Travel to Mallorca: a memory factory

Philippe Gagné, Vélo Cartel's director of operations, accompanies the group on our first organized trip to Majorca in collaboration with Sportvac Voyages (https://sportvac.com/).

We wanted to talk to him to discuss the experience and what it means, in his opinion, for Vélo Cartel offering, but also what it changes for our customers. For you, in other words.

Hey Phil, you've been in Mallorca with your friends for a few days now. Where exactly are you?

At the Hotel Helios, very close to Palma, the capital. It's a really great, high-end hotel where everything is designed with cyclists in mind. I visited it with Bruno in the spring, and the owners weren't exaggerating when they talked about the quality of the service: it's impeccable, beyond my expectations.

This is the first trip that Vélo Cartel for its customers. Why do you think it was important to add this to our offering?

I think it's the logical extension of what we do. We have amazing bikes, top-quality clothing, and we train all year round (including winter!) to be in great shape. So why not showcase all that in the world's most beautiful cycling destinations?

And what does the package include?

This includes ground transportation, flights, and lunches. Oh, and a guide and pre-planned itineraries. No need to worry about a thing—we take care of everything with our partner Sportvac, which has been organizing trips for nearly 34 years!

You said that the hotel is designed for cyclists. What do you mean by that?

There are exclusive services for cyclists, such as laundry. There are also lots of activities for cyclists, in collaboration with brands and shops. We had an event with Isadore, another with Pas Normal . There is also a massage service, a spa... It's the whole package.

Otherwise, there are surely some in the group for whom this is their first time in Mallorca. How do they like it?

They're thrilled! In fact, everyone is thrilled. The scenery is so incredible everywhere we go. The villages are beautiful, the roads are impeccable, and the drivers are so friendly that, for people from Quebec, it's... surprising, let's say. We still have several routes to cover, and with the train leaving from Palma, we can ride to the easternmost point of the island, where Cap Formentor and Sa Calobra are located. But otherwise, we can explore far and wide, ride on flat terrain, in the mountains... What's more, even at the end of October, we're riding in short sleeves, the weather is beautiful. And then there's even the beach to end the day...

So, we'll have to do it again!

Yes, without a doubt. And I hope we can add another destination for the spring as well. For us, as I said, it's an extension of what we already do. We're already creating the conditions for serious cycling enthusiasts to find everything they need here.

What's more, we offer them the chance to add to all this with memories, an experience they will never forget and which will galvanize their experience as cyclists.