back into town.
Approximate costs:
Flights from London Gatwick to Alicante for the week commencing 21 March are £85 plus £90 to take your bike. Transport from Alicante to Calpe with a bike box is £60. The average price to rent a four-person apartment is around £50 per night. With a food shop at £50 per person, budget around £360 (plus spending money) for a seven-day camp.
GIRONA
Where is it:
North Catalonia, Spain.
How to get there:
If you can, fly to Girona airport, bearing in mind it closes for the winter. Alternatively, fly to Barcelona then hop on either a bus or train (€15-20) for a two-hour connection to Girona.
What to expect:
Girona is a cyclist’s paradise. To the south are the Les Gaverres mountains, and 30km to the east is the coastline of the Costa Brava. The winding road from Tossa de Mar to Sant Feliu de Guixols gets its name from the 365 bends you sweep around. Not only is the scenery stunning, Girona has amazing architecture and its vibrant colours make for the perfect backdrop, with small independent coffee shops and bike hire shops aplenty. Approximate costs:
Flights from London Gatwick to Barcelona for the week commencing 21 March are £85 plus approximately £90 to take your bike. The train from Barcelona airport to Girona with a bike box is £20. The average price to rent a four-person apartment is around £100 per night. Allowing £50 per person for food, you’ll need to budget around £400 (plus spending money) for a seven-day camp.
If you’d rather stay in Blighty…
AMBLESIDE, LAKE DISTRICT
Where is it:
Cumbria, north-west England
What to expect:
The natural beauty of the Lake District is not talked about enough in the world of cycling. This wonderful region provides the long, hard and irresistibly scenic days out on the bike. Expect steep climbs taking you up over the valleys, with the likes of Hardknott Pass ramping up to 30%. You will certainly be challenged and pushed to your limit, but isn’t that the point of a training camp?
WINCHESTER, SOUTH DOWNS
Where is it:
Hampshire, southern England
What to expect:
Rolling roads are the bread and butter of the South Downs – an area where the hills are much smaller and less steep than in the Lake District. From Winchester, spin into the hills and over Old Winchester Hill as you ride out towards Chichester, or take it easier by cruising into the New Forest. The back roads are full of other cyclists and club runs on Saturday and Sunday mornings.