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You know when you’ve hit the jackpot…the moment we were greeted at the airport we knew we were in for a great week.

After a foul and cold start to the year in the UK we needed some time on our bikes in some sunshine. Taking the kids with us on a ‘training camp’ was a first for us and I have to admit that I had my concerns. None needed though. From the moment we set off in the car to the villa in Callosa de Ensarria the kids were in their element – and Nozad our host knew he had his work cut out!

The week was a huge success for us and possibly the best week we have had on holiday in Europe. Warm sunshine, delicious food, lively company, fantastic riding and plenty of time for relaxation in wonderful surroundings.

We were made to feel very welcome and at ease at the villa and with its myriad activities on offer (tennis, table tennis and a pool to name just a few) there was plenty to occupy us all. The food was great – easy relaxed dining of the comfort variety required after a hard effort in the mountains – beautifully cooked by Molly and served with a smile by Josie who also gave us quick recovery leg massage in the evenings. Molly was also available to help out with the kids so we could ride out together a few times. The garden at the villa was beautiful and the trees laden with fruit. There’s nothing like a freshly picked lemon squeezed over one of Nozad’s mega pancakes or orange juice squeezed within 5 mins of being ‘scrumped’ off the trees!

A couple of trips to the local pool and spa, a visit to the village honey shop (not to be missed!) and a fun-filled afternoon in Benidorm with 8-legged tapas and quantities of E numbers from an Aladin’s cave of pick ‘n’ mix were just a few highlights of the trip for the kids – oh and us!

The riding was challenging at times – if I see a hill I generally try to ride around it but there was no escape in the mountains. ‘Work your weakness’ became my mantra for the week! But the roads were fantastic, largely traffic free and the scenery spectacular. Riding the routes of the pros was also pretty inspiring – though I was frustratingly slow! Wildlife a-plenty and a bit of butterfly and wild flower spotting as I rode up the tarmac was a pleasant distraction from the ‘burn’.

There’s nothing like local knowledge and Noze lead us out on some great routes. He also managed to keep his cool when we (I) pushed our limits on his brand new S-Works Venges. The excitement of the descents more than made up for the effort going the other way.

Noze my friend thank you so much for making it a week to remember. Nothing was too much for you and your enthusiasm was infectious. You did yourself proud. Thank you – can’t wait for the next opportunity to get over to Camp Nawras!