It’s always hard to get motivated at this time of year – in fact, data analysis from Strava has suggested that today is the exact date we give up on our New Year Resolutions to get more active. It’s hardly surprising. Outside is cold and dark before and after work, and the gym is overrun with hoards of new members whose gym cards will already be gathering dust by February. This is why a growing number of us are heading abroad for a training camp or holiday. What better way to kick start your 2019 training and get yourself into shape than heading overseas for some winter miles in the sunshine? There’s no more satisfying feeling than the warm Mediterranean sun on your back while everyone at home is riding on ice (smug, us? Never!)
Of course there is nothing stopping you from grabbing your mates and arranging your own trip, but we love the ease of booking onto an organised camp, especially for a last minute getaway. Plus, it’s the closest us mere mortals will ever get to feeling like a pro.
If you’ve not booked your trip yet, don’t worry! We’ve chosen a few fantastic options with spaces to fill for 2019, courtesy of our trusted travel partners.
For fun with the girls we’ve picked Mellow Jersey – Mallorca Spring Women’s training Camp
When: 9 -16 March 2019
Where: Mallorca
How much: from £725
What they say:
“Experience top cycling with a group of great women! We have pulled together an experienced team to host you – we understand what’s important to you in a cycling holiday and any concerns you might have along the way, and are here to make sure you get the most out of your cycling break. We will take you on a stunning exploration of this cycling paradise, giving you the opportunity to challenge yourself on the climbs, get some group riding experience, and have plenty of fun along the way.
We recognise (and love!) the fact that there’s super strong women riders out there, and also understand that there is a proportion of us who are still at the early stages of the cycling journey. We are looking forward to welcoming you all and introducing you to the joys of what Mallorca has to offer.
We promise to take you on some top rides, give you the chance to meet some new cycling companions and pick up some handy tips.”
For a chance to train with a Paralympic champion we’ve picked Andy Lewis – Lanzarote Winter Camp
When: 5-12 February 2019 (or 22-29 January for a truly last minute break!)
Where: Lanzarote
How much: £600
What they say:
“Supported by experienced Tri Coach John Wood & European, World & Paralympic Champion Andy Lewis, the camps are tailored around the individuals.
These are not your normal swim, bike and run camps. Through achieving some great things in my life I (Andy) believe triathlon coaching is more than just that. To achieve great results it takes a mental attitude, commitment and belief no matter what you’re trying to achieve. I can promise you’ll leave these camps with a winning mindset no matter what you choose to do!
Let me show you what it takes not just to get by, but to deliver your best performance in life and in race day. Every day we work as a unit and as a team, running as a group along the beautiful coastlines and Sands Beach and taking our turn to share the load on the group rides.
You’ll also get video analysis of your swims and runs and one-to-ones sessions with the coaches to develop your technique”
For a week of Cypriot sun we’ve picked Elite Training camp Experience – Triathlon training Camps
When: 11-16 March and 18-23 March 2019
Where: Paphos, Cyprus
How Much: £800 (half board)
What they say:
“The camp is for all athletes, from first-timers to Age-Group contenders. It includes six days of swim, bike and run technique and performance coaching by our Director of Coaching, Perry Agass. The personalised TriSutto coaching means that the camp is as suited to Olympic distance athletes as it is to 70.3 or long distance athletes. The focus is on helping you become the best triathlete you can be.
Attendance for each week is strictly limited to 14 places to keep the coach to athlete ratio as beneficial as possible. We swim daily at a local municipal pool where we have three dedicated lanes. We also have access to the neighbouring athletics track. Coastal paths, quiet roads and the hills behind Paphos provide the flexibility for all the run and bike sessions that we need, from brick repeats to longer easy rides.”
For a peaceful Mediterranean escape we’ve picked More Adventure – Cycle in Sardinia
When: 15-19 March 2019
Where: Sardinia
How Much: £775
What they say:
“Experience the incredible natural beauty of Sardinia, the ‘land of silence’ on two wheels. Crystal-clear white sandy beaches, blue skies, stunning limestone outcrops, ancient settlements and impeccable asphalt – this is truly a cyclist’s dream destination.
During this five day trip you’ll be based in a locally-owned villa in the pretty village of Tresnuraghes where our hosts will introduce us to the unique Sardinian culture and cuisine. Each day will be different, with routes along beautiful coastline and through wild mountainous vistas, each evening will present an opportunity to sample some of the finest cuisine in Italy.
Highlights of the trip include visiting the ancient archeological site of Tharro, riding past the multi-coloured buildings lining the river Temo in Bosa and tackling the immaculate tarmac descents of the local roads.”
For a city break with a difference we’ve picked Sommet CC – Girona Cycling Escape
When: 7 – 10 March 2019
Where: Girona
How much: £650
What they say:
“Girona is the place pros from around the world call home – and for good reason. The Pyrenees dominate the horizon and shape the contours to the north; to the east, gentler slopes fall into the beautiful Mediterranean. There are challenges to push you to your limits, or simply enjoy the stunning scenery, if you prefer.
Spectacular views, thrilling climbs, Catalan cuisine and café culture: this is a unique cycling experience in the heart of Catalonia, taking you from twisting country roads to glittering seascapes. On the rides, you’ll be accompanied by our inspiring professional guides; they’ll lead the way, sharing their local insight and expert knowledge. No stone is left unturned and you need not lift a finger – unless you want to! – as we’ll take good care of you and your bike.
History-packed yet buzzing with energy, the Old Town of Girona is our base for four days of incredible cycling, cuisine and adventure, on roads we know better than any other…”
For a training camp with your rivals we’ve picked Challenge Tri Camp – Middle Distance AG Camp, Mallorca
When: 16 -23 March 2019
Where: Mallorca
How much: £695
What they say:
“Our Middle Distance Age Group Week is for all athletes who are already, or are trying to qualify as, a BTF Age Group Triathlete. This week is all about getting you ready for middle to long distance Age Group qualifying events and aimed at first timers or relatively new athletes looking to improve on their time.
The camp is perfectly located with the Mallorca half route on our doorstep to give us fantastic routes and facilities to use. Specifically designed coaching sessions develop your stamina, technique and confidence in all three disciplines. Coached pool and open water swim practice, long distance bike rides at varying speeds to cater for all abilities, run technique and runs off the bike and seminars on fuelling and recovery, ensure you leave feeling race ready and motivated for your event.
We provide a high coach to athlete training ratio as well as the option for one-to-one sessions to work on your personal requirements.”
For a kick start to your cycling season we’ve picked Viva Velo – Spring Mallorca Camp
When: weekly from 28 March 2019
Where: Mallorca
How much: £595
What they say:
“With its stunning scenery and potential for warm weather, Mallorca has become a Mecca for amateur and professional cyclists looking for early season riding. This is the fifth year we are running our Mallorca training camps and they have become a firm fixture in our calendar.
Our new base in Puerto d’Alcudia affords ample access to the famous Tramuntana mountain range for those wishing to test their legs on some climbs as well as increased access to some wonderful flatter rides into the interior and south of the island. Even for the non-cyclist, Mallorca has much to offer. The beach is directly behind our hotel and is therefore literally a step away and the island has plenty of monasteries, historical sites and other attractions to visit too.
If you can’t get a whole week off work this early in the year then you could choose the 5 night or 3 night options instead to still get some time in the sun.”
To cover yourself and your bike on holiday, Yellow Jersey offer annual and short term bicycle insurance and travel insurance.