Where and when to go
Where and when to go
The lure of riding in bib shorts and a short sleeve jersey after a long, hard winter is hard to resist but no training camp comes with a guarantee of good weather.
Still, by choosing the right destination you can maximise your chance of seeing the sun.
The best training camp destinations will combine good weather with smooth roads and varied terrain.
Planning to ride the Etape du Tour or a similar event? An overseas training camp is likely to give you access to the length of climbs rarely found in the UK.
The Canary Islands, and in particular Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Tenerife, are popular early-season options thanks to their southerly latitude and a favourable climate in January and February.
All three remain popular options in spring, too, when the weather also becomes more predictable in the Mediterranean, with Majorca just a short hop from the UK and a long-time favourite thanks to its fabled climbs and cycling infrastructure.
Andalucia, meanwhile, offers climbs in excess of 2,000m and a dry climate, while many professional cyclists like to call Girona and Nice home throughout the season thanks to fine weather, easy access to good weather and a vibrant city culture.
Read our full guide to seven of the best training camp destinations, or check out where the pros train in winter and why.