With sunshine from start to finish, high spirits throughout, and just shy of 400km covered over five days, the camp delivered everything we could have hoped for and more.
Trips like this only happen thanks to the hard work, dedication, and organisation of our wonderful “camp mum,” Alexa Forbes. As always, she maintained a fantastic relationship with Sierra Sports to ensure a seamless experience for everyone. A huge thank you as well to our women’s captain Kirsty Wheeler and all those involved in organising such a special trip, one that keeps us coming back year after year.
Day 1 – A Very Early Start
The camp kicked off with a very early start, with flights departing London at 7am. Thanks to smooth transfers, we arrived in Spain and checked into Hotel Daniya Dénia, a lovely hotel just off the beachfront, complete with pool, spa, gym, and a buffet breakfast to suit all tastes.
On arrival, it was action stations: bikes were built, supermarket trips were made to stock up on ride fuel (and plenty of snacks), and by 3:30pm we were rolling. Our first warm-up ride was a relaxed 25km spin around the local area in glorious sunshine – for many, our first proper outing of the year in bib shorts and jerseys, a welcome contrast to London’s cold and wet weather.
Dénia is famous for its 300 days of sunshine and certainly lived up to its reputation. Dinner at a local restaurant rounded off a perfect first day.
Day 2 – A Big Day in the Saddle
103km with 1,600m of climbing over Coll de Rates and Sa Creueta, with a shorter 72km option available.
We rolled out under clear blue skies, legs feeling fresh and spirits high. The roads were immaculate, and our Dynamo jerseys stood out as we rode together in convoy, expertly guided by Triki and Alex at the front and back.
We captured the iconic photo at the summit of Coll de Rates before enjoying a sweeping descent. The scenery was breathtaking – orange groves, vineyards, olive trees, and sweeping mountain views reminding us why cycling in Spain is so special.
Post-ride, the group split between coffee stops and direct returns, followed by a well-earned afternoon of relaxing by the pool, sea swims, and a few celebratory drinks. The day ended with a delicious three-course dinner nearby.
Day 3 – A Surprise Route
A change from the original itinerary brought us onto a rider-recommended route and it did not disappoint.
Another roughly 100km day with more than 1,200m of elevation gain and longer, more testing climbs that naturally split the group, giving everyone a chance to ride at their own pace before regrouping at the summits.
A brief pause after our coffee stop — thanks to a road closure for a car race being filmed – added an unexpected twist to the day (sadly, we didn’t make the final cut!).
That evening, we ventured further into the heart of Dénia’s town centre to enjoy another fantastic meal together.
Day 4 – Monte Pego
Day four brought another challenging and rewarding ride: the Monte Pego route, covering around 104km and 1,300m of climbing, with steady ascents and stunning views throughout.
Highlights were Café Musset and Cap de Sant Antoni, despite the wind being particularly strong as we headed down to the viewpoint.
Monte Pego offered a different kind of beauty – quiet roads, rolling terrain, and panoramic coastal views that made every climb worthwhile. The afternoon was a chance to unwind, whether that meant poolside relaxation, beach time, or simply soaking up the Spanish sunshine.
Our final group dinner that evening was filled with laughter, reflections on the week, and a few tired but very happy legs under the table.
Day 5 – Puerto de Sorell
Our final ride took us to Puerto de Sorell – a shorter but still satisfying 55km spin to round off the camp. With no pressure to push the pace, it was a chance to enjoy the roads one last time, take in the scenery, and ride together as a group.
A late evening checkout meant there was plenty of time post-ride for extra sunbathing and relaxing before heading home.
Camp Summary
This year’s London Dynamo Women’s camp was a perfect blend of challenging riding, stunning scenery, and incredible team spirit.
Over five days, we laughed, connected, and found even more inspiration in the world of cycling – whether that’s endurance audax events, racing and crits, or cyclocross. That shared passion and enthusiasm among sportswomen is what makes these trips so special.
Smooth roads, breathtaking landscapes, seamless organisation, and a brilliant group of women made for a truly memorable experience.
