Etape Training Camps in Spain

The Cycle Training Camps are based in an area of Spain with an ideal cycling terrain, from the mountains and plains to the Mediterranean coast.

The holidays are based near Gandia in the province of Valencia, near the Costa Blanca, in an area of mountains and orange groves. The rides included routes frequently used by the Vuelta and the Tour de Valencia. The area is a popular training ground for top professional cycling teams.

The Euskaltel – Euskadi team training in the area

The difficulty of the rides will be adjusted according to the fitness of the riders, and is oriented towards training for the Etape du Tour. Escorted rides are available, with coffee stops along the way! Rides with local cycling clubs may be arranged.

In February the temperature rarely falls below 15 degrees. The weather is suitable for riding on most days. As I was writing this in January, the daytime the temperature the area was in the 20s!

            The centre for the training camps is the Casa del Rio apartment. Extra accommodation is available in two beachside apartments.

            Non cycling partners will find the area good for walking, enjoying the beach, and the art, culture and shops of Valencia City, which is about an hour’s drive away.

Accommodation.

Casa del Rio

The Rio del Casa apartment near Gandia is the centre for the training camp.  The apartment has a well equipped kitchen, two swish bathrooms and a comfortable sitting room. Outside is an area equipped with a barbeque and a swimming pool with excellent views. The apartment is on the banks of the river Serpis.

Casa del Rio has a secure bike store, and small a workshop facility. A washing machine and drying facilities are available. Access to gymnasiums and masseurs may be arranged if required. There is a good selection of bike shops Gandia with lower prices than the UK.

There is a choice of bars and restaurants in the nearby town of Gandia. The area is well served by public transport. Gandia is an easy cycling distance away from the apartment (though bike lights are obviously required after dark!)

            For those wanting to eat at the Casa, evening meals suitable for cyclists may be arranged for around £5. There are also good cooking facilities in a clean modern kitchen in both the Casa del Rio and the Beachside Apartments.

Beachside Apartments

Two beachside apartments have two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fully fitted kitchen and an entrance hall. There is a balcony which overlooks the Mediterranean, and a sun terrace on the roof. The apartments are on the third (top) floor.

PRICES: February

	Self catering	Bed and Breakfast
Casa del Rio apartment: 1 week	£135	£155
Casa del Rio apartment: 2 weeks	£220	£285
Beachside Apartment: 1 week	£120	-
Beachside Apartment: 2 weeks	£210	-

Prices are per person.

It is possible to arrange collection and return to and from the airport for an extra 20 to 25 Euros per person (round trip), depending on numbers. Valencia airport is recommended, though Aliacante and Murcia are also possibilities. The price of flights is not included.