Taming the serpentine slopes of Sa Calobra with Fränk Schleck

28 January 2018
Photographer: Deborah Malin
Location: Sa Callobra, Mallorca
Category: Photos / Inspiration

I thought it was about time we paid a visit to Mallorca to bring to life one of the most famous climbs in the winter retreat regions. Sa Callobra unusually named after its start village rather than the summit (Colls dels Reis) has gained ever increasing popularity since Wiggo and Team Sky started using it as a training ground. I was lucky enough to be joined by Fränk Schleck for the ride, Fränk has stood on the podium at the Tour de France, won Amstel Gold and had his name immortalised on bend 18 after taking the prestigious stage win on Alpe d’Huez in 2006. He trained here himself as a pro so who better than to join me for a trip down memory lane. Watch the video here.

Taming the serpentine slopes of Sa Calobra with Fränk Schleck

Starting the day in the port of Sa Calobra

The climb is actually called the Colls dels Reis

The infamous rockfall

The views appearing from the shadows

Breaking into the sunlight

Sa Calobra has many faces in the changing light

It's a short climb but still bites as most will try for a good time

Enjoying the winter sun

Telling stories

Winter sunlight has its perks

Sa Calobra coming into its own as you start to gain elevation

Winding up to the hairpins

Enjoying every moment in the winter sun on Sa Calobra

Switchback after switchback, the bends keep coming

Ultimate Sports Engineering Alien Carbon Seat Post

Take the hairpins wide, great tip from Fränk to get a few recovery metres in

Lezyne Pressure Drive Pump Custom Col Collective

Ever the pro, getting half wheeled by Schleck

Serpentine Sa Calobra

Happy days at the summit

Scicon Rain Bag comes everywhere with me

Getting all the advantage I can with a little help from Muc-Off

Thanks to Fränk for being such a great ride buddy

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