154 | Cycling World
DAY 3 My third and final full day is an 85 km loop up to the north of the island taking in the Corniche roads . The consensus at breakfast is to take this ride at a leisurely pace to appreciate the views on offer . I ’ m all for a slower pace today , not least because there ’ s 1500m of climbing to negotiate .
With warm skies above , we ’ re soon zipping along quiet , undulating country lanes heading east then swinging north . After a pretty challenging 50kms , the need for caffeine and carbs is strong . We pull in en masse to the café Vall-Hermos in Estellencs . Relaxing on a large sunny terrace with stunning views , the winter back home is far from my mind .
Then it ’ s back in the saddle for the final 35km . It ' s a sharp climb immediately out of the café , but any discomfort is soon tempered by the sweeping views of the Mediterranean . What goes up must come down , and it ’ s a thrill to attack the descents on these wide roads , my Garmin nudging 45 mph as we zip down to the valley and repeat the process .
All too soon today ’ s excursion is over as we ride back into Palmanova and hand over the bikes to the mechanics in the garage . The team are busy preparing for the upcoming Lighthouse Challenge , a five-day guided ride of Mallorca covering 450 km and 7000 metres of climbing . There is sangria laid on in the bar to welcome the influx of new riders and a chance to clink a glass and say goodbye to those departing .
It has been a huge thrill to meet and ride with a cycling legend and a real eye-opener to the benefits of an organized cycling camp . At Stephen Roche Cycling they say , “ The most important thing for us is that you go home happy ; that you ’ ve had the best cycling holiday of your life ; and you want to come back !” Three out of three isn ’ t bad , now to organize my return trip …
Taking in the stunning views on the Corniche ride