The route starts from Calp along the coast road to Altea before proceeding inland, climbing steadily through rolling hills and villages before reaching the foot of my personal highlight of the ride; the ascent of Tudons. A renowned climb with challenging gradients and rewarding views at the summit. The elevation profile is strong, it’s a steady climb to over 1,000 metres, with the toughest gradients in the midsection and twisty hairpins near the top. The warmth of the sun was greatly appreciated with a pleasant 16 degrees at the top.

The descent is fast and technical; it’s a lot of fun but does requiring focus as you navigate through sharp turns, marking the start of the return leg back towards the coast, these are rolling roads with picturesque views which slowly sap away at your legs if you aren’t topping up your energy stores. You wind your way along these for roads for 40k until you hit the bottom of the famous Col d’ Rates.