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 interesting: just a few years ago, teams favored a different Mediterranean destination. What changed? Let’s dive in.
Matteo Tosatto, a cycling veteran with 20 professional seasons under his belt, has witnessed this transformation firsthand. After a stellar career as a rider for teams like Tinkoff-Saxo and Quick Step, he transitioned into roles as Sports Director for INEOS Grenadiers and later the Tudor Pro Cycling Team. With six victories, including stages at the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France, and an impressive 34 Grand Tours and 55 Monuments to his name, Tosatto’s insights are gold.
In a recent interview with bici.pro, Tosatto reflected on the shift from Italy to Spain. “Until 2005, we trained in Tuscany, and many foreign teams joined us—Telekom, Rabobank, Lotto, and several French squads,” he recalled. But what drove this change? According to Tosatto, it boils down to weather, infrastructure, and economics. “Spain’s climate remained excellent, and their facilities grew to meet teams’ needs,” he explained. “Hotels now offer gyms, spacious parking, and meeting rooms, while internal roads have less traffic—a game-changer for training.”
And let’s not forget the cost. “Spain offers excellent prices for cyclists,” Tosatto noted. “It’s incredibly convenient.” But here’s the controversial part: While Spain’s rise is undeniable, some argue Italy, particularly Sicily, could still compete. Tosatto isn’t so sure. “Sicily’s climate is great, but the roads and stray dogs pose challenges,” he said. “Etna’s climb is stunning, but you can’t rely on it alone.”*
So, why Spain? Tosatto points to the Canary Islands, especially Gran Canaria, as the ultimate training hub. “It’s always between 18 and 26 degrees, with long climbs, short climbs, and flat roads—everything you need,” he praised. And this is the part most people miss: Italy’s allure once lay in its cuisine, but with traveling team chefs now common, that advantage has faded.
Looking ahead, Tosatto confirmed Tudor’s ambitious plans for 2026, targeting the full block of spring classics, including Milano-Sanremo, Amstel, and Liège. “Flanders and Roubaix are our big spring goals,” he revealed. “We have the team to excel.”
But here’s the question: As Spain continues to dominate, will other destinations ever reclaim their spot? Or is this shift permanent? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this cycling conundrum!
