What Happens at the CUCC Annual Training Camp?

The CUCC Annual Training Camp is a week-long winter cycling trip abroad, documented each year in a round-up post on the club website. The 2026 edition was held in Calpe, Spain, with riders training in guided groups on local climbs and mixing in rest days and off-bike activities when the weather turned. It suits club members who want structured winter mileage in a milder climate and are prepared for conditions that don't always match the brochure.

Where and when the 2026 camp took place

The club describes the camp as an annual fixture held in January, framed as an escape from British winter weather. For 2026, the destination was Calpe on Spain's Mediterranean coast, chosen for its reputation for sunshine and warmth. The round-up post is dated 8th February 2026 and written by Will Lowden.

The post is candid that the weather did not cooperate: riders arrived to a forecast of rain over the first two days, and the author notes the camp unfolded in "glorious rain and 5 degrees" despite the 2,000-mile journey.

How the riding was structured

Riders set out in three guided groups, which is the key practical detail for anyone wondering whether the camp accommodates different abilities. The routes centred on well-known local climbs:

• Col du Rates — tackled in under 15 minutes by two named riders, Nathan and Issac
• Tarbena — followed by a rapid descent

The schedule adapted to conditions rather than sticking rigidly to a plan. A Sunday spin went ahead on "mostly dry roads" using the most favourable forecast available. When Monday brought rain heavy enough to flood roads, the group took an early rest day instead of forcing a ride.

What happens when the weather fails

The camp's answer to a washed-out day was a rest day used for exploring the off-peak seaside town, after the group decided a four-hour gym session "wasn't it." Once conditions improved on Tuesday, normal group riding resumed, followed by an evening spa session and music bingo.

This is the most useful signal for prospective attendees: the camp expects riders to be flexible, and it builds in recovery and social time rather than treating every day as a training day.

How to find out about future camps

The round-up itself is the club's record of the camp. For dates, sign-up details and costs for future editions, the club points members to its 'Training & Events' calendar and its mailing list, both linked from the homepage. The site also states that news about training, races and results is posted there.

Note that the page evidence does not include pricing, eligibility rules or sign-up deadlines for the camp, so those details would need to come from the club directly via the calendar or mailing list.

Is it right for you?

The camp as described fits riders who:

• Are University members — the club says it caters for all University members, from beginners to elite athletes
• Want guided group riding on challenging terrain, with groups split by ability
• Can accept variable winter weather and schedule changes
• Value the social side, including off-bike evenings

If you need guaranteed sunshine or a fixed daily training plan, the 2026 experience suggests the camp cannot promise either.