Cycling the Costa Daurada

Words by Peter Cole
 

My gleaming red Trek Madone 7 stands waiting for me, propped against the black and red team minibus. Eloi, the support vehicle driver, has already fitted my pedals, pumped up the tyres and filled the water bottles; one with energy drink and one with water. This rental bike, whilst not quite as pimped as my usual race bike, is perfect for training. I hand Eloi my bag and camera and he hands me an energy bar and gel. Once I’ve made a few final adjustments to my saddle height, we’re ready to roll.

Costa Daurada, whilst perhaps less well known than the cycling hotbeds of nearby Girona or Mallorca has no less to offer in terms of challenging rides in spectacular terrain, and has if anything even less traffic to contend with. The region may be unfamiliar to British cyclist at the moment, but tour specialists Cycling Costa Daurada have plans to change all that.
 

Once away from the flat coastal roads we’re quickly up to a 35 km/h pace on the straight drag up to Montbrió marked out by the imposing landmark of the 4 star Les Termes de Montbrio Hotel. Cycling Costa Daurada tailor the ride based on average pace, and I’m sure that I clearly specified a 28km/h average so I guess they are taking the ensuing mountains into account! Something worth bearing in mind next time… Read More >