We’ve broken the back of winter – with the spring slowly but surely edging closer – so it’s the time of year when a training camp beckons for many cyclists.

Training camps are popular with amateur and professional cyclists alike – and for good reason. While the racing calendar dictates that professional cyclists, and their teams, embark on pre-season training camps in December, January and February, amateur cyclists typically migrate in late February, March and April when the promise of good weather comes with a greater guarantee.

The concept of a training camp seems straightforward – a long weekend or ideally a full week dedicated to cycling on smooth, quiet roads, with the warm sun on your back and mountains on the horizon – but there’s plenty to consider when planning a training camp.

Why go on a training camp? What can you expect? Where to go and when? An organised camp or DIY trip? Will I be fit enough? We’ll answer those questions over the following pages.