The Majorca Tour Sportive Series 2011 is a series of sportive events on the Spanish island of Majorca organised by Wheels in Wheels Events and taking place from April 28 to May 5. The format offers  a choice of five events with well over 450kms of riding on closed roads. The events take place in different parts of the island to provide a feel for the varying terrain available and each event can be entered separately allowing entrants a choice of distance.

The first event, on Thursday 28 April, is the Tour of the Monasteries from Playa du Muro. This 145km ride takes in the classic climbs of Randa and San Salvador before the last ascent on the outskirts of Petra to Hermitage du Bonany. Then it’s back to the coast for the evening’s celebrations at the Viva Blue Hotel.

Duva Two Day

An established favourite among British and Spanish riders, the second event is the Majorca International Duva Two Day. It takes place on May 1st and 2nd from Port de Pollenca. Day 1 is a 135km mountainous ride taking in the climbs of Orient and Soller before the highest climb on the island, the Puig Major. Day 2 is a much gentler 95km run along the coast before heading inland to the outdoor velodrome at Sineu and back to the Duva hotel for the rider’s party in the afternoon.

Event 4 is the Tour of the South West, starting from Santa Ponsa. Although only 79kms long, there is plenty of climbing packed into the course, which has 5 km and 3 km ascents plus many short and sharp hills along the coast road back to Andratx with the finish is high above Santa Ponsa bay. Transfer buses available from the north of the island to help transport riders to from the area.

Puig Major Challenge

The last event, the Puig Major Challenge, is definitely one for the climbers. Starting in Soller, it’s a 22km climb to the summit of the Puig Major using the military road to the top. Those who’ve ridden the Puig before and thought it finished at the tunnel at the top after 15kms are in for a treat, as the private military road to the top is another 7km fully closed off at an average gradient of 12%.

All events are run under Spanish sportive rules and controlled by the local police. They offer a full rolling road closure, backed up by the local equivalent of the National Escort Group (NEG). Each event will have well stocked feed stops on route as well as full medical and mechanical support available at all times. For the unfortunate there’s also a broom wagon should all else fail.

Itinerary as follows:

• Thursday 28 April – Tour of the Monasteries 145km, Playa du Muro
• Sunday 1 May – Majorca International Duva 2 Day 135km, Port de Pollenca
• Monday 2 May – Majorca International Duva 2 Day 95km, Port de Pollenca
• Wednesday 4 May – Tour of the South West 79km, Santa Ponsa
• Thursday 5 May – Puig Major Challenge 22km, Soller

For full details of the Tour Majorca series, please visit www.wheelsinwheels.com