The world of professional cycling has witnessed a significant shift in recent years, with nearly every team choosing Spain as their go-to destination for winter training camps. But why this sudden preference for Spain? Let's delve into the reasons behind this intriguing trend.
The Great Migration to Spain
Matteo Tosatto, a former professional rider and now a sports director, has been an eyewitness to this transformation. With a career spanning 20 seasons and victories in both the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France, Tosatto offers valuable insights. He recalls how until 2005, Tuscany in Italy was the preferred choice for training camps, attracting not just Italian teams but also foreign ones like Telekom, Rabobank, and various French teams.
So, what caused this shift? Tosatto attributes it to a combination of factors, primarily weather and infrastructure. He explains how Spain's climate, with excellent temperatures in December, and its well-structured hotels with facilities like gyms and spacious parking, make it an ideal training ground. Additionally, the reduced traffic on internal roads is a significant advantage.
The Economics of Training Camps
Another crucial factor is economics. Tosatto highlights how Spain offers excellent value for cyclists, making it a cost-effective choice for teams. This is especially true for individual riders seeking specific training, as Spain provides convenient and affordable options.
The Canary Islands: A Cyclist's Paradise
Tosatto believes the Canary Islands, particularly Gran Canaria, are the best places for cyclists to prepare for the season. With temperatures ranging from 18 to 26 degrees Celsius, Gran Canaria offers a diverse range of training terrains, from long and short climbs to flat roads. It's no wonder teams from around the world flock to this island.
Why Italy Lost Its Appeal
Some suggest southern Italy, especially Sicily, as an alternative, but Tosatto has reservations. While the climate in Sicily is excellent, the road conditions and traffic can be challenging. Additionally, stray dogs pose a potential hazard for cyclists. However, Tosatto praises the beauty of Mount Etna's climb, acknowledging it as a great training location, but one that lacks variety.
Other Italian regions, like Puglia, have shown potential, but the lack of climbs and the need for early quality work in December make Spain a more attractive option.
The Role of Cuisine
Italy's renowned cuisine was once a strong draw for teams, but with the rise of traveling team chefs, this advantage has diminished. Foreign teams were particularly impressed by Italy's cappuccinos and cuisine, but with chefs accompanying teams, this factor has become less significant.
The Best and Worst Training Locations
When asked about his favorite training location, Tosatto names Gran Canaria as the overall winner. He recalls the Bjarne Riis era, where the team stayed in a beautiful golf club with villas for riders, offering excellent training conditions and a great climate.
As for the least pleasant experience, Tosatto mentions a week in Corsica in January 2013, where they encountered five days of rain and wind. Despite the challenging conditions, the team trained diligently under the guidance of Riis.
Training Methodology: Then and Now
From a technical perspective, Tosatto argues that training methodology hasn't changed drastically over the years. The first camp in December remains focused on building the group and improving endurance, while the second camp in January is more specific and intense, with different groups formed based on their upcoming races.
Tudor's Spring Classics Target
Looking ahead to 2026, Tosatto confirms that Tudor Pro Cycling Team will be targeting the full block of spring classics. With new additions like Stefan Küng and Luca Mozzato, the team aims to perform well in all Classics, including Milano-Sanremo. They also plan to compete in WorldTour races and aim for strong performances at Amstel and Liège with Alaphilippe and Hirschi.
When pressed to choose two races as their primary goals, Tosatto names Flanders and Roubaix, expressing confidence in the team's ability to excel in these races.
So, there you have it! The reasons behind nearly every team's choice of Spain for winter training camps are now clear. But what do you think? Is Spain the ultimate training destination, or are there other factors at play? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
