Having arrived at theAlbir Playa hotel, we set up the bikes or fit the hires and poodle off for a short ride to find a café and get to know each other. Dining each night is buffet style and we congregate after in the bar for evening chat and a briefing about the next day’s ride.
There are different group rides to choose from depending on individual fitness, goals and preferences. We all set off at the same time each morning after breakfast at 10am and return for lunch and an afternoon’s recovery. Rides vary according to terrain and distance, but usually all groups are cycling in the same location and sometimes see each other as well as a few pro teams. You may have specifics for your ride – intervals, through-and-off, sprint efforts, an FTP or simply endurance improvement over the week. No one is dropped and everyone rides at their own level.
Our training camp weather is always better than home! Even in early February the shorts are on. With an optional recovery ride mid week, we complete six rides on beautiful roads; east along the coast to Calp and Denia and west on the mountain roads in the Guadalest region, covering inland valleys and orange groves along the way.
Everyone climbs the Col De Rates – some twice, in both directions. Most leave for the UK on the Saturday morning flight, some choosing to extend their holiday for a few more days.