Description
Your winter training camp in Spain is the perfect way to get into shape for the cycling season. Throughout the winter and spring in Andalucia, road traffic is minimal; the weather is bright and warm, with average daily temperatures between 16 and 23 degrees……just perfect for riding! Andalucia is the perfect destination to train for the Etape du Tour, cyclo-sportives and, come to think of it, any other cycling event. This area is frequently visited by the Vuelta de Andalucia and Vuelta de España, so if it’s good enough for the Pro’s then it’s good enough for us.
New for 2010 is our first ‘Ladies Only Beginner/Intermediate Training Camp’, a cycling training camp for ladies guided by a lady, Claire. Girls, if you are new to road cycling or triathlon and want a cycling training camp, in an environment with no men telling what you should or shouldn’t be doing, then this is the camp for you. The only male input into this camp is on the optional bike maintenance class, held one afternoon, by Ashley.
Pumping up the steep grade of the numerous climbs which include several Vuelta a Espana and Vuelta a Andalucia cols, your legs burn and your heart pounds, however, you keep the wheels turning to the summit to become the King or Queen of the mountains.
This is why you are here - to train, to loose a few unwanted pounds that you have gained over the winter months and to prepare yourself for the coming season. So, get off your turbo trainers, dust off the bikes, head for the Andalucian winter sun and get some real miles into your legs and some sunshine upon your face.
This is what pre-season training is all about. For the tri-athletes amongst us, we have decided to concentrate on the cycling aspect of Triathlons, as this is the longest section of any triathlon event. However, swimming is available either in Ronda at the 25metre indoor heated pool or you can go open water swimming in the nearby lake and there are several running routes around Montecorto with route cards available to you. The running and the swimming sessions are self-led sessions.
Why Andalucia?
It is fact that the weather in Andalucia is warmer, earlier in the year, than other popular ‘winter road cycling’ or ‘training camp’ resorts such as Majorca and Riccone and less windy than Lanzarotte. It has also been said by previous clients, who have ridden at the above mentioned resorts and other popular destinations that, the road surfaces here are ‘simply the best’. The Andalucian Cycling Experience training camps are not here to compete with these resorts, if you want to go to a large hotel with hundreds of other riders then Majorca, Riccone or Lanzarotte is for you. However, if you are looking for your training to be more personalised and tailor made to your requirements, with the flexibility of changing the rides daily or whilst on the ride, depending on how you are feeling, then come and train with the Andalucian Cycling Experience. The routes vary from rolling hills to mountainous rides, with enough climbing to please even the toughest of mountain goats with many exhilarating descents to get the adrenalin pumping.
The term "Training Camp’
Many cyclists have the misconception that you need to be a super fit rider in order to attend a ‘Training Camp’, however, this is not the case. Our training camps cater for all abilities of cyclists, from those new to the sport through to iron-man standard. With this in mind we have set up two levels of training camps, beginner/intermediate and intermediate/advanced. On each of these training camps there is a long and short option for the days riding and the majority of these rides have plenty of climbing too.
In truth a ‘Training Camp’, for some riders, is merely an excuse to get away to a warmer climate and get in some great riding……and why not!
So, what is the difference between our ‘Winter Training Camps’ and our ‘Road Cycling Holidays’? Basically, the only difference is the name itself. Both holidays are for road cyclists looking to challenge themselves, improve their fitness, prepare themselves for forthcoming events and get some great riding done in a warmer climate. Whereas our ‘Winter Training Camps’ run from January to April ever year, you can still enjoy the excellent road cycling in Andalucia the whole year through on one of our ‘Road Cycling Holidays’.
What to Bring
For your own comfort we recommend you bring 2-3 pairs of cycling shorts and as previously mentioned a Camelback for carrying those extra water supplies. For most of the year you will also need sunglasses, sun protection cream, aftersun lotion and a cotton scarf to protect the back of your neck from the sun. If you are prone to sun burn, then long sleeve t-shirts and full gloves will offer additional protection. Come during our Winter months, a rainproof jacket may be required. Finally don't forget your bike and cycling helmet!!