The most popular amateur sportive in Europe took place on the 30/04/2016. 4,400 riders took part in what would be a gruelling sportive. We were looking after just under sixty riders on the day.

6 am - getting ready to ride to the start line. It is quite cold...    6:45 - On the start line : Stephen Roche    6:47 - Waiting for the start 

6:47 - Waiting for the start   6:47 - Waiting for the start  7:00 - Start of the Mallorca 312, 30th April 2016

The going was hard for our heroes. Unexpected rain reared its ugly head and temperatures in the mountains struggled to reach six degrees. This is far from normal weather for the Mallorca 312 where normally riders are bathed in sunshine. With a strong heart and a determined zeal the riders crossed the start line and didn’t stop until they finished the course.

For the first time the Mallorca 312 offered an additional route. Normally riders have a choice of riding the full 312 km or 167 km. This year, 232 km was an option as well, a halfway house between the two.

The fastest riders of the Mallorca 312 rode the race in under ten hours which is an amazing achievement. In fact, after 312 km of riding, finishing the M312 in less than 14 hours is an achievement especially in weather conditions experienced last weekend.

The Mallorca 312 this year showed what can happen in a sportive. The weather took its toll on riders. There is an always element of unpredictability in a sportive and it is hard to prepare for all eventualities.

Nonetheless, our support helped our riders through the sportive. Here are a few comments taken from our Facebook page:

Ed Fennell – “Well done all. Great achievement on a tough day. When the going gets tough - the tough get on their Bikes !!! Thanks Flora for all the support, encouragement and of course the much needed Food supplies.”

Hilary Kavanagh – “Thanks for looking after us so well Flora”

Taking a much deserved break at the Mallorca 312 The birthday cake was eaten up by our cyclists just minutes after this picture 

Testing their limits in the Mallorca 312

We ensured they had supplies to reach the end, carried spare parts so we could sort issues quickly to them back on the saddle, and we gave them information and encouragement to fulfill their potential and test their limits.

Well done to all our riders and every rider that took part in the Mallorca 312. Just starting the line is an achievement.

Our Cyclist experts Martin (far left) and Alfonso (far right) with some of our cyclists at the Mallorca 312

Some very eager cyclists, well done to all!

Submitted 04/05/2016