The 13th edition of the three-day Tour of Menorca sportive takes place from Friday October 18 to Sunday October 20, allowing riders one last spin in the sun before winter sets in.
Benefiting from the warm weather on the Spanish Balearic Island and rolling road closures, the Volta Cicloturista International a Menorca is becoming a popular way to end the season on the bike.
Costing €55 per entrant – excluding travel and accommodation – the sportive sees participants join with pros, with former Tour de France riders Joseba Beloki and Fernando Escartin among those on this year’s billing.
The weekend, based in the island’s capital Mahon, begins with a 30km ride to a south coast wine cellar for cheese and wine before a return to Mahon for the evening’s rider presentation.
After a Menorcan buffet and meet-and-greet, attention then turns to the following day’s 110km circular route around the centre of the island.
The longest stage of the weekend, the route takes in Fornells, Ferreries, Es Mercadal, Sant Lluis and Es Castell before returning to the capital.
And the weekend is completed by a shorter, but tougher 62km route which takes in Monte Toro – Menorca’s highest point – with prizes available to the three fastest male and female amateurs to the top.
A lumpy route back into Mahon is followed by a prize presentation and party to cap the weekend.
Bike hire is available in advance from Pro Cycle Hire – with prices starting at €50 for a carbon-framed bike with Shimano 105, including bottles and a tool kit.
For more information on hire bikes contact [email protected] or go to http://menorcacicloturista.com/en/ for details on how to enter the sportive.
