Photo credit: Helena Wetjen
Hunters Territory #2 - Against the Wind
The days are short, the temperatures near freezing. Sweating on the trainer, we gaze out the window where raindrops form a dreary curtain. We long for sunshine, the refreshing breeze on our faces, the feeling of freedom, and sunsets that conclude a day of training – tired, but happy.
We present to you another training location that is particularly popular between November and March due to the climate, but also presents its own set of challenges and pitfalls.
→ Have you heard of HUNTERS TERRITORY #1?
Hunters Territory #1 - Training in the Austrian Caribbean
The Canary Islands: lunar landscapes and stony deserts
The Canary Islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura promise a mild climate year-round, plenty of sunshine, and low rainfall. The islands also offer an infrastructure specifically designed for triathletes. A number of hotels with roped pools and extensive buffets attract thousands of athletes every year. Training camp providers like Hannes Hawaii Tours have also been setting up shop west of Africa for years.
Photo credit: Helena Wetjen
Photo credit: Helena Wetjen
Climate and topography: Harsh and honest
Temperatures between November and March are usually around 20 degrees Celsius. There is hardly any rainfall and plenty of sunshine. Even in the middle of the European winter, it's advisable to apply sunscreen thoroughly, as you're under the African sun, even though you're on Spanish soil, which is extremely strong and often burns unnoticed due to the strong winds.
You'll almost constantly have wind blowing in your face. At times, it's very gusty, making for challenging training sessions on the bike. Long stretches with strong headwinds and descents that require full power can be quite a mental challenge. A certain level of bike handling skill is therefore recommended if you're planning a training camp in the Canary Islands. In my experience, it's often even windier on Lanzarote. Fuerteventura, sheltered in the wind shadow of its larger neighbor, usually fares somewhat better.
Photo credit: Matthias Hohlrieder
The hours spent cycling and running are interspersed with plenty of elevation gain. Hardly a flat meter is covered on Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. Instead, there's a lot of undulating terrain and longer climbs, perfect for interval training. The road network is extremely straightforward, which simplifies navigation but also offers less variety. After two weeks of training camp, chances are you'll have ridden every road (multiple times).
Lanzarote is certainly the more visually appealing of the two islands, although a certain monotony is undeniable. Abundant lava rock away from the road network gives the island a unique look. However, road quality has improved significantly in recent years; nevertheless, it's worth considering wider tires (e.g., 28mm) and lower tire pressure for increased comfort. The loop around El Golfo and the classic Mirador del Rio are particularly popular destinations, attracting cyclists and others alike with their spectacular panoramas.
Photo credit: Helena Wetjen
Fuerteventura is noticeably barren and sandier; in some ways, it resembles a "lunar landscape." Little greenery, little variety; training there can sometimes become a test of willpower. On the other hand, the traffic is very calm and relatively safe.
Two flagship hotels
Almost every triathlete will have heard of the Playitas Resort (Fuerteventura) and Club La Santa (Lanzarote). Alongside a multitude of other hotels specializing in the needs of endurance athletes, these two resorts are a go-to destination for guests seeking an all-inclusive package.
Club La Santa is unsurpassed in its amenities . Located in northern Lanzarote, the resort boasts three 50-meter pools. In the heart of the complex, guests can enjoy interval training on the private 400-meter track, followed by a workout in the fitness center. Numerous classes and guided tours ensure that even family members will find plenty of options for their fitness needs.
Photo credit: Matthias Hohlrieder
The food doesn't always meet with universal enthusiasm. However, several restaurants in the town of La Santa, about a kilometer away on foot, offer an alternative. Guests can also shop at the hotel's supermarket or cook/prepare meals in their apartments.
Due to its location in the north of the island, the large complex is exposed to the wind, while hotels on the other side of the island are somewhat more sheltered from the wind.
On Fuerteventura, the Playitas Resort has made a name for itself in the tennis world. Like Club La Santa, it's a popular spot for professional athletes who spend a significant portion of the winter here. No wonder, as this resort also boasts its own 50-meter pool (although lanes must be rented and paid for by the hour), a gym, a supermarket, and spacious rooms. The food is exceptionally good, plentiful, and varied. A morning breakfast with views of the sea and mountains provides the perfect fuel for the day ahead.
The 400m running track is about four kilometers away. Aside from the swimming regulations, this is the only drawback of the facility, which otherwise makes a training camp as pleasant as possible. It's no coincidence that Hannes Hawaii Tours, a leading provider of training camps, has chosen this location as its base for numerous camps.
Pitfalls to be aware of
Windy and mountainous: training on both islands is quite demanding and presents a formidable challenge for (tri)athletes who may have only been back in regular training for a few weeks. Therefore, caution is advised regarding overexertion. "Just a leisurely ride" or "easy jog" is not so easy to implement. Add to that gusts of wind on the bike and sometimes rocky trails for running. For experienced athletes, the training is demanding, but manageable with proper planning. No wonder you see professionals here every minute. Absolute beginners should at least be aware of the challenges. Joining a training group or having a plan developed by an experienced coach can help prevent overtraining.
Photo credit: Helena Wetjen
Photo credit: Helena Wetjen
A sure thing in winter
Above all, the consistently mild climate and the excellent hotels are strong arguments for a training camp in the Canary Islands.* Anyone wanting to escape the winter and put in plenty of training hours will definitely get their money's worth here. The number of world-class athletes who fly south several times a year is proof enough.
Furthermore, flights from the DACH region are usually relatively inexpensive. While the flight duration is relatively long at 4-5 hours, there is only a one-hour time difference, meaning no adjustment is required for the training-hungry athletes.
Those seeking a more diverse road network and more visual appeal would be better served by destinations like Mallorca. However, good weather is not guaranteed.
* Other interesting destinations are Gran Canaria and Tenerife. However, we lack sufficient personal experience there.