Cycling - Highest Road In Europe

SIERRA NEVADA, SPAIN

Next Trips: 12th – 15th October  2023

Pricing varies

TRIP DETAILS

Do you want a challenge and have the cycling experience of a lifetime?

This long weekend in Spain is exactly that. Tackle one of the greatest challenges Europe has to offer, the Pico de Veleta. At 3,398 metres above sea level the Pico Veleta is Europe’s highest paved road and consequently Europe’s highest cycling climb

A description of the Pico Veleta by author Daniel Friebe sums up the climb quite well. “The Pico Veleta is taller and tougher than anything on the Tour de France but lacks in kudos what it offers in elevation precisely because of its height… it is, more simply put, too high. Too high for year-round access and too high, perhaps most to the point, to join the upper crust of professional cycling’s most noble mountains”.

This is precisely why the climb has never actually featured in the Vuelta Espana, it’s simply too long, too high and too tough for a Grand Tour. The climb to the Sierra Nevada Ski Station has often featured in the Vuelta, it has never gone beyond the barrier at Hoya de la Mora at some 2,500 metres above sea level.

This trip is ideal for experienced cyclists or at the very least riders with a reasonable level of base fitness. The climb demands respect and the discipline to pace your ride correctly. This ride is a mental and physical challenge at high altitude! September and October are generally the most favourable months to ride the Veleta as the heat has generally subsided, there is less traffic up to the ski station and the top is mostly free from snow.

This long weekend offers fully guided cycles and Yoga for Cyclists classes all from our base, Velez de Benaudalla in Southern Spain.

CLIMB DATA – PICO DE VELETA

  • Climb Category: HC
  • Length of climb: 42.2km
  • Summit Elevation: 3,398m
  • Starting elevation: 838m
  • Elevation gain: 2700m
  • Average Gradient 6%
JOIN US

DETAILS

*Please let us know if you wish to extend your trip.

Thursday:

Arrive Malaga Airport 11am – Transfer to Velez. Build bikes, time a short spin to test the bikes. Pre event stretch out to ensure you are Pico ready. Dinner in the evening and bed early!

Friday:

Pico de Veleta day! Fresh legs are needed for this long day. Transfer from Velez to the start of the climb. Cycle the highest road in Europe. Celebrate your big achievement in the evening with the group.

Saturday: 

Recovery ride, 3 hours. Afternoon, Yoga for cyclists, physio based stretch class to help your body recover from the Pico. Dinner and drinks!

Sunday: 

Cycle the long way to the beach (3 hours) for a recovery dip in the sea. Your body will be glad of it. Dinner, late check out and transfer to the airport, 19:00

**Please also note, the itinerary is subject to change depending on the weather /groups needs**

INCLUDED

  • 3 nights self catering accommodation
  • Late check out – Sunday
  • 4 fully guided group rides
  • 2 yoga/ physio stretch  sessions
  • Pico day  – fully supported with van, guides, feed stations and photographs
  • *Airport transfer – Complimentary transfer Thursday morning from Malaga – Velez and Sunday evening Velez – Malaga – Transfer otherwise €75
  • Daily bike upkeep by our professional mechanics
  • Welcome pack with a premium CSN t-shirt, 2 x water bottles and musette
  • Daily coffees at the CSN HQ
  • Free bike set up when hiring one of our bikes
  • Secure bike storage
  • Discount for groups of 4 or more /returning guests

NOT INCLUDED

  • Bike rental.
  • Flights and personal insurance.
  • Meals.
  • Single room supplement
  • Airport transfer outside of group times

PRICING & BOOKING

Prices 2023

  • 4 DAY – from €650pps.

Per Person Sharing is based on a party of two sharing a twin room in shared apartment.

Single Supplement (own room shared apartment) €75 per person

Upgrade to your own Private Apartment from €200

**Airport Transfers Included Thursday morning / Sunday evening

Otherwise €75 per person

Bike Hire from 
€120 x 4 days 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

LEVEL OF CYCLIST:
To participate in our camp, a good level of cycling fitness is required. Ideally, your weekly long spin is 4 hours long, or 100km. The Pico is especially suited to endurance riders who are happy to cycle at a steady pace. If you’re used to tackling long rides on the weekends you will enjoy the challenge ahead. It is the highest road in Europe after all so a little effort is required!

NON-CYCLISTS ARE MORE THAN WELCOME TO JOIN THE TRIP.
Do you have friend or loved one who would like to come but isn’t a cyclist? No problem at all. They are welcome to come to the Yoga Classes and hang out with us! While the cycles are during the day, evenings are free time so why not go out and explore the area together, enjoy nice meals and some local wine.  Prices for non cyclists on request.

GETTING HERE
Check out flight comparison site Skyscanner.net for the best deals on flights from your nearest airport to Malaga International Airport. Flights are currently approximately €200 return from London and Dublin.

BIKE HIRE
If you would prefer to hire a bike rather than bring your own then we have a selection of rental bikes from Specialized and BMC,

FOOD & DRINK
Dinner will be organized in a local restaurant or we will take you to another town for a bit of variety. You do not have to join us if you prefer your own space.

BREAKFAST
Accommodation is on a self catering basis. There are numerous grocery stores in the town.  There is a café beside the bike shop that does a really good breakfast.

THE WEATHER
While nothing is guaranteed the temperatures for this time of year are typically very pleasant. You will need warm clothing for the top of the Pico.

OTHER QUESTIONS
If you have any other questions you have regarding this Cycling and Yoga holiday please contact me.

Cancelation / terms and conditions

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Need more info?
Let’s Chat. Please contact me to arrange a call and we can discuss my amazing trip in beautiful Andalucía.

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