Spanish Island of Mallorca sets it sights on hosting a stage of the Vuelta A España

Mallorca could again host a stage of the La Vuelta España, thanks to efforts from local politicians

Photo: Mallorca will give you many opportunities to feel pain in your legs with epic climbs like the Sa Colabra

In recent talks, Pedro Bestard, the Vice President of the Council of Mallorca, and Vox representatives Toni Gili and David Gil engaged with Antonio Bauza and Javier del Rey from the Balearic Islands Cycling Federation (FCIB).

Mallorca last hosted a stage in 1998, politicians explored the feasibility of reintroducing it to the cycling Mecca that is Mallorca

The push to revive Mallorca’s role in the Vuelta España is not without precedent. The island has played host to the event in previous years, in 1975, 1986, and 1991.

This proposal isn’t just about cycling, it’s a strategic move to link sport with tourism and environmental appreciation. Bestard envisions showcasing some of Mallorca’s gems. He added:  ‘Holding a stage of the Vuelta Ciclista a España would boost the image of our island and help link it with the sporting world.

The 79th edition of the Vuelta a España starts in Lisbon in August 2024 with three opening stages in Portugal. Sepp Kuss, the winner in 2023, became the first American to win a Grand Tour in 10 years.

Mallorca the Cycling Mecca

With 300 days of sunshine the climate is perfect in autumn, winter and spring for cycling. The many quiet mountain roads in the mountains. From early spring until the late fall, Mallorca is a perfect destination for training.

Mallorca's weather system is one of the best in the continent. Even in early March or at end of November, the maximum temperatures can be close to 20 degrees.  Temperates may rise above 30 in the summer, but because of its location in the Mediterranean Sea, it never gets too hot. The summer months are very dry, and even in spring the amount of rain moderate. When you're looking for good weather, Mallorca is hard to beat!

If you want to test your climbing abilities and go all out, Mallorca will give you many opportunities to feel pain in your legs with epic climbs like the Sa Colabra, Puig Major, Cap Formentor, Coll de Femenia, Coll d'Honor, Coll de Sa Batalla, Valldemossa Port and the Sobremunt.

VIDEO: Sa Calobra with Fränk Schleck and the Col Collective

Mallorca 312 Gran Fondo

The Mallorca 312 OK Mobility Gran Fondo is probably the most well known ride on the island, one of the most demanding cycling challenges in Europe.

It offers three different routes for participants traveling around the island of Mallorca. These routes are 167, 225 and 312 km.

The routes guide you through the stunning Tramuntana mountains and through the beautiful towns of Port de Soller, Pollensa and others.

Participants ride the Coll Puig Major, the toughest climb of the ride, sitting at 890 metres before heading south through the Tramuntana. The short route is still a tough 167km with 2,500m of climbing and you will miss out the southern most section of the mountains. The medium 225km route with 3800m) and full 312km Gran Fondo with 44550m. take in this extra section before heading back up to the northern coast.

For those doing the medium distance the ride ends here and for those taking on the full 312km, you then head out to the flatlands before heading back to the finish line.

The 2024 Mallorca 312 Gran Fondo sold out all 8,000 entries in 6 minutes this year.

Photo: The Mallorca 312 OK Mobility Gran Fondo is one of the most demanding cycling challenges in Europe.