Riding with Legends - Velusso Cycling in Mallorca

I have been on a fair few cycling holidays: from hardcore spring training camps, to bikepacking across Europe and sleeping in fields. The Velusso cycling holiday experience is by far the most luxurious bike riding trip I have been on to date.

On landing in Palma Mallorca, we are collected by James - the founder of Velusso, and a keen cyclist himself. We are driven across the island to our private villa in the foothills of the Tramuntana mountains.

A buffet lunch of local delicacies and tapas awaits us on arrival; freshly prepared by our gracious villa host Jamie. The quick fuel-up gives us enough of an energy boost to get out and spin the travel out of our legs.

Velusso is a young company, but their bespoke and personal service is already impressive.


After a great night's sleep in the secluded traditional finca villa, we are woken by a Mediterranean sunrise, and the smell of fresh coffee and croissants.

Over breakfast, we meet our 'Legend' ride guide: Johan Museuuw. Johan is a three time Paris Roubaix winner, three times Tour of Flanders winner, and the 1996 World Champion. What better person to be spending time with, ahead of the start of the Spring Classics season.

It is a privilege to share our coffee and extravagant breakfast spread with Johan. The real treat awaits though, a week of riding with him on this beautiful Balearic island.


Our first ride is to the monastery high up on Mount Randa. We are rewarded at the top with coffee and panoramic views of the island.

Velusso rides are flexible in their format, with the ride guides tailoring the routes to suit the needs and desires of the guests. Looking for a bit of extra mileage, I head off solo after our café stop, to take in the climbs of Lluc and Puig Major. 150 kilometres leaves me with a good appetite for the beautiful home cooked meal awaiting when I return to the villa.


The days fly by. Each morning we are treated to a hearty and healthy breakfast, before heading out to explore the monasteries, lighthouses, and mountains of Mallorca.

Johan Museuuw is a gracious ride leader; jocular, freely passing on helpful advice, whilst also looking like he is genuinely enjoying the relaxed riding.

Each evening there is a vibrant and fun atmosphere in the villa. Jamie continues to impress with a diverse and delicious menu. Belgian beer helps to lubricate the conversations, which flick from cycling to politics, art and travel; with our small group of guests a diverse mix of economists, investment bankers, journalists, entrepreneurs, and of course all keen cycling enthusiasts.


Our rides are personal and flexible, with everyone allowed to venture as far and as fast as they wish, either supported or riding solo. After one particularly tough solo day in the cold mountains, I am treated to a rare and much needed sports massage on returning to the villa.

The flexibility allows me to clock up a pleasing 875 kilometres over the course of the week. A solid early season training block, which despite unusually cold conditions (and snow) is made surprisingly easy, by the restful atmosphere and splendid food that followed every ride effort.


The Velusso cycling experience is unlike any early season training camp that I have been on before. Luxury, pampering, superb company, and incredible food. Those long base mile days have never felt so great.






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