Anyone going? I’m combining this triathlon with a family vacation in Puerto de Alcudia. This will be my first time in Mallorca and according to the pictures on the website of the organizers it must be a stunning bike course.
Not going, but I used to spend my spring training camps in Playa di Muro, and I can assure you that the bike course is awesome.
The climb up to Lluc will be a challenge though, as well as the downhill part. Expect more switchbacks than you can see on that course map. If you have the time, I’d advise to ride the course once or at least rent a car and have a look at it.
If you go out for training rides, be sure to stay off the main road connecting Palma with the east of the island. I’m pretty sure they’ll drill that into you though.
Oh and do not miss the ride to Cabo Formentor and back and -of course- the trip down to Sa Calobra - and up again with its 270 deg switchback…
I just got back from training camp in Alcudia, and rode most of the course (in parts). It’s 70km flat, and 20km or so in hills. It’s a fast, beautiful course if you can control switch backs on a TT bike. As suggested, ride the course, more specifically the hilly sections a few times, and get comfortable with holding your line while maintaining a good (safe) speed. It was raining hard while we were out there, and team mate misjudged a turn and had his bike slide out from underneath him. Luckily he was fine with some hip road rash and a bruised ego.
It is an excellent and scenic course, with calm warmish water for the swim, followed by smooth and fast roads.
I would advise making sure your supporters are at the start early, as once the roads are closed around the swim access and transition area, walking / biking is the only way in.
During your stay, the following are worth your time, especially with a family:
Alcudiamar (across the small bay where the swim takes place) with all its expensive yachts is a nice walk (stiff legs or not!)
Menu del dia from Casa Gallega in Port Alcudia - cracking value and excellent qualityAny meal from the Bistro or / and Pierro Rossi’s in Alcudiamar Alcudia old town - markets Tuesday and Sunday. Lots of history and a walk up on the old walls is good.
Cap Formentor (can see across to Menorca on a clear day) and the viewing points on the way there will get your cameras working
Enjoy, and welcome to Mallorca!
… It was raining hard while we were out there, and team mate misjudged a turn and had his bike slide out from underneath him. Luckily he was fine with some hip road rash and a bruised ego.
Good to hear he’s ok. Roads on Mallorca become extremely slippery when it rains and people wipe out all the time. (I remember careening off into a fruit stand in Cala Ratjada after a quick shower…)
Thanks for the replies. Our holiday home is situated next to the run course, so my family will be able to see me pass six times. I intend to ride the complete bike course on Tuesday, maybe do some of the switchbacks twice. Descending on my race bike is fun, but I still need to get the hang of it on my TT-bike. The video of the descent to Sa Calobra looks absolutely great, I’ll do that once I return with my race bike.
Thanks. I’m glad he was okay too. I was at the end of the line (taking it easy, not to crash) before the switchback when I heard the bike slide. Just saw a rider down on the side (who quickly got up). We actually had several team mates who crashed during the rains and downhill switchbacks last week, all okay.
Some riders seem to underestimate the technical requirements to ride down a switchback in good weather, never mind pouring rain on slick roads.