Training camps look similar on the surface: sun, roads, a group. The differences are in coaching, group structure and what happens when you get home. Use this checklist before you book.
- Your goal. Season opener, a base block, an altitude block for a key race, or skills (such as gravel technique)? Choose the camp that matches the goal, not the destination.
- Your level. Check the stated requirement. For example, our Calpe camps expect you to be comfortable holding Z2–Z3 efforts for 3–5 hours; our Granada gravel camp expects comfortable riding for 2–4 hours on mixed terrain.
- How groups are formed. Groups split by power or pace mean you are never dropped or held back.
- Coaching, not only guiding. Daily debriefs, testing and a written plan are coaching. A guided ride is a guide.
- Group size. Smaller groups mean more attention per rider. Ours are about 14 riders.
- Location and season. Weather and roads should suit the month. In Calpe, for example, January is around 14–17°C and October averages about 22°C.
- What is included. Accommodation, meals, a mechanic and a support car, testing, transfers.
- What happens after. A plan for the next months, or remote coaching, turns a week into a season.
- Terms. Payment schedule, cancellation and what happens if the camp is cancelled.
- The people. Who coaches, and what is their experience?
Red flags when choosing a camp
- The organisers don't really know the subject. Look at who runs the camp: their coaching background, their own riding, their results with riders.
- The group isn't for you. Who does the camp attract – much older or much younger riders, pure leisure riders, racers? Study it and ask yourself honestly whether it matches your goals and your mindset.
- An inconvenient location. Is there an airport nearby? Is a transfer organised?
- Unclear accommodation. Hotel or villa? How many rooms? Will you sleep alone, with one other rider or with five? It matters more than you think.
- A coach without coaching qualifications. A strong racer is not automatically a good coach.
Which Portcycling camp fits you?
| Your goal | Camp | When |
|---|---|---|
| Start the season with testing and a plan | Open The Season · Calpe | January 2027 |
| Learn gravel skills: cornering, braking, descending | Gravel Skills Camp · Granada | May 9–15, 2027 |
| A structured altitude block for a goal race | Altitude Road Camp · Sierra Nevada | May 17–31, 2027 |
| Close the season with a performance block and a clear picture | Close The Gap · Calpe | October 9–15, 2027 |
FAQ
How far in advance should I book a cycling camp?
The earlier, the better. Some of our camps have an early-bird price, and booking early also lets us organise everything properly: equipment, coaches, mechanics, hotels and villas.
Do I need to be fast?
No. Groups are matched to your power. [проверить формулировку]
Do I need a power meter?
It helps but is not required; tell us what data you have in your application.
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