Cresting the climb, I enjoyed a fast descent into Benissa before rolling through a series of small villages on the way to Parcent. These roads are some of my favourites, quiet, smooth, and surrounded by differing landscapes. Soon passing the base of Coll de Rates, I resisted the temptation to take on one of the region’s most famous climbs, instead continuing towards Xaló, known for its vineyards and local market.

From Xaló, I turned onto one of my favourite loops. The Pinos climb gains 600m over 10km, but with an average gradient under 4%, it’s a mainly, steady one. There are a few steeper sections to get over, but overall, it’s a climb that lets you settle into a rhythm. The higher you climb, the better the views become until you reach the top, where you really feel on top of the world.

The descent off Pinos is a real highlight, almost like a ski slope at first before heading into the fast and flowing turns further down, although a little bumpy at times, it’s great fun, with the bonus of stunning views of the valley around every turn. It wasn’t too warm on this occasion so I chucked a gilet on at the top as it’s a long descent.

It’s always worth having an extra layer just in case. By the time I hit the flatter roads back into Calpe, I’d racked up almost 80KM and over 1,500M of climbing, not the longest day out but certainly a solid day on the bike, one that leaves you feeling good rather than empty.