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Mark Nessmith  —  12/10/2025

Love VELO’S Georgia Bullard on cycling holidays in Calpe, Spain | ROUVY PODCAST EP. 3

Cycling Calpe
Cycling Spain
Rouvy Unchained
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Georgia Bullard

Winter blues? Not in Calpe. The latest ROUVY Unchained episode transports listeners to Spain’s glittering Costa Blanca, where Love Velo travel specialist Georgia Bullard reveals what makes this region one of Europe’s most addictive training and holiday destinations. Listen now.

Love VELO’S Georgia Bullard on cycling holidays in Calpe, Spain | ROUVY PODCAST EP. 3

Georgia Bullard brings a wealth of experience to the third episode of the ROUVY Unchained podcast. After five years racing at UCI Continental level – competing in numerous Women’s WorldTour races – she transitioned into cycling travel, helping riders design unforgettable holidays. As part of her pro career she lived and trained just outside Calpe, giving her deep, first-hand insight into the climbs, cafés, hotels and hidden gems that make the area so sought after.

Today, Georgia is Love Velo’s go-to specialist for all things Costa Blanca. The company itself is built on a foundation of cyclists creating tailored cycling holidays for cyclists – a philosophy reflected in Georgia’s unmatched local knowledge and passion for helping riders explore Calpe’s world-class terrain.

In Episode 3, she chats with host Zach Nehr about everything from winter training camps to the iconic Coll de Rates climb, revealing what to expect from a cycling holiday in this Spanish hotspot, and why so many riders come back year after year.

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and discover why ROUVY Unchained is the ultimate soundtrack for your next ride.

Calpe winter escape: Georgia Bullard

In this episode, host Zach Nehr and cycling travel expert Georgia Bullard explore the allure of Calpe, Spain, a top European cycling destination.

ROUVY Unchained podcast highlights

Calpe: A European cycling mecca

Georgia describes Calpe’s transformation into one of the most beloved winter cycling destinations on the continent.

ROUVY podcast - Calpe cycling

“Calpe now is what we could potentially call the mecca of European cycling. It’s a winter base for pros, amateurs and recreational cyclists, with something for everyone in terms of terrain, places to stay and where to ride.”

A destination that keeps growing

Having first visited the area as a teenager, Georgia has watched Calpe’s cycling culture grow dramatically over the last decade.

“I first went out to Calpe in 2014 or 2015, and it was already busy with cyclists. It’s grown a real community there and people keep going back because the atmosphere is addictive – especially at certain times of year.”

Ideal winter weather for training camps

Mild temperatures and dependable sunshine make Calpe a magnet for pros escaping northern Europe’s winter.

“It makes for an ideal winter base … January, February, March. All the pros are there because the weather’s good. You might get an odd shower, but it passes in a couple of hours. It’s warm without being scorching.”

Pro riders everywhere

Calpe’s roads are full of WorldTour talent throughout the winter, and riders frequently spot their heroes on training rides.

“I’d be confident you’ll see Mathieu van der Poel out there in January – Remco [Evenepoel] too. I once saw Remco on one of the famous climbs. All the big names will be out there in the pre-season months.”

Tapas, cafés and evenings in the Old Town

Cyclists visiting Calpe will find no shortage of places to eat, unwind and enjoy Spanish culture.

Spain.jpg

“I love a bit of tapas, and there are some beautiful restaurants in the Old Town. It’s nice to wander the back streets in the evening and stumble across hidden places – you never know what you’ll find.”

Rest-day highlights beyond the bike

Calpe offers beaches, warm water, coastal paths and neighbouring towns – all ideal for active recovery or full rest days.

“The beaches are lovely and the sea’s usually warm. There’s Moraira, the no. 1 rest-day ride. Roll along the coast, have a coffee in the harbour, and ride back. It’s perfect for a relaxed day.”

Routes for every rider and every mood

From long valley roads to steep mountain ramps, Calpe’s terrain is endlessly varied and accessible for riders of all levels.

“There’s plenty to explore: Coll de Rates, Vall d’Ebo, Cumbre del Sol … The pros do them, but they’re brilliant for recreational riders too. With Love Velo you get 10-15 routes to choose from and explore.”

Bike hire: simple, fast and high-quality

Georgia recommends hiring locally as an easy, stress-free alternative to travelling with your bike.

“We pre-reserve your bike and pedals. You walk in, say your name, and your bike’s waiting. It’s a 15-minute job and you’re out riding something really nice for the week. It’s now my preference for every trip.”

Cafés, community and mid-ride essentials

Calpe’s cycling culture includes water points, cyclist-friendly cafés and a supportive community on the road.

“You’re never far from water fountains, cafés or bike shops. Blanca Bikes and Musette are real cycling hubs – pros like [Tadej] Pogačar and van der Poel stop there mid-ride. It’s incredibly cycling friendly.”

Flat and rolling routes are available too

Calpe isn’t all steep ascents. There are gentler loops perfect for cyclists seeking scenic rides without major climbs.

“There are flatter loops too … a coastal ride to Moraira, then a gradual climb over a natural park. You drop into Dénia and it’s flat all the way around. It’s not Holland, but it’s definitely manageable.”

How Calpe compares to Tenerife

Georgia outlines what sets Calpe apart from other European hotspots, particularly for riders seeking flexibility.

“Tenerife is always up or down, always hot and windy. Calpe is less intense – you can do shorter loops without repeating roads. If you want a slightly more relaxed week, Calpe’s a great option.”

Book early for the best deals

With demand at an all-time high, early planning provides better pricing and availability.

Georgia Bullard cycling in Calpe, Spain

“The earlier you book, the better choice of hotels and deals you get. Leave it too long and prices creep up. It’s become really popular, so early booking is definitely best.”

Don’t miss an episode of ROUVY Unchained

ROUVY Unchained brings you inside the world of cycling through candid conversations with pro athletes, adventurers and industry experts. From training insights to travel inspiration, each episode offers stories that motivate you to ride more – and ride better.

Subscribe on your favourite platform to catch every new release:

  • ▶️ Watch the full episode now on YouTube

  • 🎧 Subscribe on Spotify and Apple Music to get new episodes every two weeks.

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Mark Nessmith
ROUVY Writer
Mark Nessmith is a native of south Florida who’s spent most of the past three decades living in Europe. During his career in writing and editing, his beats have included cycling, golf, baseball, football and basketball. On two wheels, his preferred terrain is the seemingly endless network of cycling trails throughout the forests of the Czech Republic. Mark and his wife have three brilliant kids.
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