Mallorca is not only about famous coastal climbs and postcard views. Before achieving his triple victory at the Challenge Mallorca series, Remco Evenepoel prepared with three long training days focused almost entirely on the heartland of the island.
Instead of riding the Serra de Tramuntana roads, he chose quieter inland routes, perfect for endurance, race rhythm, and mental focus. His only real climb challenge during this block was a local secret: the beautiful and underrated Coll d’Honor, approached from the village of Orient.
From a local cyclist’s perspective, this choice makes total sense. Central Mallorca offers smooth tarmac, low traffic, traditional villages, and endless rolling terrain, ideal conditions for professional-level preparation and unforgettable cycling experiences.
Route 1: Heartland Ride with Coll d’Honor
Distance: 138 km
Elevation gain: 2,000 m
This route begins on the coast at Playa de Palma and heads inland through Santa Maria, entering the calm roads of Mallorca’s countryside. The highlight is the climb to Coll d’Honor from Orient, a hidden gem surrounded by forests and traditional stone villages. Remco even tackled it up to 8 times in a series of climbs and descents—pure madness!
After the repeated climbs, the ride continues through countryside roads toward Algaida and Randa before looping back to the hotel.
- Perfect mix of endurance and climbing
- Quiet inland roads
- Authentic Mallorcan scenery
View the route here: Route Map
Route 2: The Big Mallorca Loop (Without Tramuntana)
Distance: 243 km
Elevation gain: 1,660 m
This is a huge island loop designed for pure endurance and race simulation. The route avoids the Serra de Tramuntana entirely and instead flows through Camí Vell de Muro, passing near the Natural Park of Llevant, continuing along Playa de Muro and the Bay of Pollença.
It is a long, steady ride across open landscapes, perfect for fueling practice and maintaining consistent power output.
- Ideal for aerobic base training
- Rolling terrain with minimal steep climbs
- Sea views and wide horizons
View the route here: Route Map
Route 3: Pure Heartland Endurance Ride
Distance: 213 km
Elevation gain: 1,130 m
This third day was dedicated once again to the interior of Mallorca. A long-distance ride through farmland and traditional villages, focused on rhythm and consistency rather than climbing.
The route connects quiet roads across the heartland, offering a peaceful but demanding day in the saddle.
- Stamina-focused training
- Low traffic and smooth roads
- Ideal for long-distance cycling days
View the route here: Route Map
Why the Heartland of Mallorca Matters
While the Serra de Tramuntana attracts most cyclists, the interior of Mallorca is where real preparation happens. These roads provide:
- Safety and space to train
- Rolling terrain for race conditioning
- Authentic villages and local cafés
- Minimal traffic and maximum focus
Remco’s training block proves that champions don’t always need famous climbs, sometimes the best results come from quiet roads and consistent effort.
Ride Like a Pro, Feel Like a Local
If you are planning a cycling trip to Mallorca, these three routes let you experience the island from a true local perspective. From the hidden slopes of Coll d’Honor to the endless plains of central Mallorca, these are the roads where champions prepare.
Mallorca is not just where races are won, it’s where legs are built, minds are focused, and unforgettable cycling stories begin.
