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19 Jan 2025
25 Jan 2025

DISCOVER: Calpe

Experience Costa Blanca

19 Jan 2025
25 Jan 2025

Calpe

$8,950
Lead Guide:

Eros Poli

ABOUT THIS TRIP

Welcome to Calpe, a breathtaking cycling paradise nestled on the Costa Blanca. With its year-round sunshine, thrilling climbs, and exhilarating descents, this destination has it all. Situated between the vibrant cities of Valencia and Alicante, Calpe seamlessly blends its rich history with modern amenities.

Calpe is renowned for its three stunning beaches, which run alongside the magnificent Peñón de Ifach – a magnificent limestone formation that rises 322 meters above the sparkling Mediterranean waters. Adjacent to these sandy retreats are the Les Salines De Calp salt flats, protected as national parks. This awe-inspiring scenery provides a breathtaking backdrop for our cycling routes. Tucked between the towering Ifach rock and the Morro de Toix headland, Calpe boasts a series of secluded rocky coves with crystal-clear waters and peaceful bays, creating a haven of tranquility.

During the winter months, it’s not uncommon to encounter professional cycling teams tackling the challenging climbs of Calpe. The region’s mild climate, courteous drivers, and an array of cozy hotels make it the perfect winter playground for the pro peloton. Imagine this as a cycling retreat to kickstart your pre-season training.

Discover insights from our guides, Sérgio Paulinho, Olympic Medalist and Tour de France Stage Winner, and Manuel Cardoso, Tour Down Under Stage Winner, about their experiences training in this amazing location here.

Included With Trip:

  • All lodging*†
  • All food and beverages**
  • Pinarello Dogma F Disk with SRAM RED eTap AXS
  • Daily Bike Wash
  • Custom Castelli × inGamba cycling kit
  • Daily post-ride massage from a professional soigneur
  • Laundry service for cycling clothing

*Pre/post-trip lodging is not included
†Flights are not included
**Beverages ordered by guests beyond normal amounts and away from group activities will incur additional charges

MEET THE GUIDES

EROS POLI

THE CHAMPION

The night before Eros Poli took victory atop Mont Ventoux he couldn’t sleep. It was not like he was dreaming of victory or even had the slightest idea the next day’s stage would change his life forever. It was just that it was hot. Unbearably, unsleepably hot in his less-than stellar French hotel. His roommate had taken his mattress off the bed and was sleeping on the small balcony outside their room. And the man who would shortly become known as Monsieur Ventoux was watching football, Italy vs. Brazil in the World Cup final, to be exact. Italy lost. The following morning as Eros dragged his weary, tired legs out of bed and down the stairs, as there was no lift, James Brown came into his head. “I feel good, I knew that I would now,” started to repeat over and over in his head. As it would the rest of the day. He felt good and the rest, as they say, is history.

THE TRIP AT A GLANCE

START LOCATION:

Valencia

FINISH LOCATION:

Valencia

TOTAL ELEVATION:
6,223m
TOTAL DISTANCE:
412km
DAYS RIDING:

6

GROUP SIZE:

8-14

LONGEST DAY:

Day 6
Val de Ebo. 100km

BIGGEST CLIMBING DAY:

Day 6
Val de Ebo 1,872m

View Bike Options

DAY BY DAY BREAKDOWN

1

Test Ride

Sunday | 34km & 322m

Bienvenido a España! Our trip starts with a leisurely ride around Monte Pego, offering sea views to refresh and ensure everything is in order with your Pinarello bike. If anything needs adjustment, please speak to the mechanic now.

2

Calpe

Monday | 82km & 1162m

On our second day, we will take a loop that goes through Denia and Calpe. As we descend from Calpe, we will have the chance to see the impressive Peñón de Ifach. This rock formation was declared a Natural Park in 1987 by Spain. The size of the Peñón de Ifach is astonishing; it reaches a height of 332m and rests in the Mediterranean waters below. In Calpe, we will be surrounded by incredible views, including the vastness of the sea, and the details of the rocky coastline.

3

Coll de Rates

Tuesday | 83km & 1,637m

Coll de Rates is one of the most popular mountain passes on the Costa Blanca, if not the most popular. Over the last few years, it has been used for training sessions in the winter stages by most of the top professional teams. It is almost a must for the Vuelta a España when the race comes to the Costa Blanca. The pass has also gained popularity thanks to renowned professional cyclists such as Tadej Pogačar, Mathieu Van der Poel, and Victor Campenaerts, who hold top positions in the Strava segments. All of this has made Coll de Rates a benchmark for cyclists from around the world.

4

Cap de Sant Antoni lighthouse

Wednesday | 47km & 562m
Today’s biggest challenge will be the Cap de Sant Antoni lighthouse but for a good reason. The lighthouse of Cap de Sant Antoni rises on the cliffs of the cape of the same name in Jávea, reaching a total height of 175 meters above sea level. A curiosity about the lighthouse is that it was first lit in 1855. It faces the bay from the summit of Cap de Sant Antoni and was built on the land once occupied by defensive structures, including a hermitage constructed in the 14th century. This area was also home to a watchtower built to defend against pirate raids, which eventually became the current lighthouse. This scenic viewpoint offers one of the most privileged panoramic landscapes of the Valencian Coast.
5

Castel de Forna

Thursday 66km & 668m

Today’s ride features the Castel de Forna as the highlight. This castle, visible as we ride towards Villalonga, appears like a simple sketch for a fairy tale. It is a plain, pale-colored rectangle without whimsical turrets to disrupt its stark geometry. An equally pale winding road leads up to it, with sharply defined edges against the dark green mountainside, appearing as if drawn by hand. The castle is situated atop a low green mountain, surrounded by taller ones that rise gradually in an amphitheater-like setting. From the viewpoint, beyond the castle, there is a vast open space extending far out to the distant sea.

6

Val de Ebo

Friday | 100km & 1,872m

The Vall d’Ebo climb is a legendary route nestled in the heart of Costa Blanca’s mountainous terrain. This ascent takes us from the valley floor to the summit, offering panoramic views and a sense of accomplishment that only a challenging climb can provide. The average gradient of the climb is around 6-8%.

7

DEPARTURE

Saturday
This is our final morning together and after a leisurely breakfast, it will be time to say goodbye, or at least arrivederci, until we meet again. Transfers to the airport will be arranged by our hard-working crew but if you’re planning on staying a few extra days, let us know if we can help with reservations or a few recommendations.

STAYING LONGER?

Adventure Continues…
Do you plan to come a few days early, or stay on after your inGamba adventure has ended? Our concierge can help you plan with a carefully curated selection of hotels, restaurants, bars, and guides. All of our recommendations have been hand-picked by a team of local experts, so you can spend more time enjoying all that this destination has to offer.

The latest version of the DOGMA features an advanced fiber with remarkable tensile strength, which enables Pinarello to improve the bike’s lateral stiffness performance. With this enhancement, the New DOGMA F is engineered to tackle any road challenges, establishing itself as a reliable option for all kinds of rides.

In addition, it comes equipped with the new SRAM RED AXS, the lightest electronic groupset to date. The controls have been redesigned to offer smooth, comfortable ergonomics for a wide range of hand sizes. What makes this groupset stand out is the effortless braking, allowing for one-finger braking with minimal effort. The RED brakes now require 80% less effort when braking from the hoods and 33% less effort from the drops, delivering more power and reducing hand fatigue.

WHEELSET:

Zipp 303 S Carbon Tubeless

FRAMESET:

Pinarello New Dogma F

COCKPIT:

MOST Talon Ultra Fast

TIRES:

Vittoria Corsa N.Ext

GRUPPO:

New SRAM RED AXS (Powermeter Included)

BOTTLE CAGES:

Elite Custom Race

PEDALS:

Speedplay

BIDON:

Elite Jet

SADDLE:

Prologo

COMPUTER:

Garmin Edge 1040

COLOUR:

inGamba Red

The NYTRO GRAVEL has a pure road racer DNA which upon launch marked an era in the E-BIKE/GRAVEL world. Featuring an iconic design, the Nytro Gravel is perfect for anyone looking for a road bike with powerful support for the toughest climbs.

WHEELSET:

Zipp 303 S Carbon Tubeless

FRAMESET:

Nytro Gravel E-Bike
(available for an additional fee)

COCKPIT:

ZIPP Service Course SL

TIRES:

Vittoria Corsa N.Ext

GRUPPO:

SRAM RED eTap AXS

BOTTLE CAGES:

Elite Custom Race

PEDALS:

Speedplay

BIDON:

Elite Corsa Team

SADDLE:

Prologo

COMPUTER:

Garmin Edge 1030

COLOUR:

Saturn Silver