January 2020 / Arturo Bolufer.
You might have probably seen on social media some pro cyclists posting sunny pictures about there winter rides in Calpe, Altea or Denia.
Here we list some of the reasons why this spot of Spain has become a popular place to bik in winter and the reasons why professional cyclists, such as Deceuninck-Quick Step, Astana or FDJ, have established here their winter basecamp.
1. Weather 🌞
The sun is one of the secrets, but not the only one. An average of 328 days of sun per year and an average temperature of 15 degrees during winter amply justifies the popularity of the place.
Rain is the exception (an average of 0’01 liters per month in winter), however, be aware that heavy rains lasting for a couple of days could happen. Be also aware that you can get some days of heavy wind.
2. Mountains and landscape 🚵♀️
The province is one of the most mountainous in the country. You might not find here the highest mountains, actually, mountains do not go above 1600m. However, in the province of Alicante there are a total of 43 mountains above 1.000m.
Some of this hills have been witnessing year after year several stages of La Vuelta. Here we have made a classification of the cimbs that have been choosen by the grand tour in the last ten years:
– Puig de la LLorença | First category climb featured in La Vuelta in 2015, ‘17, 19’. This climb was end of stage in ‘15 (won by Tom Dumoulin) and ‘17 (with victory for Chris Froome).
– Tudons | Second category climb featured in La Vuelta in 2009, ‘10, ‘16.
– Cofrides |Third category climb featured in La Vuelta in 2009, ‘10, ‘19.
– Guadalest | Second category climb featured in La Vuelta in 2009, ‘10, ‘19.
– Coll de Rates | Second category climb featured in La Vuelta in 2010, ‘16.
– Tollos | Second category climb featured in La Vuelta in 2009, ‘16.
– Alto de Aitana | Hors Catégorie climb featured in La Vuelta in 2016 (Nairo Quintana winning the stage) and 2009 (won by Damiano Cunego). This hill is not possible to be climbed as it hosts a military base.
– Vall d’Ebo | Second category climb) featured in La Vuelta in 2016.
– Castell de Castells | Third category climb featured in La Vuelta in 2009
3. Road quality 👌
The average quality of the tarmac is optimal, even in rural roads, you can expect the pavement to be in great condition. Some climbs, such as Bernia o Miserat, the pavement in more worn down (just some extra to make these hills more epic)
Low traffic is one more positive point to add to our list. Interior roads are rather calm and sometimes you can ride kilometers without cars. I highly recommend to avoid the more crowded coastal roads an head to the interior of the region; there you will find not only quiet roads but also the hardest climbs, nicest valleys and stunning views.
4. Culture & tradition 🌍
And because it will not all be about cycling, you are not only in a region with cool climbs and sunny weather, here you are also surrounded by an amazing culture.
Gastronomy is one of the flagship of the region, being the undisputed home of paella. You will ride across fields of olives, almonds, and vineyards, producing well-known wine with grapes from the Muscatel of Alexandra variety. The region is also the first producer of oranges in Spain and not to forget the seafood.
