LaTramun based in Girona Spain has grown a reputation as the singletrack marathon, the course starts up a stinking great big road climb before continuing onto a steep gravel and rock ascent. From there the fun begins with a 60+ kilometre ribbon of singletrack, some trails you’d whoop for joy, others you’d weep for how […]
Party Time at Ruta Patena BTT
I came to Ruta Paterna to win my first UCI World Marathon Series round but this is mountain biking, anything can happen. Within the first 15km I suffered 2 mechanical issues, I could have given up and not finished the race or left Spain disappointed. Instead I leave Spain with satisfaction having recovered to still […]
Sensational Trails and Spectacular Views at Andalucia Bike Race
Related Event: Andalucia Bike Race
It was the hardest Andalucia Bike Race to date but the marathon king Tiago Ferreira still dominated the competition. Hildegunn Hovdenak took the ladies after winning the final 2 stages. The inclement weather in this year’s edition resulted in shortened stages plus a cancelled stage 5. Whilst the whole of Europe suffered with storms the […]
Gran Canaria – Training Haven
Back in February Ben Thomas Coaching hosted coaching clients and guests in the training haven of Gran Canaria. These weeks were a key part of preparation for the 2018 season. Here’s my view on this ‘Training Haven’. Whilst I’ve worked for guiding companies in the past this was my first attempt at hosting a training […]
Tiago Ferreira Chasing Andalucia Bike Race Podium
Related Event: Andalucia Bike Race
Tiago Ferreira, twice winner of Andalucía Bike Race presented by Shimano comes back this year to contend for the final podium again. The portuguese is the current European MTB Marathon (XCM) Champion and World’s runner-up, title he won in 2016. Twice winner of Andalucía Bike Race presented by Shimano consecutively, in 2016 in team format […]
LaTramun Singletrack Marathon
Related Event: La Tramun - UCI XCM Series
LaTramun brought Girona to the centre of attention this past week. Participants from various countries travelled to the Catalan region for this beautiful event. The race is known for its amazing scenery, unique landscape and technically challenging course. The city of Girona realise the events importance which is why they apply for the event to […]
Gold Standard – La Tramun UCI Marathon
I’ve been lucky enough to visit some great places and events this year but La Tramun is now the gold standard for race courses. Part of the UCI World Marathon Series for the first time the Girona based event has grown a reputation over the past 18 years for its technically challenging trails. A week […]
Leonardo Paez and Annabella Stropparo win 2016 Volcat Stage Race
Related Event: Volcat GP
After 3 days of racing across the Easter weekend a total of 524 cyclists completed the Volcat GP, a UCI category 2 event. Sadly I was amongst the none finishers having picked up the bug on stage 2 which left me too ill to race stage 3. The 2 days I did experience though were […]
Volcat GP to see 700 participants take to Catalan Hills this Easter
Related Event: Volcat GP
This Easter weekend, 25 – 27 March, the Spanish Catalan Hills will host the 3 day UCI category 2 Volcat GP. This year the town of Igualada will host all 3 stages making it logistically easier for participants. Whilst the Elite race competes for UCI points as individuals the open race is run as a […]
Costa Blanca Bike Race Stage 4
Related Event: Costa Blanca Bike Race
Stage 4, the finale of Costa Blanca Bike Race 2016, a 7km timetrial. The route looked simple enough on paper but there was a great big dirty 300 meter ascent in the last 2km’s. There was talk of there being sections of 30 or 40 percent gradient, not possible we thought! On arriving to the […]