Frequently Asked Questions

What's the minimum level of fitness required to participate?

To get the most out of this experience, it’s important to meet some necessary riding skills and fitness requirements. Participants should:
- Ride regularly for at least four months prior to the camp — at least 3 to 4 times a week, totaling 7 or more hours.
- Be comfortable with rides of around 90 km on hilly terrain and up to 120 km on a longer day.
- Have good bike-handling skills, especially for descending on long, steep, and sometimes technical descents.
- Be confident riding solo and in a group, in a wide variety of road and weather conditions, including narrow roads, light traffic, and wet surfaces.
- Expect frequent climbs of varying distances and gradients, requiring endurance and climbing ability.
The rides will be challenging, but that’s why you’re coming, isn’t it? With proper preparation, you’ll be ready to tackle longer days in the saddle and enjoy the journey!

What's the average level of participants?

We have been welcoming riders ranging from 2.6w/kg up to 5.4w/kg. We manage to all ride together, as a team. On the flat sections, strongest riders lead the group. While on hills, each rider will climb at his/her own pace, and we regroup at the top.

What's the average speed?

Let’s be clear: speed on a bike means absolutely nothing! Whether you’re riding alone or in a group, battling headwinds or cruising with a tailwind, on flat roads or hilly terrain, speed can vary dramatically—even with the same power and effort. This is why we don’t provide average speeds on our website; we want to avoid any confusion. Some rides will be fast, others slower, but all will be challenging, regardless of the route. Compared to other camps, ours requires a relatively high level of fitness—whether due to the pace on flat sections or the difficulty of the climbs.

Am I too old for this?

There is no age to treat yourself and have fun! Our cycling trips are for everyone. To date, we have welcomed cyclists from 21 to 70 years old. Any concerns? Email us!

Can I come with my husband/wife who doesn't cycle?

Yes, there are options for non-riders on certain dates but we can not accommodate children. If you would like more information on this, please consult our non-riders package.

Is it a mixed training camp?

Yes, of course. To date, 24% of participants have been women. If you prefer, however, to ride only with women, we also host a couple of women-only cycling camps during the year.

What language will be spoken at the camp?

Riders come from everywhere. The staff speaks fluent English, French, and Spanish. The coaching workshops will be held in English, and all Powerpoint presentations will be available in English and French as well at the end of the camp.

Are all your cycling holidays the same?

Overall, yes! Our services and the staff are always the same regardless of the camp. Only some "special" camps differ slightly from others, such as the one we organise for young riders (16-23) during summer with adapated distances and workshops to their age.

What is the best period of the year to join the camp in Mallorca?

Mallorca offers fantastic weather for cycling year-round. We run camps in Mallorca from September until June, and the weather is usually better here than anywhere else in Europe.
- If you enjoy cycling in the fall, come to Mallorca.
- If you want to ride your bike during winter and escape the cold, wet weather of northern Europe, come to Mallorca.
-If spring rides are your favorite, come to Mallorca!

Additionally, we have a large photo gallery on our website showcasing pictures from the past six years, organized by month. These photos show what SCCC riders were wearing at the same time of year, helping you get a sense of what to expect. Of course, keep in mind that weather can vary from one year to the next.

How many people will I ride with?

To ensure personalized coaching and build a strong team spirit over the week, our training camps are limited to 10 people. So we will never be more than 10 on the road, including our Ride Captain.

Should I tip the staff?

Tips are entirely at your discretion and are a great way to recognize exceptional service, hospitality, and those little extras that make your trip special. Most of our guests leave tips between 50 and 100 euros at the end of the week, but you are welcome to give more if the staff made your experience truly unforgettable, both on and off the road. Thank you for showing your appreciation!

How do I book?

To reserve your spot, please email us at hello@sacalobra.cc or call/text us at +33 688 699 160 (WhatsApp is ok). We will send you a registration form within one business day to complete your reservation and confirm bike hire size availability. Payment is required in two installments. A deposit of 150 euros is required at the time of booking to secure your place. The remaining balance is due 2 months prior to the event. If you are booking within 2 months of the event date, payment is required in full. Please see our Terms & Conditions for more information on how to book and our cancellation policy.

When do I have to pay?

Payment is required in two installments. A deposit of 150 euro is required at the time of booking to secure your place. The remaining balance is due 2 months prior to the event. If you are booking within 2 months of the event date, payment is required in full.

What if I have to cancel my trip?

Please review our Cancellation Policy for more details.

How far in advance should I book?

The earlier, the better! In 2023, our camps sold out about ten months in advance! Last minute bookings are, sadly, very rarely possible due to the lack of size/bike availability from our bike supplier. To allow us to book a villa adapted to the right number of participants and guarantee the availability of bikes/kits, registration is closed two weeks before the start of the camp.

Is there a minimum of riders required for a camp?

Our cycling holidays are guaranteed as soon as we have ONE reservation confirmed. We never cancel a camp because there are not enough participants, that's our guarantee.

Is there a minimum age required to participate?

Only adults of 18 and older can participate to our cycling camps. For young riders (16-23) who want to progress and learn, we organize during summer a development camp dedicated to them, with adapated distances and workshops. Contact us for more information.

Will you add more dates if all the camps are sold out?

Unfortunately, we cannot add more dates to our calendar. Our schedule is planned about two years in advance, with 26 camps each year. The remaining weeks are essential for us to prepare for upcoming camps - and to take a little time to recharge, too! This is why we highly recommend booking your spot early to secure your place. Thank you for understanding.

What's the minimum level of fitness required to participate?

To get the most out of this experience, it’s important to meet some necessary riding skills and fitness requirements. Participants should:
- Ride regularly for at least four months prior to the camp — at least 3 to 4 times a week, totaling 7 or more hours.
- Be comfortable with rides of around 90 km on hilly terrain and up to 120 km on a longer day.
- Have good bike-handling skills, especially for descending on long, steep, and sometimes technical descents.
- Be confident riding solo and in a group, in a wide variety of road and weather conditions, including narrow roads, light traffic, and wet surfaces.
- Expect frequent climbs of varying distances and gradients, requiring endurance and climbing ability.
The rides will be challenging, but that’s why you’re coming, isn’t it? With proper preparation, you’ll be ready to tackle longer days in the saddle and enjoy the journey!

What's the average speed?

Let’s be clear: speed on a bike means absolutely nothing! Whether you’re riding alone or in a group, battling headwinds or cruising with a tailwind, on flat roads or hilly terrain, speed can vary dramatically—even with the same power and effort. This is why we don’t provide average speeds on our website; we want to avoid any confusion. Some rides will be fast, others slower, but all will be challenging, regardless of the route. Compared to other camps, ours requires a relatively high level of fitness—whether due to the pace on flat sections or the difficulty of the climbs.

What's the minimum FTP required to participate?

If you know your FTP, we would say from experience that the minimum level required to complete all six stages of our camps is as follows:
- Mallorca : 2.7w/kg
- Women's edition : 2.6w/kg
- Full Gas edition : 4w/kg
- Calpe : 3.0w/kg
- French Alps : 2.9w/kg

How many kilometers will we ride per day?

Here, we prefer to talk in hours instead. Rides last between 4 and 6 hours, with one coffee/recovery ride in the middle of the week. Do you think it’s too much for you? Don’t forget that with massages, nutrition, coaching and the fact that we take care of everything else, getting back on the bike each morning will be easier than what you have ever imagined!

What's the average level of participants?

We have been welcoming riders ranging from 2.6w/kg up to 5.4w/kg. We manage to all ride together, as a team. On the flat sections, strongest riders lead the group. While on hills, each rider will climb at his/her own pace, and we regroup at the top.

I am not a pro nor a racer, can I still join?

Of course! Our cycling holidays are for every riders! No matter who you are, how old you are, or how fast you are, you deserve the best. This is what we’ll give you.

I am a strong rider. Will it be challenging enough?

Don’t worry, our Ride Captain will make it tough(er) for you if this is what you want! Mallorca offers a lot of climbs where you will be able to train hard and if you want to push your limits further. The riders who reach the summit first will turn back down to catch the last ones. Nobody stays inactive at the top. It means some extra miles for the fastest riders and some support for the slowest ones in the last part of their ascents.

Do you offer cycling camps for beginners?

No, our cycling camps are designed for riders who already have a certain level of fitness and can comfortably ride for multiple hours. Participants should also have experience riding in a group and basic cycling skills, such as riding downhills safely. We recommend at least one year of regular cycling experience before signing up, as these camps involve long hours in the saddle over an entire week. This ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

How are the rides organized?

Every morning at the briefing each rider will receive personal goals for the ride to come based on their abilities and level of fatigue. We all take the road together, as a team. On the short (rare) flat sections, the strongest riders will lead the group. On hills, each rider will climb at their own pace with a powermeter. The riders who reach the summit first will turn back down to catch the last riders. Nobody stays inactive at the top. It means some extra miles for the fastest riders and some support for the slowest ones in the last part of the ascents.

Single vs double paceline?

It depends. When the road is wide and conditions allow, we’ll ride in a double paceline. This is why having some group riding experience is essential. On narrow country roads or climbs, we’ll ask everyone to ride in single file. Our Ride Captain will always guide you and let you know what to do to ensure safety and smooth riding.

What kind of preparation do you recommend?

With 550km in six days, and lots of climbing, our cycling camps are challenging. To enjoy it, we definitely recommend you to ride your bike and train beforehand. It will help you to get most it, and have fun when you will climb some of the most spectacular climbs in the cycling world. If you wish to build fitness and arrive at the camp at your peak level, we have designed a 14-week pre-camp training plan, adapted to all levels and lifestyles, in partnership with Trainerroad.

Is the bike hire included in the price?

Yes, it is! Do you really think that Tadej Pogačar has to travel with (or pay for) his own bike when he comes to train in Mallorca with his team?

What bike will we use?

In 2024, we will be riding either the Trek Emonda SL6 PRO (7.3 kg carbon bike, equipped with a Shimano Ultegra groupset and Aeolus PRO 3 carbon wheels) or the Canyon Ultimate SL8 (7.4 kg carbon bike with disc brakes, equipped with a Shimano Ultegra groupset). We also have a few LIV bikes for women. More options (Trek Domane, Trek Emonda SLR 8, Canyon SLX) are also available at extra cost. Find more information here: www.sacalobra.cc/bikes/

Can I pick between a Canyon, a Trek, or another bike?

Due to limited bike sizes and availability, as well as the possibility of mechanical issues that could take certain bikes out of service, we cannot guarantee a specific choice between a Trek, a Canyon, or another bike during our cycling camp. We ensure that all our bikes are high-quality and well-maintained, and we'll provide the best possible option based on your size and needs. Thank you for understanding!

What is the gearing on the bike hire?

Our bike rentals are equipped with either a 50/34 or 52/36 chainring in the front and an 11/28 or 11/30 cassette in the back (or an equivalent gearing ratio). This setup is ideal for tackling the climbs and descents of the Mallorcan mountains or the French Alps, offering a perfect balance of power and comfort for your ride.

Do you provide pedals?

No! There are too many types of pedals/cleats, so we ask each rider to bring their own pedals and cycling shoes.

How are the brakes set up?

All our bikes are set up under European standards. The front brake is controlled by the lever on the left-hand side of the handlebar, and the rear brake by the right-hand lever.

Can I bring my own bike?

Yes, you can. However, we recommend that you ride one of our full carbon bikes. Traveling with a bike is expensive and risky; it can be lost, damaged, or delayed. And don't worry about your riding position; our mechanic will replicate the exact settings you are used to at home (saddle height, angle, setback, etc.), thanks to our Bikesettings.com tool.

Is there a discount for bringing my own bike?

Yes. A discount of 80 euros will be applied if you bring your own bike. However, we do not assume responsibility for its safety or any damage. You will also be responsible for any spare parts that may be used during the camp if you decide to bring your own bike.

Can I bring my own powermeter?

If you would like to bring your powermeter, we’re able to accommodate a few options. For crank arm powermeters, please verify that the crank arm length is the same as on the hire bike and that it is Shimano-compatible. We can also install pedal systems (Garmin, Assioma, Powertap, etc.). If you have any questions, please contact us.

What frame size would you recommend for me?

With the registration form, we will send you a complete sizing guide to help you pick the proper frame size, based on several measurements (rider height, inseam, saddle height).

Can I participate with an e-bike?

Yes, for those who need a bit of assistance in the mountains, we have an e-bike option (Trek Domane+ LT) available with extra costs (+36€ for the week). Find more information here : www.sacalobra.cc/bikes/

Do you provide a saddle bag?

No, but you won't need one! Our team car will follow us on the road every day. If you have a puncture, our mechanic will be there. Just like the pros!

What kit or accessories should I bring?

We provide the following items to each rider : bib shorts (bib tights in winter), short-sleeved jersey (long sleeves in winter), socks, and helmet. However, depending on the period you come to Mallorca, we recommend bringing some extra warm clothes like a rain jacket, arm warmers, or some winter clothes. Black items and accessories are preferred. For more information, consult our “How to Pack” page.
IMPORTANT: Bike, helmet, and GPS must be returned in good condition at the end of the week, so please make sure to take care of them!

Is the kit included in the price of the camp?

Yes, bib shorts, a jersey, and a pair of socks are included (worth 190 euros). You can also purchase other items (gilet, base-layer, etc) on site, at the wholesale rate.

Can I get a winter kit instead?

Yes, if you prefer to ride with tights and/or a long sleeve jersey, you can decide at the beginning of the camp. There is an extra cost of 20 euros for the long sleeve jersey, and 10 euros for winter tights. Note: once your choice is made, it won't be possible to switch the kit.

Can I buy more kit?

You will be able to buy more items (except helmets) at the end of the training camp, at our supplier rate. Find more information on our page dedicated to Club Advantages: www.sacalobra.cc/club-advantages/

Can we buy the kits without participating in the camp?

No, our kits are exclusively reserved for the riders who have participated in one of our camps.

Is the kit good quality?

We use the same Gobik kits as the professional Inoes Grenadiers Team of Tom Pidcock and Geraint Thomas. The kit is also guaranteed for one year by Gobik and made 100% by hand, in Spain, unlike many brands that relocate their production to China. A real guarantee of quality, don't you think?

How much does the kit cost?

We sell the kit at the same price as we buy it (see details here). We do not make any profit. The goal is to see you wearing our kit at an unbeatable price.

How many massages will I get?

You will have a massage after each ride, like a pro!

How long do the massage sessions last?

Each massage last about 20 minutes. We focus on the lower part of the body obviously, the most stressed in cycling, but do not neglect the back, neck or arms, in case of pain or a fall, which unfortunately happens sometimes.

Do I have to be completely undressed?

No, you can leave your underwear on.

Will the massage hurt?

No, a good massage, even a deep tissue one, should always stay in the “feels good” range. We have a long experience in sports massages and will be able to recommend what suits you best, based on your soreness and the way your body responds to treatment. Also, let us know if the pressure needs to be changed (lighter or deeper). If something is not working for you, speak up!

How much does a massage cost?

Nothing! Daily sports massages are 100% included in the price of our bike camps.

Where is the Villa located?

We use different villas depending on availability and number of participants. They are all situated in the same area, on the best part of the island: in the Serra de Tramuntana, in Pollença, or in the area around.

Are airport transfers provided?

Yes, we will pick you up at the airport on the first day and drive you back on the last day. Read below for more details.

What time are the shuttles to/from the airport?

We usually run two shuttles on arrival day. One early in the afternoon, one later on that day. The exact time of these shuttles will be determined to group the maximum number of riders. If you arrive early in the morning, and prefer to explore Palma instead of waiting at the airport, we can pick you up in town in the afternoon.

For departures, we run two shuttles to the airport in the morning. Again, the exact times will depend on the flights of all participants. If you have a late flight, we can drop you off in Palma instead, so you can explore the city on your last day before heading to the airport, by taxi or by bus (not included).

IMPORTANT: Please note that there is an extra charge of 50 euros for arrivals after 7PM on the arrival day, or for departures with flight times before 9AM on the last day.

Why is there an extra fee for the shuttle for late arrivals and early departures?

This fee is necessary because, in these cases, we need to run an additional shuttle to ensure that the rest of the group does not have to arrive too late or wake up too early on the last day to get to the airport on time. As a general guideline, we plan to leave the villa about 3 hours before your flight on the last day to ensure you arrive at the airport on time.

Can I upgrade to single room occupancy?

Our villas are equipped to accommodate all riders and staff together, two per room. However, a Single Room Occupation option is possible if you prefer to have your own room, depending on availability (check before booking). An additional cost of 600 euros for the week will be applied.

I am a woman. Would I have to share my bedroom with a man?

No. We always make sure that a woman and a man don't have to share a room, except if they come as a couple, even if you have not booked a single room.

Should I tip the staff?

Tips are entirely at your discretion and are a great way to recognize exceptional service, hospitality, and those little extras that make your trip special. Most of our guests leave tips between 50 and 100 euros at the end of the week, but you are welcome to give more if the staff made your experience truly unforgettable, both on and off the road. Thank you for showing your appreciation!

What meals are included?

Three meals a day are included: breakfast, lunch and dinner. On the first day, arrival day, only dinner is included. On the last day, the departure day, only breakfast is included.

I am vegetarian, is that a problem?

Plant based athletes are more than welcome at our training camps, we always have plenty of vegetables available. Just let us know at booking if you are on a specific diet.

Are there different menu options?

No, we only have one menu for the entire team. We can adapt the menu a bit if you have food allergies, but can't have two separate menus. Make sure to get in touch before booking if you are on a specific diet, to make sure it's possible or not.

Are local tourist taxes included?

Yes, they are! Do you really think that Wout van Aert pays his tourist taxes himself when he comes training with his team? 😉

Can I wash some clothes on site?

Yes, the villa is equipped with a washing machine. The cycling kits are washed after each ride, and you can also wash personal clothes.

Can I attend the activities but stay at alternative accommodation?

No. Being part of the team, on and off the bike, is something that really matters to us.

Is there any activity planned for non-riders?

There are no extra activities included in the non-riders package, except for one relaxing massage during the week. We encourage you to plan on some time spent independent from the group during daily rides and we will be more than happy to assist you by providing recommendations (car rentals, spa, golf, hiking, etc). As you can understand, the staff will focus on supporting riders along the week, so it's important to plan your options before the camp as much as you can.

Can I come with my children?

No, we can not accommodate children. And the number of non-riding partner is limited to one person per rider.

What is the closest airport?

To get to Mallorca, the airport is the Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI). Two shuttles are scheduled to/from this airport on the day of arrivals and departures.

Is there a preferred time to arrive and leave?

On the first day, we usually don't have access to the villa before 2pm. Therefore, it's better to have a flight that arrives between 11am and 4pm, to make sure you don't have to wait too long, and don't miss the introductory briefing. On the last day, we recommend to book a flight between 9am and 2pm, since we have to check out the villa by 10am. Try not to book a very early flight, so you don't have to wake up too early to be at the airport on time. If you are unable to find flights in these time frames, please get in touch so we can find a solution.

What time are the shuttles to/from the airport?

We usually run two shuttles on arrival day. One early in the afternoon, one later on that day. The exact time of these shuttles will be determined to group the maximum number of riders. If you arrive early in the morning, and prefer to explore Palma instead of waiting at the airport, we can pick you up in town in the afternoon.

For departures, we run two shuttles to the airport in the morning. Again, the exact times will depend on the flights of all participants. If you have a late flight, we can drop you off in Palma instead, so you can explore the city on your last day before heading to the airport, by taxi or by bus (not included).

IMPORTANT: Please note that there is an extra charge of 50 euros for arrivals after 7PM on the arrival day, or for departures with flight times before 9AM on the last day.

Why is there an extra fee for the shuttle for late arrivals and early departures?

This fee is necessary because, in these cases, we need to run an additional shuttle to ensure that the rest of the group does not have to arrive too late or wake up too early on the last day to get to the airport on time. As a general guideline, we plan to leave the villa about 3 hours before your flight on the last day to ensure you arrive at the airport on time.

How should I pack?

A list of recommended items will be provided in advance of the event, including shoes and pedals of course, saddle if you love it, sunglasses, etc. Everything should fit in a small carry-on bag since we thought about almost everything else! We said "Like A Pro" didn't we? For more information, consult our How to Pack page.

Are flights included?

No, flights are not included. Guests must book their own flights. The closest airport is Palma. However, we can assist you on finding the best option.

How much do flights to Mallorca usually cost?

Flying to Palma is easy and inexpensive. Most European airports have daily flights, that are between 50 and 100 euros roundtrip if you book early. Find more information here : www.sacalobra.cc/flights-mallorca/

Do you have any tips regarding jetlag?

Are you flying from far to join us and would like to minimize the effects of jet lag? Don’t let jet lag slow you down. Follow these simple tips to feel refreshed and ready to explore: Jetlag Prevention Tips

Is it possible to arrive at the villa one day earlier to limit the effects of jetlag?

For those traveling with a time difference of more than 4 hours, it may be a good idea to arrive one day in advance to allow your body more time to adjust to the jetlag before the camp starts. Please note that we won't have access to the villa, so staying there the night before won't be possible. However, you could consider staying in Palma instead, and we can arrange to pick you up there on arrival day rather than at the airport.

What training would you recommend the week before camp?

The week before your cycling camp is just as important as the camp itself. A well-planned taper week allows you to arrive fresh, energized, and fully prepared to make the most of the experience. Here's what we recommend for your training and preparation in the lead-up to the camp: Taper Week Tips

Do I need special insurance?

We recommend that all participants have comprehensive travel insurance as well as specialised cycling insurance to cover the bike hire and personal accident and injury.

Should I come with my own energy bars/drinks?

No! We provide energy drinks and bars for every single ride, as much as you need. And that's not all, our energy bars are 100% homemade without conservatives!

What weather should we expect in Mallorca?

Why are the Alps more expensive than Mallorca?

The costs of organization are completely different in the Alps than in Mallorca. The chalet we rent is a lot more expensive (but also super luxurious with a jacuzzi and a sauna), the cost of travel for the staff and all the equipments is high from Mallorca to Morzine, and we will also have more staff working in the Alps, including a second guide on the road. It's a different experience.

What's the minimum level of fitness required to participate?

This camp will be more difficult than the ones we organize in Mallorca. With some of the most incredible climbs of the Tour de France, it will be a challenging and rewarding week on the bike. Lots of elevation also means lots of descents. Therefore, it is important to feel comfortable downhill as well.

What's the minimum FTP required to participate in the Alps?

If you know your FTP number, we would say by experience that a minimum of 2.9w/kg is what you need to be able to conquer the most famous climbs of the Tour de France.

Will there be different group levels available?

Depending on the level of participants or fatigue, we will be able to split into two different group levels (two different paces), each group led by one of our two guides.

Can we change group during the week?

Of course! You will be able to change group every day, depending of your level of fatigue.

What gearing would you recommend?

To be able to tackle long and steep climbs, we recommend you to use mountain gearing for this cycling trip, with a 50/34 compact chainring, and an 11/30 or 11/32 cassette.

Where will we stay?

Our camp is based in Morzine, a gem in the heart of the French Alps. Renowned for its rich cycling heritage, Morzine has hosted the Tour de France over 20 times since 1975. It gives you access to some of the Tour’s most legendary climbs, including the iconic Joux Plane, la Ramaz, la Colombière. It’s the ultimate destination for road cycling enthusiasts, where history and breathtaking routes converge!

What is the closest airport?

To get to Morzine, the nearest airport is Geneva. Two shuttles are scheduled to/from this airport on the day of arrivals and departures.

What's the program of the coaching sessions?

Do I have to come with a team?

No, you don't! Here, you will meet people like you, coming from all over the world to share their passion for cycling, wearing the same jersey, motivating each other to push your limits ever further, and experience a real team spirit. The Sa Calobra Cycling Club is a team, your team!

What if it rains?

Even though Mallorca averages 300 days of sun per year, you may experience a day of bad weather. If we can not start a bit later to avoid the rain, we will organize an indoor activity on TrainerRoad or Zwift to make sure that you will not lose a single day of training during the week! But in five years, we never had to cancel a ride…

What if I am tired one day?

Our coach will give personalised goals to each rider every day based on your abilities to avoid over-training. However, you can of course decide to stay at the villa one day or if you feel exhausted during a ride, our support vehicle will be there to assist you.