The Professional Cycling World's Spanish Obsession: A Former Director's Insights
Why do professional cycling teams flock to Spain for winter training? It's a recent trend that has puzzled many, especially given the sport's rich history in other Mediterranean countries. But here's the inside story, straight from a seasoned insider.
Matteo Tosatto, a former professional rider turned sports director, has witnessed this intriguing shift. With a career spanning 20 seasons, he's no stranger to the demands of elite cycling. Tosatto rode for renowned teams like Tinkoff-Saxo and Quick Step, and after retiring in 2016, he joined the INEOS Grenadiers as a director. He now brings his expertise to the Tudor Pro Cycling Team.
Tosatto's career highlights include six victories, with stage wins at the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France, and an impressive 34 Grand Tours and 55 Monuments under his belt. But his insights go beyond racing.
"The cycling world has shifted from Italy to Spain," he reveals in an interview with bici.pro. But why?
Tosatto recalls a time when Tuscany was the go-to destination. "Until 2005, Tuscany was the place to be. Teams like Telekom, Rabobank, Lotto, and numerous French teams joined us there." But things changed, and Spain emerged as the new cycling mecca.
And this is where it gets interesting: The reasons are multifaceted. Tosatto cites climate and infrastructure as key factors. "Spain's climate is ideal, and the infrastructure has evolved to cater to cyclists' needs. You'll find all the teams within a 50-kilometer stretch between Valencia and Alicante."
The hotels, he adds, are cyclist-friendly, with gyms, ample parking, and meeting rooms. The quiet internal roads are a bonus, offering a safer training environment. And let's not forget the economics: Spain offers excellent prices for cyclists, making it an attractive destination for teams.
The Canary Islands, according to Tosatto, are the ultimate training ground. "Gran Canaria is the best place. The climate is perfect, and you can find everything you need for training: long climbs, short climbs, flat roads."
But what about Italy? Tosatto acknowledges the potential of southern Italy, especially Sicily, but points out challenges like road conditions and stray dogs. "The Etna climb is stunning, but you need more than that." Other regions like Puglia have great infrastructure, but lack the climbs teams need for early-season training.
Italy's culinary allure, once a major draw, has also diminished with the rise of traveling team chefs. Tosatto reminisces about the days when foreign riders were captivated by Italian cuisine.
When asked about the best and worst training locations, Tosatto is quick to respond. Gran Canaria tops his list, thanks to its excellent facilities and training conditions. But a rainy and windy week in Corsica in 2013, under the watchful eye of Bjarne Riis, remains a less pleasant memory.
Training methodology, he notes, hasn't changed drastically. The December camp is about team-building, while the January camp focuses on specific workloads. And looking ahead, Tosatto confirms that the Tudor team has its sights set on the spring classics, aiming to excel at Milano-Sanremo and beyond.
So, is Spain the ultimate training destination? The debate is open. What are your thoughts on this cycling conundrum? Do you agree with Tosatto's insights, or do you have other theories? Share your opinions in the comments below!
