Mallorca 312: The Ultimate Bucket List Ride

Imagine rolling through sunrise, the Mediterranean breeze behind you, and an epic day of riding ahead, that’s the magic of the Mallorca 312. With closed-road routes spanning 312km, 225km, or 167km, it’s a true cycling bucket-list event. Team Sports Tours rider Adam Newall shares what it’s like to take on this legendary ride.

The Early Start: Fuelled and Ready to Go

There’s something magical about an early start before a race, although a 4:00am wakeup call isn’t the most enjoyable experience, it marked the beginning of an epic challenge. The Grupotel Marítimo hotel had laid out a fantastic early breakfast for our Sports Tours International group, and by 4:30am we were fuelling up with everything we needed for the epic day ahead.

Stress Free Prep with Sports Tours International

One of the great perks of booking with Sports Tours International was the stress-free lead up to the event. Our race bibs were collected for us in advance, which meant no queuing and no fuss. We also had access to expert mechanical support before the event, giving us the chance to get our bikes checked over by the reps, ensuring everything was tuned and ready for race day. In the evening, we enjoyed a drinks reception, a chance to meet the team and fellow riders.

The Perfect Build-Up Weekend

The weekend had been perfectly paced. We’d enjoyed an afternoon 40km shake-out ride, a relaxed spin to loosen the legs and get familiar with the local roads. The rider briefing on Friday was especially helpful, it covered the route, weather forecast, feed stations, and some useful tips on pacing and group riding. It really helped settle the nerves before the big day.

The Mallorca 312: Calm Before the Ride

Come race morning, the Sports Tours reps were on hand early, answering last minute questions, calming nerves, and helping make sure everyone was where they needed to be. That kind of support makes a huge difference when you’re standing in the dark and the nerves begin to kick in.

Bike collected and final checks done the night before, we rolled the short 1km down to our start pen. Even at that early hour, the streets of Playa de Muro were buzzing with excitement and the flashing lights of thousands of fellow cyclists ready to take on the epic Mallorca 312.

At exactly 6:30am, the official start time ticked over. It took just a few minutes for our group to begin inching forward. We crossed the start line to the roar of the crowd, a sound that felt electric in the dusky light of the early morning. As we rode through the quiet streets, lined with cheering locals and supporters, the atmosphere was unforgettable.

Coastal Cruising and Epic Climbs Ahead

The course followed the shoreline, yes, that iconic Instagram beach, where riders glide along the coast. With the 167km route ahead of us, we had time to soak it in without the pressure of cut-offs.

Soon enough, the terrain began to rise. The cliffs surrounding the Coll de Femenia loomed above us, as we continued to climb. Reaching the top, we hit a short descent before tackling the gentler, (but no less iconic) slope of Puig Major. Arched tunnels, sharp bends, and a long, thrilling descent into Soller made this section a highlight.

Unbelievable Views and Feed Station Relief

Climbing up again toward Deia, the route offered sweeping sea views, with motorboats carving trails in the distance. The morning passed in a mix of effort and awe, each climb rewarded with a view worth every pedal! By the time we hit the course split near Esporles, we peeled off onto the 167km route, cheering on those tackling the 225km and 312km options.

Our first feed stop, 97km in, was just what I needed. Cold Coca-Cola, ham sandwiches, bars and gels gave us the boost we needed. Spirits high, legs slightly fresher, we flew through the next inland stretch.

The Final Push: Mallorca 312 Has One More Test

As we turned toward the finish, the wind hit, head-on. What should’ve been a gentle roll home turned into a grind. Every exposed section felt like a battle, but we kept moving, working with other riders along the back roads past Alaro and Campanet. A second feed station gave us another round of drinks and sandwiches before we joined a fast-moving group, what began as 20 riders turned to over 100.

Crossing the Finish Line: Pride and Pasta!

That group momentum carried us through the final few kilometres, thanks to their pull, we cruised into the finish line just over 7 hours after our start.

Medal in hand, food and drink vouchers secured, we collapsed into chairs under the event tent. Pasta, beer, ice cream, and the feeling of what we did! Around us, riders from every distance shared the same sense of pride and accomplishment.

A Must-Do for Every Cycling Enthusiast

Mallorca 312 is a true test of mental strength and grit. But it’s also a celebration of everything cycling should be: camaraderie, scenery, challenge, sheer joy, and all motivating each other.

Thanks to Sports Tours International’s expert support, all we had to do was focus on the ride.

Whether you take on the 167km, 225km, or the full 312km, one thing is certain: Mallorca 312 belongs on every cyclist’s bucket list.