Last week large portions of the UK was under a blanket of snow, and we were scrolling through our social media feeds trying to contain bouts jealousy directed at those on training camps abroad.
Mallorca, Denia and Calpe are all highly popular locations, drawing pros and amateurs alike to the smooth roads, testing climbs and generally warmer weather.
Sometimes, however – things don’t quite go to plan and yesterday Spain and the Balearic Islands took the brunt of the January Freeze.
Maria Jose Guerrero – who is head of the Balearic meteorological office – said that while the snowfall was “relatively short lived, it was heavy”. In some areas, snow reached around 5cm and many road were closed whilst strong north easterly winds added to the big freeze.
The cyclists who had headed to Spain for warm weather training were not impressed…
Uhm, Spain..☀️?? #somethingwentwronghere – https://t.co/9LIVeCqv8r
— Anna van der Breggen (@AnnavdBreggen) January 18, 2017
Come to mallorca they said. It will be warm and sunny they said pic.twitter.com/vbaRUwP13y
— Andy Tennant (@tennanto) January 17, 2017
Snow settled down in Calpe today. Quite exceptional. How's weather at home? ???? pic.twitter.com/9SKTH5Yn9y
— WM3 Pro Cycling (@WM3ProCycling_) January 18, 2017
No PB's up the Rates this morning @MtnHighHelen @v1kkibutcher #snowonthecostablanca pic.twitter.com/DeuSsoVtOy
— Ruth Martin (@Snr_Buffleage) January 18, 2017
A morning swim under the palm trees anyone? #wintertraining #spain pic.twitter.com/uv80T5QTNn
— Mark Beaumont (@MrMarkBeaumont) January 18, 2017
From the sunny Mallorca training camp we got some great Perfetto/Gabba weather @TeamSky pic.twitter.com/ttNIqBuBLC
— Castelli Cycling (@CastelliCycling) January 17, 2017
It’s ok though – we’re told that the snow is set to melt very soon. Thanks to the arrival of a large band of rain. Lots, and lots, of rain…
Whilst those who traveled to Spain to enjoy logging miles in relative comfort might be somewhat disappointed, elsewhere some are embracing the cold stuff. Team WNT, for example, went to Australia actually looking for snow as they swapped bicycles for cross country skis…
We're a little late to the party, but as the saying goes 'better late than never' #MannequinChallenge XC skiing style ???????????? pic.twitter.com/ADUaQb2AHK
— Team WNT Pro Cycling (@WNTTeam) January 17, 2017
So, next time you’re cursing the British weather – remember the grass is not ALWAYS greener on the other side. Right now, it’s definitely white. And then wet.
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