Ever wondered why nearly every professional cycling team flocks to Spain for their winter training camps? It’s a shift that’s reshaped the sport’s preparation landscape, and former INEOS sports director Matteo Tosatto has the inside scoop. But here’s where it gets interesting: just a few years ago, teams favored a different Mediterranean destination. What changed? And why Spain? Let’s dive in.
Matteo Tosatto, a cycling veteran with 20 professional seasons under his belt, has witnessed this transformation firsthand. After a stellar career as a rider—including victories at the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France, and participation in 34 Grand Tours and 55 Monuments—he transitioned into roles as Sports Director for INEOS Grenadiers and later Tudor Pro Cycling Team. In a recent interview with bici.pro, Tosatto reflected on this evolution.
‘Until 2005, Tuscany was the go-to spot, not just for us but for many foreign teams too,’ he recalled. ‘Teams like Telekom, Rabobank, Lotto, and several French squads would join us.’ But what drove the shift to Spain? According to Tosatto, it boils down to two key factors: weather and infrastructure. Spain’s mild December temperatures and well-equipped hotels—complete with gyms, spacious parking, and meeting rooms—offer an ideal training environment. Plus, the quieter internal roads are a cyclist’s dream. ‘Within 50 kilometers of coastline between Valencia and Alicante, you’ll find almost every team in the world,’ Tosatto noted.
But here’s the controversial part: Could Spain’s dominance be challenged? Some suggest southern Italy, particularly Sicily, as an alternative. Tosatto isn’t convinced. While Sicily’s climate and Mount Etna’s stunning climbs are undeniable, he points out the challenges: ‘The internal roads are less ideal due to traffic, and stray dogs can be a hazard.’ Italy’s culinary allure, once a major draw, has also faded with the rise of traveling team chefs.
And this is the part most people miss: Tosatto believes the Canary Islands, especially Gran Canaria, are the ultimate training destination. ‘It’s always between 18 and 26 degrees, with everything from long climbs to flat roads—perfect for diverse training.’ Yet, despite Spain’s dominance, Tosatto acknowledges that training methodology hasn’t drastically changed. December camps focus on endurance and team-building, while January ramps up intensity with specific workloads.
Looking ahead, Tosatto confirms Tudor’s ambitious 2026 plans, targeting spring classics like Milano-Sanremo, Amstel, and Liège. ‘Flanders and Roubaix are our two big spring goals,’ he declared. But here’s the question: With Spain’s near-monopoly on winter training, is there room for other destinations to rise? Or is Spain simply unbeatable? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over!
