El Teide is known as the ideal destination for professional cyclists who want an altitude training, including Wout Van Aert, Primož Roglič, Remco Evenpoel prepare for their biggest goals every year. What is so magical about this volcanic peak?
- El Parador
Tenerife is getting more and more interest in the cycling world. If cycling teams want to accommodate their riders at the El Parador de las Cañadas del Teide, they have to be there very early. Several teams tried to book rooms for 2024 and 2025 but were told that the hotel was already full. The hotel is not immediately linked to luxury, although that perception has faded somewhat in the meantime. There is a fitness room, indoor swimming pool, restaurant, and telescopes to view the starry sky. There is not much to see or experience, but it is certainly the ideal place for cycling.
- Jumbo-Visma
Jumbo-Visma dominated at the start of the season with wins in Het Nieuwsblad, Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, etc. According to Tiesj Benoot, this could be due to their weeks-long training camp in Tenerife. Its central location of the Teide allows one to train on both sides of the volcano. The height stimuli they experience at 2,145 meters allow them to prepare perfectly. The body produces extra red blood cells to transport oxygen to the muscles. As a result, athletes live longer and can perform better. If you then bring the entire team together on Mount Teide, this is also beneficial for group cohesion.
“The flanks are not steep, it is mainly about the length of the climb and the variation in climbing.”