The Professional Cycling World’s Spanish Obsession: Unraveling the Mystery
Why has Spain become the go-to destination for professional cycling teams’ winter training camps? It’s a question that piques curiosity, especially considering the sport’s previous love affair with Italy. But here’s the twist: this shift is relatively recent, leaving many wondering about the reasons behind it.
Matteo Tosatto, a seasoned professional with an impressive 20-season career, including stints at Tinkoff-Saxo and Quick Step, offers a unique perspective. After hanging up his racing shoes in 2016, he seamlessly transitioned into sports directorship, first with INEOS Grenadiers and later with Tudor Pro Cycling Team.
Tosatto’s career highlights include six victories, with memorable stage wins at the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France, and an astonishing 34 Grand Tours and 55 Monuments under his belt.
In a revealing interview with bici.pro, Tosatto reflects on the transition from Italy to Spain, which he witnessed firsthand. “Until 2005, Tuscany was the place to be. Not just for us, but for numerous foreign teams as well. Telekom, Rabobank, Lotto, and French teams were all regulars.” But what triggered the shift?
Enter Spain, with its allure of favorable weather and modern infrastructure. Tosatto explains, “Climate change played a role, but so did the need for different infrastructure. Spain’s growth in this regard has been remarkable, and now it’s the go-to destination.” He adds, “Within 50 kilometers of coastline between Valencia and Alicante, you’ll find teams from all over the world.”
The appeal of Spain is multifaceted. Tosatto highlights the excellent weather in December, the well-equipped hotels with gyms and spacious parking, and the quiet internal roads, all contributing to an ideal training environment. The economic factor is also significant, with Spain offering competitive prices for cyclists.
The Canary Islands, particularly Gran Canaria, receive special praise from Tosatto. “It’s the best place for cyclists to prepare. The temperature is always between 18 and 26 degrees, and you have everything you need: long climbs, short climbs, flat roads…” But what about Italy?
Italy, once a cycling mecca, now faces competition. Tosatto acknowledges the potential of southern Italy and Sicily but points out road quality and traffic issues. He fondly recalls Italy’s culinary allure, but notes that traveling team chefs have changed the game. “The quality of Italian cuisine is unbeatable, but teams now have their own chefs.”
When reflecting on his best and worst training locations, Tosatto is unequivocal. Gran Canaria tops his list, recalling the luxurious golf club villas during the Bjarne Riis era. On the flip side, a rainy and windy week in Corsica in 2013, where training was relentless, stands out as a less pleasant memory.
Methodologically, Tosatto believes things haven’t changed drastically. The December camp is about team-building, while the January camp focuses on specific workloads. Looking ahead, Tudor has its sights set on the spring classics, with Flanders and Roubaix as key targets. But will they succeed? That’s a question for the cycling community to ponder and debate.