Llauna de Calp — mixed fish slow-cooked with olive oil, garlic, saffron, and red pepper. Arroz a banda simmered in fish stock, alioli on the side. The Calpe red prawn, grilled, seasoned with nothing but sea salt. Octopus braised in its own ink, anchovies pulled from brine, turrón dense with almonds eaten in a sliver at day’s end.
Vermut de grifo poured from the tap before lunch, over ice with a slice of orange and a single olive — this is la hora del vermut. Crisp Alicante white with fresh clams. A cold caña on a chiringuito terrace. A final cortado, standing at the bar, before the afternoon properly begins.
Welcome to Calpe, a breathtaking cycling paradise on the Costa Blanca. With its year-round sunshine, thrilling climbs, and exhilarating descents, there’s no better place to close out the season in style.
Situated between Valencia and Alicante, Calpe blends rich history with modern amenities — and three stunning beaches running alongside the Peñón de Ifach, a limestone giant rising 332 meters above the sparkling Mediterranean.
This is where the pros come to train. During the winter months, professional cycling teams are a common sight on the climbs around Calpe, drawn by the mild climate, courteous drivers, and world-class roads. Now it’s your turn — one final ride before the season is put to bed.
In 2026, you’ll be based at the luxurious Marriott La Sella, a five-star resort frequently used by WorldTour teams. Expect the perfect balance of celebration and recovery — and quite possibly a familiar face or two in the lobby.
As part of the VIP experience, you’ll have the incredible opportunity to ride some of the iconic routes and witness the live action from the pro peloton, guided by none other than the legendary cyclist Adrie Van Der Poel.
Champagne reception with canapés · Gourmet lunch with unlimited open bar · Lavish hosted reception · Welcome by official Tour of Flanders hosts · Exclusive access to the VIP village on Oude Kwaremont · Private personalised tables with dedicated seating · Cobbleside terrace with panoramic views of the race circuit · 3 live passages of the Men’s Elite race · 1 live passage of the Women’s Elite race · Live entertainment following the race · 1 VIP parking space per 2 guests · Complimentary shuttle service · Live race broadcast on plasma screen
Born in Portugal and raised in New York, João Correia raced competitively from a young age before stepping away from the sport to attend Fordham University. A career in publishing followed, including time at Esquire and as associate publisher of Bicycling magazine — before an unlikely return. Dissatisfied with corporate life, he clawed his way back into professional cycling in his 30s, racing for the Cervélo Test Team.
After retiring from racing, he founded inGamba Tours with a single tweet in 2010 — one of the first to see the opportunity in combining high-level cycling with exceptional hospitality. What began as a single trip has since grown into a global operation running tours across three continents.
Routes with genuine climbing and rewarding descents. You'll work for the views, but nothing here requires a granny gear. A satisfying day in the saddle for cyclists who enjoy a bit of punch in their rides.
Stay in the stunning locations that we know and love, and spent years finding.
The same bike the WorldTour rides. The lightest electronic groupset available. Yours for the week, or opt for E-bike option.
Every breakfast, lunch, and dinner — the kind that takes time to make and longer to forget. Wine, espresso, and aperitivi included.
We pick you up, we drop you off. Nothing to arrange, nothing to worry about.
High-tech performance meets luxury for the optimal riding experience with our Custom 36.5 kit.
Professional soigneurs with peloton experience ease sore muscles and prepare you for the next day.
Mechanics work meticulously to ensure your Pinarello is race-ready every single morning of your trip.
Don't worry about chores whilst you're away, all cycling kit is cleaned overnight, so it’s fresh, dry and ready to go each morning.
Make use a beautiful day bag from Ideal & Co. Yours to keep after the trip.
Fill your pockets with fresh snacks, or make use of an entire Enervit collection.
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.
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%.
On our third day, we will take a loop that goes through 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.
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.
We will discover the Marina Alta’s hidden gem: the Alt de Tarrenyes. This virtually traffic-free, perfectly paved climb connects stunning valleys, offering breathtaking views and an authentic taste of inland Spain. Aligned with legendary climbs like the Alt de Tollos and Coll de la Garga, the Alt de Tarrenyes is a must-ride for any cycling enthusiast exploring Calpe’s diverse terrain.
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.
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.
Manuel Cardoso is no longer sitting on the front of the pack, pulling everyone along at what some would describe as a “brisk” pace and what others are unable to describe at all, because they’re too busy gasping for breath and holding onto the wheel in front of them for dear life.
Manuel is now sitting just slightly off the back of the pack. As I look back, I realize he has that look on his face. The look that struck fear in the hearts of the Pro Peloton for many years. The look which is part grin, part mischievous child, and all business. He is about to start some shenanigans.
Sure enough, just a few kilometers later and Manuel has picked one lucky contestant out of the pack and they are sitting-in, waiting, like predators, for the perfect moment. For Manuel, just like when he raced pro, this is when the road turns slightly up — a spot where it gets tough for everyone. And he accelerates with his breakaway “partner” in tow.
It is something to see. He ramps it up to a speed with which no one can latch onto the back, and with such precision you have to question whether or not you actually want to try and close the gap he has created. And you can’t see it, but you just know — he is grinning from ear to ear.
With years of experience in the professional peloton, our mechanics and soigneurs bring WorldTour-level care to every detail of your ride. Up to five mechanics work meticulously each day to ensure your Pinarello is perfectly tuned and adjusted for you alone—not just race-ready, but dialed to your precise preferences. Meanwhile, our soigneurs draw on their own experience as professional riders to anticipate your needs before you voice them: bottles filled and positioned exactly right, ride food prepared and timed to fuel you through the hardest climbs, post-ride massages that ease tired muscles, and the kind of quiet, confident support that prepares you mentally and physically for whatever the road brings next. This is the care that once belonged only to the pros. With inGamba, it’s yours.
”''Top notch cycling experience, well managed logistics, very gracious staff. Having Adrie VDP join us — extremely great addition''
Ann W.Guest in 2025
”''Can ride as fast or as slow as you are looking for that day — incredible prior race experience.''
Nathan H.Guest in 2025
Single Supplement: $1,200 per person · Private Trips: Available on request for groups of 6+
Guests of inGamba are passionate cyclists who love the sport and the lifestyle that surrounds it. Most of our community are experienced riders of all ages and various abilities, who appreciate great roads, fine food, and unforgettable company.
While everyone enjoys a challenge, no one’s chasing a pro contract here. Instead, the focus is on sharing incredible rides at a comfortable pace, soaking in the scenery, and enjoying the journey. You’ll find more “middle of the pack” and “social” riders than hard chargers at the front, and with our exceptional staff-to-guest ratio, every rider is fully supported, no matter their speed or style.
Fly to: Valencia, Spain
Pick-up: Valencia Airport/Valencia Train Station – 11:00am
Drop-off to: Valencia Airport/Valencia Train Station, hotel departure 8:30am
We recommend arriving the night before. Our concierge can help with hotel recommendations.
Gratuities are customary if you feel the staff delivered an exceptional experience. Most guests find 10-20% of the trip cost appropriate. All tips are split evenly among the entire team, as it’s often those behind the scenes who make each week truly special.
We recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your booking. View our cancellation policy →
Need to change dates? Contact us as early as possible and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
Browse our extensive Journal, featuring world-class writers and photographers and a host of great content about food, wine, cycling, and so much more.
Shifting to Outdoor Riding After Winter on the Trainer
Bike Check: Tom Pidcock’s Pinarello at Strade Bianche
Go Behind the Scenes on Cycling Conversations with inGamba
Franzi Koch Showed She’s One to Watch at Strade Bianche: The Magazine Sneak Peek
Bike Check: Tom Pidcock’s Pinarello at Strade Bianche
