We recently had a fantastic Q&A with Epic Road Rides as to why we believe you cannot do better than choose us for your next costa Blanca Cycling Holiday.
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Brief introduction:
‘Elitecycling Training Holidays’ has been created by Paul Mill the owner of Elitecycling Ltd, performance coaching. I am a Level 3 road and time trial coach, and ex-coach to Team Wiggins. I also hold a diploma in ‘Sports Psychology’ and am a Training Peaks accredited coach. I have been a coach for 20 years and after attending many training camps as an aspiring professional my observation was that many riders would come and do miles and miles of training with little structure or event specificity . I felt they could greatly improve with some specific coaching. My company prides itself on a strong supportive coaching ethos and my aim is to make sure that every participant leaves knowing they have improved not only their fitness but their technique and understanding of my training methodology.
Why pick a Costa Blanca cycling holiday?
The Costa Blanca area particularly the Calpe area has been used extensively by both professional and amateur cyclists for many years and this year, 2024 we saw the likes of Quick Step, Tudor Pro Cycling, Intermarche, Bahrain training here. Chiefly the weather is generally better than Majorca and the roads are in fantastic condition. The terrain lends itself to a wide range of quality training, from rolling roads to challenging cols which the pros are here for too.
Where to stay on a Costa Blanca cycling holiday? Calpe or somewhere else?
Most of the pro teams frequent the Calpe region predominately for the larger hotels which can cater for a lot of riders and staff. The teams also choose Calpe because of the size and number of vehicles which require larger car parks. We stay in Albir, very close to Altea at the four star Albir Playa Hotel & Spa . The area is a lot quieter than Calpe and has a small town feel. It is very safe and there are lots of shops, bars and restaurants. All cycling routes including those used by the pros are easily accessible from Albir. The hotel is also a short 10 minute stroll from the beach.
Cycling holiday v cycling camp v training holiday.
As a coaching company I started as a tour operator running purely ‘training camps’. These were very successful however what I discovered is that a good number of riders are somewhat intimidated but the word ‘camp’. We make a conscious effort to ensure the time spent with us is enjoyable supportive and inclusive, catering for all abilities. All our clients get an opportunity to train whether it be race preparation with me working alongside as a qualified Level 3 coach coached sportive preparation as well as road safety coaching for sociable cub runs. Enjoyment & a sense of achievement on the bike is our priority. ‘Cycling Holidays’ or ‘Training/Cycling Camps? ‘Holiday’ encourages a wider range of cyclists as opposed to ‘Camps’ which tends to place emphasis on pure training. Our ‘Training Holidays’ are aimed to encourage a holiday feel with the opportunity to include pure training from me as a qualified Level 3 coach if required. Rider improvement is our aim across the board, be that fitness, race prep or learning to ride safely in a group - a cycling holiday is a training holiday too.
To hire a bike or not?
In-house therefore easier for you. After many years arranging hire bikes for clients attending our cycling training holidays I decided to set up my own fleet of hire bikes which are stored and maintained at the Albir Player all year round. We have 14 Basso Venta bikes, carbon frames with Campagnolo Chorus 12 speed group sets in a full range of sizes. Each bike comes with 2 inner tubes, tyre levers, pump, multi tool and two large water bottles for you to keep. We also supply a helmet with each bike hire if required. The gearing choice was chosen specifically for the area.
Tell us your favourite itinerary for a 4-day weekend cycling/training holiday in/around Calpe?
Our sportive trips over a long weekend start off on Friday. We will meet and greet clients at Alicante airport, with a 45 minute transfer to the Albir Player Hotel & Spa. Riders have time to assemble their bikes after a bite to eat (we do offer a bike packing and unpacking service), hire bikes/helmets if required prepped in advance are handed over, we will fit client’s pedals and personal saddle if they decide to bring one. We start with a very easy 10 mile ride to loosen the legs and make sure your bike is running smoothly before the weekend gets underway. On Saturday we aim to hit the first of 2 big days in the mountains climbing.
Each day begins with breakfast @ 8:00 am, down to the bike lockers at 9:45 am to check over our bikes and then roll out from the front of the hotel at 10 am. We will take in well known climbs around the Col de Rates venturing towards Val Debo and Col de St Creuta area before a big push home from Callosa. On Sunday we hit the climbs again around the Col de Toudons reaching westward towards Xixona with targeted event-specific training which may require higher intensity.
These weekends are tailored to our client levels and will range from 50-100 miles per day. Monday fly home.
Tell us your favourite itinerary of a 7-day road cycling/training holiday in/around Calpe?
Just as we would do on a 4-day weekend  Late afternoon we will loosen our legs on a short ride to make sure our bikes are running smoothy before the week gets underway. This gives me time to assess the range of abilities and groups which we will discuss in the meeting room before/after dinner. The way I like to structure a week is as follows:
Each day begins with breakfast @ 8:00 am, down to the bike lockers at 9:45 am to check over our bikes and then roll out from the front of the hotel at 10 am. During the first part of the week we will work to increase our mileage at a steady pace over well known climbs in this area for example the Col de Rates, Guadalest, Val Debo. After a significant increase in workload WEDNESDAY is designated as either a complete rest day or an easy guided leg spin. Over the remaining part of the week because we have a wider reach than most westwards towards Alicante we include the well known Col de Toudons as well as smaller towns, Relleu, Aigues, Busot and Xixona. Picturesque, good quality quiet roads which are still challenging.
Tell us more about your Costa Blanca cycling/training holidays.
We have been working in collaboration with the Albir Playa Hotel & Spa for 8 years now. Our strong relationship with the hotel has allowed us to grow here. As well as daily use of a seminar/meeting room, there is secure bike storage for clients as well our fleet of 14 BASSO bikes available for hire to our clients. There is a designated wash area and work stand for guests to make use of post ride. We also pride ourselves on partnering with 2 excellent quality local business’- D Origen coffee roasters where you often see pro teams enjoying post ride coffee and food, as well as Pasta & Pasta which is a family business priding itself on top end cuisine using the best local ingredients available making this a perfect spot to enjoy a last night’s celebration meal. Both companies give us and our clients exclusive discounts.
What’s the best time of year to go on a Calpe Costa Blanca cycling/training holiday?
Our holidays run through February to the end of May before school holidays start and the weather becomes too warm. We also have an end of race/sportif season holiday which takes place in October whilst the weather is still warm. Worth noting is we will run a ‘special trip’ in September
to take in the Vuelta if it is passing through our area which can be a fun sociable event getting ourselves in position to take in the pros as they pass through.
PART 2: Tips for cycling Calpe and the Costa Blanca
Do you need an organised cycling tour/camp?
A lot of people create their own trips but assistance by someone with good local knowledge of the area can really help. Attending an organised holiday means the transfers, hotel, bike storage, routes and food is all taken care of and that means all riders need do is ride their bikes and not even think about where they are going the next day or where they need to get food for their evening meal.
What to look for in a Costa Blanca holiday or camp?
Go with a company that has experience, a good knowledge of the sport and can offer a good quality hotel, arranges transfers, and supply hire bikes if required - all of which we do.
Are there any cycling events and races in Calpe and Costa Blanca?
I don’t follow a local events/race calendar but we do periodically pull over to watch and let local races through. I do know when the pro races are passing through or racing on roads we know and we do make an effort to get on course and watch them if we can.
What are the best times of year to visit the Costa Blanca?
March, April, May and October are most likely to be nice and warm, whilst January and February can be colder and a little less predictable. If you attend peak summer it is typically very hot and probably best avoided.
What are your packing tips for cyclists visiting the Costa Blanca?
Pack for mainly warm weather but also make sure you bring some warmer garments such as long sleeve jerseys, leg warmers and a waterproof jacket. The roads can be very slippery when wet so I avoid riding out on wet days if possible. IMPORTANT - we would advise those bringing their own bikes to leave deep section wheels at home due to sometimes windy conditions up in the mountains.
Is there anything cyclists in the Costa Blanca should be aware of?
One thing that is apparent is drivers are friendly towards cyclists and as a courtesy the police ask riders when possible to use the hard shoulder to keep the traffic flowing. Be aware on roundabouts as giving way can be a little sporadic.
What are the best tips for someone’s first cycling tour in the Costa Blanca?
Good preparation for a training holiday should include multi-day riding to increase mileage before attending. Train more on hilly terrain whilst at home and make sure you have gearing that is adequate to climb mountains of over 5 miles/8km at a 6-7%. A good tip is to make sure you are rested in the week prior (tapering).
Where should someone find out more about Elite Cycling Training Holidays?
All our holidays can be found at www.elitecyclingtrainingholidays.com.
Who are our target clients?
We pride ourselves with working with all abilities of rider however they must have had some form of fitness training to be enable them to really improve and see the best of the area. Our trips cater for clubs, Smaller groups and individual bookings for both our 7 day and 4 day options.
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