Testimonial for Ciclismo Euskadi Cycling Camp

Michael Carter, former professional cyclist

Ciclismo Euskadi is providing cyclists of all ability levels with an opportunity that is sure to enhance their bicycle racing and touring experience. The camp in Vitoria, Spain, is so well organized, strategically placed and has impressed me so much, that I am already making plans to bring many of the athletes that I coach with me to the camp.

The location of the hotel is in a place that offers a variety of terrain and climate, which makes it an ideal spot for riders of all abilities, from Elite category racers, to touring cyclists who are merely seeking a European flavor to add to their cycling diet. From flat roads, to rollers and even big mountain climbs, there is something for everyone, regardless of ability level or need. From days in the 90s to days with drizzling rain, the opportunity to ride "like the pros do" exists in Vitoria.

Another fantastic feature of the camp is that it is offering maximal VO2 output testing in one of the most renowned clinics in Spain. Not only that, but races and touring Clásicas for all categories of cyclists are in close proximity, and promise to challenge every cyclist who dare to enter.

If I sound like I am speaking with authority, I suppose its because having begun my racing career as a professional in 1984 with competing in: the Giro d'Italia, Vuelta a España, Vuelta Ciclist De Burgos, Clásica San Sebastián - San Sebastián, the World Professional Road Race Championships Vallolidid in 1992 and a few other pro races in Europe. I have been around the block and can recognize what will be a fantastic European cycling experience for all cyclists wanting a "Euro" taste of cycling when I see one.

In June of 2002, you can find me in Vitoria, taking advantage of one of life's one-time opportunities, to ride, race and relax in Spain! I hope to see you there too!

Michael Carter

Aaron Gallardo, Category 3 racer

Ciclismo Euskadi cycling camp RULES with a capital "R"! I want to thank you again Jon for my camp experience in the Basque Country. Hands down I've had some of the best rides in my two week stay. The terrain is like no other in the states, all the roads were in absolutely in perfect condition. And coming out from Colorado you lead us to plenty of famous mountain passes to be climbed.

Some of my most memorable moments were the training rides in the Basque country side, the physiological cycling test conducted by Iñigo San Millán, some of the coolest bike shops, and the cycling community. I really got a taste what's its like to train and race in Europe. The single day Clásica covering 170km and 4 Cat 1 climbs, including one at the finish was very cool. It offered a diverse level of riders and was a well organized event. They even provided pintxos at the end. Tortillas, chorizo and the best Basque wines. Yummy! It was European racing just as I envisioned it to be. Perfecto!

Also, I would like to thank Jon and Iñigo for providing me with objective advice and recommendations that I could act on to improve my cycling skills sets. Having my recommended heart rates and training zones will be a key element to improve my overall cycling ability. It didn't stop there though, you gave me important feedback that every competitive cyclist can benefit from. Such as having my Lactate Threshold pinned with laser precision, and advice on both dieting, long distance and interval training.

Thanks again for exceeding my expectations and Jon you have no idea what memories you gave me....I could go on and on. Hope to see ya soon!

Aaron Gallardo from Lakewood, CO

Eric Sabo, Category 4 racer

I got to live, eat, and breath European cycling for a week, and on top of that, I came home with pro advice that's already helped me improve. Thanks for putting together such a thoughtful camp.

Eric Sabo

Alex Baumbach, Junior racer

Dear Jon,

Thank you for all you did for me! My experiences at Ciclismo Euskadi were way beyond the experience of a lifetime! No other training facility can match what you offer! Tailored four-hour training rides with up to 6 other riders only, physiological testing, nutritional consultation with Iñigo (whose advice to the pros I saw first-hand at the Tour de France), and a chance to ride in the "Jesús Loroño Clásica" with 600 other Spanish riders. The clásica with its 170km and mix of cat 1, 2, and 3 climbs challenged me beyond all expectations while finishing with a silver medal in my category.

The food and hotel rooms were fabulous. A room with a TV to catch the Tour and other races was so affordable that, I was able to take bus trips to Vitoria for Spanish lessons (my instructor is now my pen pal), visit bike shops, go to Pamplona to see the running of the bulls, and ultimately see Lance capture the yellow jersey in the Pyrenees! Thanks for outlining my agenda, arranging a room for me in Vitoria a block from the bus station, riding with with me after the camp ended, setting up Spanish lessons and the bus trip to the Tour. My photos are fabulous and my trip to the Tour with the local Basque fans cost less that $50!! Ciclismo Euskadi is too good to be true and you made it even better! Showing all of the riders nightlife in Vitoria together set me up for a great time in the nearby Pyrenees and making even more friends. I am already checking flights for next year.

Alex Baumbach

Paul Chiapuris, recreational rider

Being a recreational rider from the flatlands of Illinois, spending a week in the Basque countryside was a great experience. Not only did I enjoy the variety of our daily rides, but evening trips into Vitoria and San Sebastián gave me a good taste of the local flavor. Iñigo's knowledge and expertise on training has helped me improve my biking since I have been at the camp. But for me, the highlight of the trip was making it up a long and difficult mountain climb, something I had never done before. I plan to come back next year and ride in one of the clásicas.

Paul Chiapuris