Sun on your back, miles of tarmac before you, iconic climbs and undulating terrain with nothing to distract you from you and your bike.

It is not without good reason that winter training camps are proving more and more popular for amateur cyclists ahead of a summer of sportives.

Already a significant fixture of the professional cyclists’ off-season build-up, the winter training camp also offers amateurs the chance to live the professional lifestyle for a week or two and bask in some southern European sunshine.

While the rest of the UK freezes, there is nothing more satisfying than packing up your bike and kit and heading for warmer climes such as Mallorca or Girona.

In fact, there are several great training camp destinations with seven of the best listed here.

Typically taking place between January and May, a winter training camp is a great opportunity to turn your full attention to the bike and build form for summer.