Mallorca 312 Cycle Race

On the 30th of April, 'Mallorca 312' is hosting its second international cycle tour on the island in conjunction with the Iberostar hotel, the Mallorcan tourism board and Decathlon. '312' stands for the distance of the main race, which circumnavigates the exterior of the island and challenges the riders with a combined elevation of 4300 metres, a little over 14000 feet!

The race starts and finishes in Playa Muro, located on the north east coast of Majorca and covers some of the most spectacular scenery that the island has to offer. The route initially heads south along the east coast, passing by some of Mallorca's best known white sandy beaches, until it reaches the salt marshes of Ses Salines in the south east corner. From Ses Salines, the riders head west across the southern plains, towards the capital, Palma. The sweeping bay of Palma takes the riders out to Andratx; the south west point of the island, where they encounter the start of the Tramuntana Mountain range. It is here where the stronger mountain riders will display their talents and split from the main bunch. My personal favourite part of the race is the stage from Valldemossa to Pollensa, in the heart of the Tramuntana range, where breathtaking sea views compete with the dramatic mountain landscape.

Last year seventy riders completed the 312km circuit, the fastest rider recording a time of 10 hours 16 minutes, with the top ten riders finishing under 11 hours 30 minutes.

It is also possible to take part in a shorter race, which appeals to the less competitive cyclist, covering 167km and 2588 vertical metres - no mean task in itself. This route takes a more interior line to start with before also heading to the mountains at Valldemossa. Seventy-three riders participated in the 167km ride last year, with the fastest rider recording a time of 5 hours 55 minutes.

This year the guest of honour is the Spanish cyclist, Oscar Pereiro, the 2006 winner of the Tour de France, who will be adorning the entry number 312. The culmination of the day's exertions will be celebrated with a party in the Hotel Ibersostar in Playa de Muro, with Oscar recounting some of his experiences as a pro rider.

For those interested in taking up the challenge, you can sign up before the 25th April. The cost is 60 euros for the 312 km and 50 euros for the 167km course. Last minute entries, open until the 29th April, are priced at 70 euros and 60 euros respectively. There is a minimum age of 18 years and those riders that are not federated with the RFEC or UCI, will incur an additional 5 euro levy towards insurance.

As a patron of the Mallorca 312, Hotel Iberostar in Playa Muro are offering discounted deals for all participants. More information can be found on the official website Mallorca 312.

For all those participating, myself and the staff at Tramuntana Tours, wish you all the best!

Andy Mitter & Michelle Holland operate Tramuntana Tours, an adventure company offering a range of outdoor activities.