The Pro’s Playground: Why Calpe Is the Training Capital of Europe

We came to ride the roads you’ve heard about. Over the years, we’ve found our favorite climbs, epic views, and must-stop cafés around Calpe. Come ride with us — in 9 minutes we’ll show you around the cycling paradise.

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Ever wondered why the world’s best 
cyclists keep coming back to this little corner of Spain? Well, I don’t have their phone numbers but I can show you why Calpe is called a cycling paradise. Let’s go. Our journey begins with one of 
our favorite warm-up loops culminating with the ascent to Bernia. It is one of those climbs that 
feels like you could roll on forever. The gentle gradient lets your legs find a comfortable rhythm while the scent of pine trees fills the air. When you get to the other side of the pass the descent reveals the darker side of Bernia. The road drops away steeply and you realize just how 
tough this climb would be from the other direction. It’s enough to remind you that some tough
moments await us on the future rides but no need to worry you’ve already conquered the friendlier side. By now it’s too late for Bernia to catch you
as you are flying down, feeling the rush, and soaking in the 
sweeping views of Calpe below. Bernia is just the beginning. Similarly to Mallorca Calpe’s charm lies
in its variety of terrains. Head towards Valencia for flatter 
rides, tackle long mild hills, or test yourself on a proper leg snappers. The roads here?
Mostly silky smooth. No matter what kind of ride you’re after, in Calpe you’re never really 
alone. Even if you show up solo. The roads are alive with cyclists of every kind… groups, pros, families, fellow solo riders. This vibrant community is complemented by numerous cycling friendly cafes. okay cheesecakes Are we gonna share one? I think I can say we’ve practically mapped out 
all of those cafes in the region. A lot of them are concentrated in the
valley below Coll de Rates and along the coast. One coffee spot where you would almost feel
silly walking in without cycling gear is Blanca Bikes. It comes with an incredible view of Coll de Rates so you can either prep here before hitting the segment or sit back and enjoy the view of the hill 
you’ve just conquered. In fact last year we had the privilege (though I think that’s not the right word)
of watching a wildfire on Rates from there. A surreal moment to say the least. But you’ve got options in this Rates area. Velosol, Musette Cafe, and plenty more. Along the coast there’s the 
well-known 53.eleven in Moraira, Baguet in Calpe, Cafe Ciclista in Denia, Blanca Bikes in Calpe, D’Origen in l’Albir. There’s always a treat along the way. Actually Val d’Ebo is the only true cafeine dead zone around. It’s missing a solid cyclist cafe so badly that we’ve even thought about opening one 
ourselves. Because otherwise it’s an epic ride. You start the climb from Pego It begins with a few winding turns through a beautiful forest gradually guiding you up to the open landscape above. Once you’re there the switchbacks
come into view. Stacked high above you like a ribbon across the mountain. The climb settles into a steady rhythm
pulling you toward the next curves. It’s perfect… for a 20-minute FTP test, interval training,
or a relaxed zone 2 scenic ride. Suffer through it or cruise it… totally up to you. The last few hundred meters. After that you continue to the hill we 
think is named Xillibre. That’s a tough pill to swallow to get on the top. especially with the 15% ramp
in the final kilometer. But as always.
The payoff is worth it. With phenomenal views and
a smooth weavy descent back to Val d’Ebo with no cars 
to disturb your perfect line in the turns. From there you take the most beautiful road back It’s a next level ride. The kind that 
leaves you wanting more. Like a kid on a playground who just keeps
running back to the top of the slide. You’re tired…sure, but part of you
just doesn’t want it to end. so after just a few hundred meters on the main road you turn left and take on a road we call
“The Goats Trail”. Though I can’t quite remember why. This climb doesn’t give up its views cheaply. You’ll find yourself focusing on every single pedal stroke thinking only about the next one. And rethinking your previous decision on
not taking the shorter way home. It doesn’t get easier until you’re at the top.
But once you’re there The valley on the other side opens up in front of you and you have to stop to take it all in. But if you think the hard work is done here, think again. Coll de Rates is waiting – and it doesn’t give
you the luxury of easing in. It’s neither the steepest nor the longest, but as the most famous climb and segment in the area, it carries a reputation. And if you want to put in a real effort here, you have no time to settle in, no time to pace yourself – just full gas. Okay that was fun. Let’s do the long version of Rates. Turn right in the pass and add 3 km
and 300 m of elevation. This is the first time I’m 
doing the long Rates and it’s really tough. I think this is the highest spot…
I hope so, oh my god. Oops, no, it’s not. Are you enjoyig yourselve? Nice! I think my brakes are KO. Of course no multiple day bike adventure 
is complete without honoring one essential tradition. The coffee ride. The bikes might be leaned outside
but the real cycling continues inside. Stories swept, segments discussed, tomorrow’s 
routes mapped out over espresso. It’s well worth rolling down to l’Albir and grabbing a seat at D’Origen. Whether you are after a perfect coffee , brunch,
or just a simple slice of cake, this is the spot to spend some pasta. And maybe plan the next challenge. At the end of the day, it’s pretty 
simple with this cycling paradise thing. Perfect roads, perfect climbs, perfect coffee. and always someone to ride with. Maybe now, it’s your turn. See you out there.