Blog: Second day at the Prostyle Cycle Camp with TUI Cruises – what was probably the most difficult stage of the whole tour was on the program right at the start. 2.300 meters in altitude over a little more than 80km and ramps with more than 20% made all drivers sweat a lot today - but a fantastic panorama and an incomparable flair compensated for the torments of the day.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20q2JYyF95M&feature=youtu.be
After a hearty breakfast on board, the prostyle crew and participants met this morning at 9:00 am in front of the 'Mein Schiff 4', which had docked at the port of Madeira during the night. While the Prostyle guys fetched the bikes from the basement, the participants were already chatting animatedly about the forthcoming stage. Björn and the other guides already had plans at the meeting yesterday "the hardest tour of the week" warned - and not promised too much, as it turned out. Guide Paddy had aptly described the island: "There's just a mountain in the sea..."
Punctually at 9.30 a.m. it was time to get on the bike: The first kilometers led the participants out of the port area of Funchal and after just a few hundred meters the first really steep ramp was waiting. At this point at the latest, all participants knew what the hour had come and what was still to come today. Personally, this sight burned my thighs, even in the escort vehicle.
After one or the other still had a little trouble with coffee and breakfast in the stomach, the boys and girls gradually got better in and most of the tense facial expressions gave way to a rather relaxed smile - although already the way out of the city in In the direction of the mountains it was quite violent. The 28 sprocket was already being used.
But despite all the torment, the tour showed its beautiful side after only a few kilometers: In really wonderful conditions, a breathtaking view of the Bay of Funchal and the endless sea opened up again and again, which seemed to flow smoothly into the bright blue sky .
The inexorable route seemed to only know one direction today: up! While most of the riders really had their hands full, one was always in the mood for a fool: Robert Wagner once again showed what professional cyclists have in their legs. The driver of LottoNL-Jumbo stepped up the mountains and ramps seemingly relaxed with a relaxed grin on his face.
But the other guides and one or two Cycle Camp participants also set a really fast pace. Two larger groups formed early on in order to find the most comfortable speed possible for all drivers.
The narrow streets, which are not always particularly easy to drive on, meandered up the mountain - we had hardly left the city limits when the smell of eucalyptus tickled our sense of smell and the hectic hustle and bustle of the coastal town gave way to a green idyll.
After about 35km the worst was over and the field of riders had successfully fought their way up the mountain ridge, on which it then continued wavy - the somewhat more relaxed profile finally offered everyone the opportunity to enjoy the dreamlike landscape and the wonderful panorama a little .
Time and again, the descents were steep and technically challenging – the roads, sometimes a bit damp, were not always in the best condition, adding to the excitement. However, the boys and girls were giving it their all – by now, many had unpacked their vests and arm warmers. On a little over 1.000At an altitude of 1,000 m the temperature had dropped noticeably and it had become quite chilly.
After almost 60km and approx. 1.800m in altitude, a well-deserved coffee and cake break was on the program. This allowed the burning thighs to cool down a bit and the energy supply to be increased again. And to be honest: coffee and cake rarely taste better than after such a performance, right?
The way back to the ship was another 500 meters in altitude - with the batteries refueled during the short break, this final sprint hardly caused anyone any major problems, even if it got pretty steep again. At this point, once again, really huge respect to all guides and participants - mighty achievement!
Shortly before 16.00 p.m. we passed the city limits of Funchal again and in the tough city traffic we went back to the port very relaxed. Done! While the participants quickly went inside to treat themselves to a well-deserved meal in one of the numerous restaurants, the prostyle crew still had to get their bikes back on board. But then it was the end of the day for everyone involved.
The 'Mein Schiff 4' is moored here in the port of Madeira overnight, from where tomorrow morning we will go on a somewhat shorter and less difficult round to the highest cliff in Europe. Of course you can read about it again here. Until then!
