The Alcúdia Bike Course: One Real Climb, a Technical Descent and Coastal Wind

The Big Picture

The bike leg of IRONMAN 70.3 Alcúdia is a single 90 km loop. The stated elevation gain ranges from 800 to 882 m depending on the official source; the course preview lists 850 m. It's not a flat course, but it's not a climbing race either: it's a course that's decided in one single spot, and the rest is management.

First Section: The Coast Toward Port de Pollença

The first 20 km run along the coast toward Port de Pollença. This stretch is exposed and wind is a real factor: it can be a headwind or a crosswind, and it changes the race. Two things to work on in training: practice holding your aero position in crosswinds, and don't get dragged along by groups that go out hard. Watts here cost little on the climbs but a lot in nervous fatigue if you're riding tense.

The Climb: Coll de Femenia and Coll de la Batalla

Around km 20 the real climbing begins: first the Coll de Femenia, then the Coll de la Batalla, the highest point of the course at 576 m, reached at km 35. The ramps hit up to 15%. It's the only true climb of the day, but it's long and rewards strong riders.

Three concrete decisions:

• Gearing: fit a cassette that lets you pedal the 15% ramps while staying seated. If you drop below 70 rpm on similar grades in training, change your cassette.
• Pacing: set a power cap for the climb and stick to it. After the summit there are still 55 km of rolling terrain and a half marathon that can get hot. Burn matches here and you'll pay for it on the run.
• Training test: do long climbs at race pace in the weeks before, not just short intervals.

The Descent: Free Minutes for Those Who Know It

After the Batalla the descent is technical, with tight hairpins. Several official materials and the sources consulted agree: good descenders gain minutes without spending any energy. The practical advice is simple: drive or ride the descent in the days before the race. Knowing the hairpins is worth more than any watts. If you can't preview it, descend conservatively: losing 60 seconds beats ending your race against a guardrail.

The Second Half: Rolling Roads to T2

After the descent the course crosses inland villages on rolling, flat roads all the way to T2. This is where you make time: aero position, steady fueling, no rash moves. A lot of athletes arrive here with legs marked by the climb and mentally check out; if you managed the Batalla well, you'll pick up places here without overcooking it.

Aid Stations and Nutrition

Bike aid stations are at km 15, 35, 50 and 69. Note the detail: the km 35 aid station is at the top of the climb. Plan your bottles accordingly: you need to arrive at the base of the climb with enough fluids, because drinking on the ramps is awkward and the next refill only comes at the summit. After km 69 there are no further aid stations listed: make sure you have what you need for the last 20 km and to start the run well.

What to Do, in Short

1. Train long climbs at race pace with the gearing you'll use on race day. 2. Work on your descending skills before leaving for Mallorca. 3. In the days pre-race, recon the descent from the Batalla by car or by bike. 4. Set a watt cap for the climb and a bottle plan built around the aid stations at km 15, 35, 50 and 69. 5. Have a plan B for strong wind on the coast: lower position, controlled pace, no panic over splits.