Costa blanca coast and climbs

Cycling

Yes, this is not the easiest route. It is hilly!! But you don’t need to climb like Alberto Contador to take it on – we will always regroup at the top of climbs to enable everyone to go at their own pace. The route has been planned to take in some of the most famous climbs and passes of the Costa Blanca mountains, including the Col de Rates and many others that frequently feature in the Vuelta de Espana. Yet it also starts with a day along the coast south of Alicante to warm up your legs, and another stretch along the northern Costa Blanca coast. The quietest roads have been followed as much as possible. On three of the days there is an option to have a shorter day if those leg muscles are aching! So don’t be intimidated by the daily distances and ascent.

Highlights

• Dramatic limestone mountain scenery
• Epic climbs and descents, but most at very manageable gradients (only a few climbs more than 5 to 6%)
• Climb some of the famous passes of the Vuelta de Espana, and maybe overtake some pros (ahem)
• Characterful small towns and villages, and three nights in the beautiful city of Alicante
• A contrasting opening day along the coast south of Alicante, featuring the sea and salt marshes
• Got a challenge coming up – why not treat this as a fun training camp?

Accommodation

Accommodation is on a Twin sharing bed and breakfast basis, in a comfortable hotel or B&B with ensuite facilities.

You pay on a sharing basis, although single rooms may be available on payment for a single supplement of £395.

Meals

Breakfast will be included in the hotel and  picnic lunches will be provided during the cycling days.

You will need to purchase your own evening meals, which are usually eaten communally although you are free to opt out if you wish.

We will carry emergency energy gels and bars in the support van but you are advised to bring along your own preferred sports nutrition to fuel your ride.

In the Tour Plan, (B, L, D) refers to meals included in the trip cost i.e. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Arrival / Departure

Tour starts and ends in Alicante, which is served my multiple airlines from many airports in the UK and beyond.

Bike Transfers

We happily transport your bike to the start and back for free. You would drop your bike off at our Sheffield office up to three days before departure we will carefully pack it in the support van, drive it to the start and then return it to Sheffield ready for you to collect. If that isn’t convenient, then depending on where you live, we may be able to collect your bike on our journey from Sheffield to Portsmouth. Please get in touch with us to discuss arrangements.

Taking your bikes to the continent, As we are no longer part of the EU customs unions, any bike we transport to Europe requires an ATA Carnet which incurs a fee of £60 per bike. This cost will be added to your invoice.

Tour Plan

This tour is a point to point cycle tour, where we follow a pre set route. Local conditions, weather or fitness could lead to changes in our daily plans. All times and distances are approximate.