https://www.cyclefiesta.com/ Latest blog posts from Cycle Fiesta https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/multimedia.htm Find the latest stories and advice about cycling, Spain, holidays and much more https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/spain-wine-regions-cycling.htm Spain is a fine country for many things; but near to the top of the list have to be cycling and wine. Here we take a look at how you can best combine these two great things to make for a great cycling holiday through wine country! We highlight Spain's best wine regions for cycling and give an example route through each of them. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/spain-predominant-wind-cycling.htm Very little can make us more dispirited on a cycle tour than battling a head wind all day. The slow going, the noise and the discomfort can sap the motivation of the most hardy rider. Conversely, there is very little more exhilirated than being carried along by a tail wind; particularly on flatter or rolling routes. Wind, for good and for bad, is a part of cycling and we have to deal with it all at some point, but if offered the choice, you would take the tail wind, wouldn't you? https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/andalucia/al-andalus-birth-of-muslim-spain.htm Modern day Andalucia is defined by a unique culture and identity - visible in both its traditions and its architecture. It is a land which has been shaped by immmigrants and power struggles for over 3,000 years. Recorded history began in 1200 BCE, as Phoenician traders were the first group to write about the Iberian peninsula, and they established the coastal trading city of Cadiz. In the next thousand years, the region was inhabited by Greeks and then conquered by the Romans. After the Romans were thrown out by the Vandals and the Visigoths, there was a period of stasis, sometimes referred to as the Dark Ages. Then, in the early 8th century, the most important and influential era began in the history of southern Spain - the Muslim one... https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/cycling-basque-country.htm The Basque Country is arguably the best region for cycling in Spain. It has something for everybody; with beautiful countryside, interesting towns and arguably the finest gastronomy in the world. The region is mostly situated in Northern Spain and forms a triangle around its three largest cities - Bilbao, San Sebastian and Vitoria-Gasteiz. It is the traditional heartland of cycling in Spain; home to the famous bike manufacturers Orbea and BH, as well as the Tour of the Basque Country professional race. The region is largely hilly, but a cyclist can easily choose between gently rolling routes and more challenging climbs. This is an indepth guide to cycling in the region, with information about the terrain, the best towns, Basque culture and some of the finest cycling routes. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/secret-routes-cycling-mallorca.htm Following on from our review of the The Best Cycling Routes in Mallorca, we would like to offer a further ten great rides which explore lesser known parts of the island. Many cyclists come back to Mallorca several times, lured by its superb cycling terrain, quiet roads and good year-round weather. However, rather than cycling Sa Calobra or Cap de Formentor for the fifth time (enjoyable as it is!), why not consider one of these excellent alternative rides? Likewise, if you are the kind of rider who likes to go away from the (cycling) crowd, you may be more tempted to try these realtively undiscovered rides, rather than the more famous routes. Several of these routes are used on our Mountains of Mallorca and Rural Mallorca cycling holidays, and they have been proved to be extremely popular options. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/mallorca-best-cycling-routes.htm Mallorca is well known as one of the best destinations in the world for road cycling. Its perfect road surfaces, variable terrain and warm year round weather has attracted many cyclists. For those of you who are thinking about going, or perhaps have just arrived in Mallorca, here are what we consider to be the ten best rides on the island. As a cycling company thathas organized many cycling tours around various parts of the island, we would like to share our favourties. A little knowledge and preparationis vital before a cycling trip to Mallorca, as the roads in some areas are busy and not so enjoyable for cycling. There are routes here to suit cyclists of all different levels. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/100-greatest-cycling-climbs-spain.htm This is the list of what we believe are the 100 best road cycling climbs in Spain. The climbs have been chosen based on a number of factors, including: scenery, difficulty, cycling history, amount of traffic and road surface. The list has evaluated all climbs on the mainland as well as those in the popular cycling holiday destinations of Mallorca and Tenerife. Click on the name of the climb to see the profile and more details, and let us know whether you agree with our choices in the comments. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/cycling-holiday-stay-strong.htm A cycling tour can be a physically demanding holiday where even strong cyclists can struggle at times. However, there are certain steps to take to help you stay strong and get the most out of your cycling holiday. Here we look at ways that you can save energy, improve your fitness and ensure that you are riding as strongly at the end of the holiday as you were at the beginning. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/cycling-costa-blanca-routes.htm The Costa Blanca and Alicante region is a great place for cycling and is a popular training base for professional cycling teams in the winter. It has a sunny and warm climate throughout the year and has superb mountains for cycling, offering a wide range of climbs of differing lengths and gradients. The road surfaces are almost all fantastic and if you go to the right areas you will encounter very little traffic. In addition, the region is served by Alicante airport, which is linked to many European destinations. A cycling holiday to this region does, however, take some planning and knowledge of the region as there are some areas that are less than ideal for riding. In this article you will find five of the best cycling routes, and also details of some of the areas that are best to avoid. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/mallorca/vuelta-mallorca-2015-preview.htm The 2015 edition of the Vuelta Mallorca begins on the 29th January and will be the first chance this season to see some of cycling's biggest names. The race has four stages, two in the mountains and two which are fairly flat, giving an opportunity for all different kinds of riders to take some early glory. Several UCI World Tour teams will take part, including Team Sky, Movistar, Trek Cycling Racing and the newly merged Cannondale Garmin. Here we look at the route in more detail and suggest some riders to look out for on each day. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/tenerife-winter-cycling.htm Tenerife is now the top winter training destination for professional cyclists. In recent years the likes of Bradley Wiggins, Alberto Contador, Chris Froome and Vincenzo Nibali have all spent significant periods of time here from January to March. Tenerife offers the perfect blend of high altitude climbs, warm weather, beautiful scenery and fantastic roads to make it a paradise for cyclists - especially those who have been stuck inside on the trainer for weeks on end. Find out how a cycling holiday to Tenerife can help to advance your training for a big sportive or racing season, and why it is a great destination for any rider that loves to climb. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/vuelta-espana-2014-preview.htm The Vuelta a Espa�a in 2014 has all the ingredients to be the best Grand Tour of the year. The quality of riders is very high, with the likes of Nairo Quintana, Chris Froome and Alberto Contador among the biggest names chasing the general classification. Discover our complete guide to all the stages and our tips on who to look out for and which riders will be challenging for each jersey. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/cycling-classics-2014-review.htm The Spring Classics have come to an end for 2014 with a slightly disappointing Liege-Bastogne-Liege. However, throughout the last six weeks or so there has been plenty of action and excitement - here we look at some of the main talking points and the consequences for the rest of the season. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/cycling-picos-de-europa-mountains.htm The Picos de Europa mountain range, situated in the Asturias and Cantabria regions in the north of Spain, is a designated National Park, a status which reflects both the natural beauty of the region and the diverse wildlife in the region. It is accessible from major cities including Gij�n, Bilbao and Oviedo - all of which are also well connected to Madrid - making it quite convenient to get to despite how remote it can feel in parts of the park. While the Pyrenees and the Alps are understandably among the most popular destinations for cyclists looking for a holiday in the mountains. However, the Picos de Europa deserves to be mentioned alongside the two great ranges as an excellent destination for cyclists. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/aubisque-cycling-pyrenees.htm The Col d'Aubisque is almost the perfect climb for cyclists. It is challenging, without being torture, it is set in stunning scenery and it is in the midst of many of the most famous climbs in cycling. Find out more about why it is so picturesque, and the differences between the three routes over the col. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/vuelta-espana-route-2014.htm The route has recently been announced for the 2014 Vuelta a Espana. Unlike the previous few editions, there is a modest number of mountain top finishes, and the race spends nearly half the stages in the hotter regions of southern Spain. Here we look at five of the potential highlights of the Vuelta. These range from the most beautiful climb in Spain to an exciting final day individual time trial through the streets of Santiago de Compostela. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/mallorca-cycling-routes.htm Mallorca is one of the most poopular destinations for cycling holidays in the world, and with good reason. The combination of mountains, beautiful coastal scenery, excellent road surfaces and a very cycling friendly culture attracts professionals and amateurs alike to the island. Here we look at five of the best cycling routes on the island, including some of the most famous as well as some lesser known routes for you to discover. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/training-for-cycling-holiday.htm A bit of preparation before going on a cycling holiday can help to increase the enjoyment of the tour. Find out here some ways in which you can prepare for cycling holidays of different levels. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/almeria-winter-cycling.htm Spain is the most popular destination in the world for cycling during the winter months. Professionals and amateurs alike flock to Mallorca, Tenerife and Alicante. However, Almeria also has a lot to offer for cyclists of all levels. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/top-cyclists-2013.htm It has been another intriguing season for professional cycling fans. There have been some big surprises and there have been some more predictable winners. Here we look at our top 10 male road cyclists in 2013. - See more at: https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/top-cyclists-2013.htm#sthash.5MTahKWf.dpuf https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/angliru-hardest-climb-cycling.htm There are not many road climbs around the world that even the top professionals fear - but Angliru is one of them. Located in the mountains of the Asturias region in Northern Spain, Angliru is notorious for its tough gradients, with numerous ramps over 20%. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/fabada-asturiana.htm In this post, however, we are focused on the excellent cuisine in the region - the highlight of which is Fabada Asturiana. Find out why it is more than just a bean and sausage stew! https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/pintxos-basque-food.htm Find out about pintxos in the Cycle Fiesta guide. What are pintxos, how do you eat them and what are the best ones... https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/make-touring-bike-faster.htm/ We've all been there; struggling up a slight incline as someone on a heavy looking touring bike goes zooming past like they have a 50mph following wind. Find out how to turn your tourer into one of these pacy machines... https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/is-airbnb-legal.htm Airbnb has grown greatly in popularity in the last year or so. The premise is simple, people rent out spare rooms in their flat for visitors to the city. However, many users of Airbnb are operating illegally... https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/vuelta-2012-contador-froome.htm The 2012 Vuelta a Espa�a promises to be the race of the year. It wil see the return of Alberto Contador, trying to win the event for the second time. We look at the reasons that make him the favourite, and analysis the chances of some of the contenders... https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/rise-of-chris-froome.htm In July last year only hardcore cycling fans were aware of Chris Froome. However, just over a year on, he is one of the biggest names in the sport, and will be leading Team Sky with ambitions to win the Vuelta a Espana. Here we look at some of the possible reasons for Froome's rise to the top... https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/pico-veleta.htm Climbing the Pico de Veleta is one of the great cycling challenges in Europe. The mountain is the third highest peak in Spain, and also the highest paved road in Europe. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/taking-bicycles-on-planes.htm Find out how much the major airlines charge for taking a bicycle with you. There is a huge difference between the airline, and it should be a real factor when booking flights for your cycling holiday. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/historic-towns-spain.htm Spain is well knonw for its historic cities. From the Moorish influence in Seville and Granada, to the architecture in Barcelona, there is a great historical diversity. Here we look at five lesser known towns that historians love. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/cycling-holiday.htm Many people like to book their cycling holidays through a tour operator. A good operator will take care of all the organisation: booking hotels, transporting luggage, arranging entry to local attractions, organising meals and generally making the holiday as enjoyable as possible. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/guernica-history.htm Guernica (Gernika in Basque), is situated in the north of Spain, about 30 kilometres to the east of Bilbao. It is a small market town which, although having a prominent role in the development of Basque cultue, is fairly unremarkable. The town, however, has been immortalised by Picasso's horrific depiction of the bombing of the city during the Spanish Civil War. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/wiggins-only-grand-tour.htm Tour de France winner, Bradley Wiggins, has recently announced his and Team Sky's intention to dominate professional cycling for the forseeable future. He claims their plans are to win all three grand tours (Tour de France, Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a Espana) every year. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/pulpo-a-la-gallega.htm While castles, cathedrals and languages are recognised as having great importance in shaping the social and economic development of regions, food is often overlooked. However, recipes using local produce are often a defining characteristic of an area. Being passed on for generations, they provide a continuity in areas which have undergone much physical and social change. This series of articles looks at some of the foods that define the different regions of Spain. From the wet, mountains Basque Country, to the dry plains of Castilla La Mancha, each region has a signature dish which showcases the uniqueness of the area. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/handlebars-touring-bike.htm When you are cycling long distances every day for several weeks, the handlebar becomes one of the most important parts of the bike. Some people see hand pain as an inevitable consquence of undertaking such a tour; however, it does not need to be. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/sa-calobra-mallorca.htm Mallorca is home to several superb mountainous routes. From the undulating Cap de Formentor, to the technical Coll de Soller it is a dream for cyclists that enjoy climbing and wish to test themselves. There is, however, one climb which stands above the rest. For both its beauty and the challenge that it poses, the climb from Sa Calobra into the heart of the Tramuntana mountains is rightfully the most revered in Mallorca https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/gazpacho.htm Andalucia is the most visited region in Spain. As well as a fantastic coastline, it contains the historic cities of Seville, Granada and Cordoba. Andalucia is also the home to the highest mountains on the Iberian peninsular, flamenco and tapas. It is, however, a different food that we profile in this article from our Foods that Define Spain series - Gazpacho. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/things-to-do-valencia.htm Valencia is one of the most intruiging cities in Spain. It is the third biggest city in Spain, but, unlike Madrid and Barcelona, it has a very relaxed atmosphere. Valencia has a rich history, with the Roman and Moorish influence apparent; but it also boasts cutting edge modern architecture and design. Here we look at some of the best things to do when you stay in Valencia. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/tenerife-cycling-places.htm Tenerife is also popular for people who just enjoy cycling, and do not want to go on a training holiday. It has perfect temperatures for cycling throughout the year, relatively low traffic on many roads, and, most importantly of all, magnificent scenery throughout the island. Here we look at our favourite places for cycling on Tenerife. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/best-chainset-double-triple.htm While nearly all hybrids and mountain bikes now come with a triple chainset as standard, a double is still more commonly seen on road bikes. We are often asked by customers on our cycling holidays whether they would be better with a double or triple chainset on their road bike. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/catalonia-history-independence.htm Anyone that has visited Catalonia will have noticed that there are significant cultural differences between the region and the rest of Spain, most notably the language. Catalans have also been considered outsiders by many Spaniards; a situation exacerbated by the prohibition of much of Catalan culture under the dictatorship of Franco. Today, Catalan independence is back in the headlines, with effectively a vote for a referendum taking place in November 2012. While the motives now appear to be primarily economic, with social and cultural concerns not perhaps at the forefront of the movement, this was not always the case. Here we look at the popularity and success of Catalan nationalist movements in the period before the Civil War. We see that the movement had much popular support, from a wide base, and we look at some of the reasons why they did not follow this through to full independence. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/paella.htm Paella is probably the most famous of all Spanish dishes. The famous rice dish originates from the Valencia region, specifically from the large albufera lagoon, just to the south of the city of Valencia. Although it is now common to find Paellas containing seafood, meat and all kinds of vegetables, Paella Valenciana is very specific in its ingredients. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/warm-feet-cycling.htm Cycling during the winter can be highly enjoyable. Country roads are often less busy than in summer and, after the first ten minutes or so, you will warm up enough not to notice the cold. The exceptions to this, however, are the hands and the feet, which can at times feel like they are close to freezing and falling off. There are several things you can do, however, to prevent your feet from suffering too much in the wintery conditions. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/leon.htm Leon was founded as a military town by the Romans over 2,000 years ago. It is the capital of the Leon province in the north of spain, and is one of the most important cities in this region... https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/dia-de-los-reyes-spain.htm The Dia de Los Reyes is an important festival in Spain. Celebrated on the 6th January, it is of course a festival marking the three kings that brought gifts to the baby Jesus. The day is nearly as important in Spanish culture as Christmas, especially for children; as it is on the Dia de los Reyes that presents are exchanged in Spain. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/luz-ardiden-cycling.htm Luz Ardiden is, without doubt, one of the most spectacular climbs in the Pyrenees. It is a favourite of cyclists due to its picturesque scenery and excellent location towering above the village of Luz Saint Sauveur. Somewhat surprisingly given its reputation, Luz Ardiden is a relative newcomer to the Tour de France, having first been ridden in 1985. Since then it has been ridden a further seven times, with the most recent being Samuel Sanchez's impressive stage win in 2011. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/xativa-castles-popes.htm Xativa is a town situated in the Valencia region of Spain, roughly equidistant between the two biggest cities in this part of Spain - Valencia and Alicante. Like many of the towns in the area, Xativa grew to prominance in Roman times, where it had an important linen industry. It remained an important town throughout the Middle Ages, notably due to the fact that it was the birthplace of two popes. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/mallorca-challenge-cycling-2013.htm The 22nd edition of the Challenge Ciclista Mallorca, one of the traditional curtain raisers of the professional cycling calendar, begins amid much anticipation on the 3rd February. The four day event, which features a series of day races throughout the island, is a chance to see how the top teams are shaping up for the long season ahead. The race has had its fair share of drama in the past, most notably of all in during last years edition. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/sky-wiggins-froome.htm It is unusual for a Tour de France winner not to try to defend their crown; however, it is not unheard of in recent times. In 2008, Alberto Contador was unable to defend the yellow jersey as his team, Astana, were not invited to take part in the Tour... https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/pedals-for-cycle-touring.htm Deciding on the best type of pedals for a cycling holiday is largely a matter of personal preference. Unlike serious road cycling, where clipless pedals are the almost universal choice, touring cyclists use a variety of pedals depending on what they are most comfortable in. However, if you are unsure which pedals to take on a cycle tour, we outline some of the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of pedals, with regards to cycling holidays. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/segorbe-valencia.htm Segorbe is a fairly small town situated around 70km to the north-west of Valencia in between two mountain ranges - the Sierra de Espadan to the north and the Sierra Calderona to the south. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/semana-santa.htm Semana Santa (Holy Week) is a big deal throughout Spain. In many English speaking countries, it is an excuse to have a few days off work and eat a bit of chocolate; in Spain, however, it is a week of processions, music and street parties. Although it is celebrated throughout the country, the biggest and most famous is in Seville, the capital of Andalucia. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/col-du-tourmalet.htm Col du Tourmalet is, along with Mont Ventoux and Alpe d'Huez, one of the three great cycling climbs. The pass, the highest road in the Central Pyrenees, has been crossed in the Tour de France an incredible 75 times - making it the most prominent climb in the history of the Tour. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/camino-de-santiago-camino-frances-guide.htm The Camino de Santiago (Way of St James) is one of the most popular routes for walking and cycling in Europe. It attracts pilgrims, those wishing to challenge themselves, and people who just want to admire the fantastic scenery that Spain has to offer. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/cycling-salamanca.htm Salamanca is a city of around 200,000 people in the Castile y Leon region of the country. It came to prominence in Roman times and, by the 12th century, had become one of the most important cities on the Iberian peninsular. Around this time the old cathedral was built as well as the University of salamanca, which soon became one of the most important universities in Europe. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/road-bike-hybrid-touring.htm Riders on our cycling holidays often ask for advice on which kind of bike would be best for them. Ultimately, it boils down to personal preference whether you prefer to ride a road bike or a hybrid. However, if you are unsure, there are several advantages and disadvantages with both types. Here we look at some of the factors that may influence your decision on the kind of bike you should choose. https://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/cruz-de-hierro.htm Unlike Pico de Veleta, Alto d'Angliru or Lagos de Covadonga, the climb up to the Cruz de Hierro (Iron Cross) is not particularly challenging. However, it is symbolically important as the highest point on the Camino Frances route of the Camino de Santiago. Like many places along the Camino de Santiago, it has its own tradition and legend, and it also offers fantastic views of the rolling hillside that characterises this region.