Cicloturismo/Continental racing

Cicloturismos or cycletours events are very popular all over Spain with particularly big turnouts and high quality in the Basque Country and Catalonia. Thousands participate in these annual series' for quality prizes - a large range of quality is also evident, from hairy legged grannies to ex-pros and top amateurs.

I completed the Olano event in the Basque Country last year and intend to do a few this year as part of the Catalan series. It really is the best option for cyclists in the UK to get a first taste of Continental racing.

The Catalan series is one of the most competitive around, with some hard 6hr, multiple col rides. I'm going to offer these as part of MACstrong tours, so if you're interested in tackling 1 or even the full series, drop me a mail.

Also, here´s a link to the Basque and Catalan triathlon calendars for 2005. Given my experiences in the Basque Country las year i would particularly recommend the Ordizia long distance Duathlon (14th or 15th May) and the San Sebastian (Donosti) Triathlon (26th June). Let me know if you need some advice getting to these - i may pop back myself for a few this season and am already committed to the Oñati Duathlon on the 19th March.