In recent years, it has become one of the most important tourist destinations in the European cycling scene, and at this time of the year, one of the meccas of the professional peloton. Calpe is a perfect spot for lovers of this sport at any time of the year, with a pleasant climate and an ideal environment for team training.
With a variety of secondary roads with a perfect asphalt, and long ports for series around the city, Calpe is a privileged enclave to be able to do training with unevenness. To these points we add the respect of the cars in comparison to other neighboring countries, which makes it an ideal destination for foreigners.
The offer for after training is ideal for both professional teams and amateur cyclists, with a wide range of restaurants and hotel facilities that have everything necessary for the comfort of cyclists and their bicycles.
We spoke with Michael Leonard, a Canadian rider in the team's young talent program. INEOS Grenadiers. We asked him about a route in Calpe where the team was preparing for the season.
Michael tells us that the route he has selected is for an endurance day, a key part of any professional's training program, especially in pre-season.
The route starts with a short climb out of Calpe, then the road gradually descends through Altea, allowing for a gradual warm-up overlooking the Mediterranean before the steep climb to Finestrat.
Here, instead of doing the traditional Tudons climb, the route descends towards the Amadorio reservoir, before climbing up a little-traveled country road towards Aigues. At this point, the forest opens up and, suddenly, you find spectacular sea views and, after a few kilometers, the arrival to the city of Alicante.
After a short descent, we find the long climb to the Port de Benifallim, after which the only remaining challenge is the Port de Confrides, which you reach with 115 km and 2,300 m of elevation gain in your legs.
Generally, all the roads the route takes are quiet, with only a brief moment of traffic in Xixona, and the gradual climb up to 1000m altitude that allows you a good "endurance" workout.
To finish the day, the route has a long descent to Altea where you can enjoy the views until you reach the coast to Calpe again.
