British champion on the road and Olympic champion on the track and still aged only 24, it’s fair to say that Geraint Thomas has built up a wealth of knowledge and experience in his brief career from which any amateur cyclist could learn. This autumn, you have the chance to do just that as the Team Sky rider hosts a three-day training camp at the five-star Bluestone National Park Resort in his native Wales.
Needless to say, there is some great cycling to be had in the roads around the Pembrokeshire resort, and whether you’re an amateur racer or an aspiring sportive rider, a couple of days out riding with one of Britain’s top pros is bound to up your game, while post-ride, the resort’s facilities will give you plenty of opportunity to rest those aching limbs.
Held between Friday, 30th September and Monday, 3rd October, the Cycling Training Camp features two rides lasting between three and five hours accompanied by the Team Sky rider, and there will also be a nutrition workshop from CNP Professional, partners to the ProTeam outfit.
The weekend costs £275 per person based on two cyclists sharing five-star accommodation, with the price including lunch, Spa thermal room entry, a Sunday lunch prize presentation and goodie bag.
In the evenings, there will be social events and presentations on training and cycling, all attended by Thomas, and participants can also use the resort’s other facilities at additional cost, whether that be its restaurant for evening meals, its Steep Ravine climbing facility, Blue Lagoon water park, laser clay shooting, archery and more.
Thomas, currently racing in Paris-Nice where he has put in some powerhouse performances as lead-out man to Greg Henderson, winner of Monday’s Stage 2, said: “I’m looking forward to having an opportunity to work with other cyclists and to pass on any advice I can, as well as riding-out with cyclists of all abilities during the Cycle Training Camp at Bluestone.”
He continued: “It’s not often I get to take part in such an activity and having the spectacular cycle routes around the Pembrokeshire National Park to look forward to, as well as staying at Bluestone, should provide a great opportunity.”
Yvonne Buckingham, Head of Marketing at Bluestone, said: “The Cycling Training Camp is a great way for cyclists of all abilities to train and ride-out with a world-class cyclist such as Geraint and to gain advice and encouragement from an Olympic gold medalist, which isn’t something you have the chance to do everyday.
“Combine the training camp with the five-star Bluestone resort and it’ll be a great weekend for those taking part.”
Further information on the weekend is available on the Bluestone website or by telephoning 01834 862 400, while you can keep up to date with the Team Sky star through his recently launched personal website.
Itinerary
Friday 30th September:
Arrive and check into accommodation
6.30 pm: Buffet Meal followed by a welcome evening with Geraint who will give a briefing to the cyclists of the weekend’s itinerary and a presentation on cycling & training.
Saturday 1st October:
10:00 to 13:00 3 hour cycle ride – led by Geraint
14:00 Buffet Lunch
15:30 Nutrition workshop from CNP Professional who are the official nutritionists for Team GB and Team Sky, with contributions from Geraint.
Evening social with Geraint
Sunday 2nd October:
9am Final and longest group ride over a rolling course of approx. 4 to 5 hours – led by Geraint
3pm Sunday Lunch followed by final presentation, and prize ceremony with Geraint
Monday 3rd October: Depart
From only £275 pp* (*based on two cyclists sharing a two bedroom Caldey)
Which Includes:
• Five Star Accommodation
• Friday evening Welcome presentation with Geraint Thomas and buffet.
• 2 x Cycling routes over two days led by Geraint
• Saturday –buffet lunch
• Sunday Lunch plus prize presentation from Geraint
• Goody bags
• Spa Thermal Room Passes for the Saturday & Sunday to help to relax tired muscles after a hard day’s cycling! Which includes:
Brick sauna
Celtic sauna
Herbal steam room
Marine steam room
Ice pod
Dry salt room
Thalassa Plunge Pool
Wet jets
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