Ever wondered why nearly every professional cycling team flocks to Spain for their winter training camps? It’s a shift that’s reshaped the sport’s preparation landscape, and former INEOS sports director Matteo Tosatto has the inside scoop. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Spain reigns supreme today, it wasn’t always this way. Just a few years ago, teams favored another Mediterranean gem—Italy. So, what changed? Let’s dive in.
Matteo Tosatto, a cycling veteran with 20 professional seasons under his belt, has witnessed this transition firsthand. After a stellar career as a rider for teams like Tinkoff-Saxo and Quick Step, he seamlessly transitioned into the role of Sports Director for INEOS Grenadiers post-retirement in 2016. By 2023, he had moved to the Tudor Pro Cycling Team, bringing with him a wealth of experience and six victories, including stages at the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France, along with an impressive 34 Grand Tours and 55 Monuments.
In a candid interview with bici.pro, Tosatto reflected on this evolution. “Until 2005, we trained in Tuscany, and it wasn’t just us—teams like Telekom, Rabobank, Lotto, and many French squads joined too,” he recalled. “But then, something shifted.” And this is the part most people miss: it wasn’t just one factor, but a combination of changes in climate, infrastructure, and economics that tipped the scales in Spain’s favor.
Spain’s rise as the ultimate training hub is no accident. Tosatto highlights the country’s mild December temperatures, state-of-the-art hotels with gyms and spacious parking, and quieter internal roads—all crucial for uninterrupted training. “Within 50 kilometers of coastline between Valencia and Alicante, you’ll find almost every team in the world,” he notes. Add to that the affordability, and it’s no wonder Spain has become the go-to destination. Even stars like Mathieu van der Poel, who resides in Alicante, are part of this cycling exodus.
But what about Italy? Tosatto admits the country once held a strong allure, especially for its cuisine. “Foreigners were amazed by something as simple as a cappuccino,” he reminisces. However, with traveling team chefs now a norm, Italy’s culinary edge has lost some of its shine. Southern Italy, particularly Sicily, has been suggested as an alternative, but Tosatto has reservations. “The roads and stray dogs can be problematic,” he points out, though he praises Mount Etna’s breathtaking climb.
Here’s a bold take: While Spain dominates, Tosatto believes the Canary Islands, especially Gran Canaria, are the ultimate training paradise. “It’s always between 18 and 26 degrees, with everything from long climbs to flat roads,” he enthuses. But don’t expect teams to abandon Spain anytime soon—its infrastructure and logistics are hard to beat.
Looking ahead, Tosatto reveals Tudor’s ambitious plans for 2026, targeting the full block of spring classics, including Milano-Sanremo, Amstel, and Liège. With reinforcements like Stefan Küng and Luca Mozzato, the team is poised for success. “Flanders and Roubaix are our two big spring goals,” he declares confidently.
So, is Spain’s dominance here to stay? Or could another destination rise to challenge its throne? What do you think? Let’s spark a debate—comment below with your thoughts on whether Spain’s reign is unshakable or if there’s room for a new training hotspot in the cycling world.
