Rick Zabel: “There’s no place like Mallorca”
Rick Zabel is the third generation of a proud racing dynasty, following in the footsteps of his grandfather Detlef Zabel and his dad, Erik, who is widely regarded…
”The roads are succulent and bountiful, and the food and wine leave you breathless. The Pinarello bikes are to the highest standard of the purest gourmand. The personalities are rich and bold, yet full of subtle surprises. All is to be savored—and devoured.
Bill StricklandBicycling Magazine
3 Sep 2023
9 Sep 2023
Catalonia
Varied terrain, a warm climate, and an airport. These are the reasons that Girona tops the list of any professional cyclist looking for a home. But the city, and the region of Catalonia in general, has so much more to offer riders – especially if your list of priorities puts food and fun times a little higher than race-winning fitness.
This part of Spain isn’t just a mecca for bike riders, either. There might be more tourists in Barcelona, but the Catalonian capital’s sister city is preferred by more experienced travelers who know that Girona is second-to-none when it comes to serious cuisine and culture. From Roman ruins to the hippest bars and eateries, it has something for everyone.
From to the foothills of the Pyrenees to the picturesque Costa Brava beaches, we’ll show you one of the world’s very best cycling destinations like it’s never been seen before.
Included With Trip:
- All lodging*
- All food and beverages**
- Pinarello Dogma F Disk with SRAM RED eTap AXS
- Daily Bike Wash
- One 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
**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.
Sérgio Paulinho
The World Tour veteran
After an impressive pro career that started back in 2003, Sérgio Paulinho joined the inGamba team at the start of 2022 after his retirement. But we’ve known him for a long time, as not only did he race against our founder João Correia, but he was also a teammate of our star guide Manuel Cardoso back in the day. A two-time national champion in Portugal, Sérgio has also won stages at the Tour de France and Vuelta a España, and in 2004, he won a silver medal in the road race at the Athens Olympics. So it’s fair to say the man has pedigree! It isn’t the racing victories that impress us most about Sérgio though, it’s his personality, his friendly nature on and off the bike, and the fact that he’s always ready with a smile. That said, if you find yourself running out of gas on a big climb, it certainly helps to have someone like him beside you!
Rui Vinhas
Born in the North of Portugal, Rui has been riding his bike since he was 10. In 2011, he became a professional cyclist and just five years later he won the Tour of Portugal. The following year, in 2017, he was the runner-up in the Portuguese Cycling Championship. His talent and incredible bike skills will be by your side during our trips.
THE TRIP AT A GLANCE
START LOCATION:
Barcelona
FINISH LOCATION:
Barcelona
TOTAL ELEVATION:
6,298m
TOTAL DISTANCE:
527km
DAYS RIDING:
6
GROUP SIZE:
8-14
LONGEST DAY:
Day 5 – 116km
Santa Pellaia
BIGGEST CLIMBING DAY:
Day 5 – 1,476m
Santa Pellaia
DAY BY DAY BREAKDOWN
PINARELLO DOGMA F
Seven of the last 11 Tours de France have been conquered on a DOGMA, and the latest generation is now ready to continue that legacy of success. Whatever the road throws at you, the DOGMA F is always the right bike.
WHEELSET:
Zipp 303 S Carbon Tubeless
FRAMESET:
Pinarello Dogma F
COCKPIT:
ZIPP Service Course SL
TIRES:
Vittoria Corsa
GRUPPO:
SRAM RED eTap AXS
BOTTLE CAGES:
Elite Custom Race
PEDALS:
Speedplay
BIDON:
Elite Corsa Team
SADDLE:
Prologo
COMPUTER:
Garmin Edge 1030
COLOUR:
InGamba Red
