The Ultimate Guide to Trail Menorca Camí de Cavalls

Commonly known as the TMCdC, the Trail Menorca Camí de Cavalls is an ultramarathon race held on the island of Menorca. The race goes around the entire island via the Cavalls and covers around 185.3 km. People can participate in the shorter distances such as 100 km, 85 km, 58 km, 44 km, and 27 km. The race is usually a qualifying race for the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc and currently allows for the acquisition of four qualification points. The race will enable you to explore the jewel in the Mediterranean, Menorca.

The History of the Race

The race has its roots in a foot race organized in collaboration with the Club de Ciclismo de Menorca in 2009. The TMCdC quickly became one of the most popular races on the island. In 2010, it was officially certified as an Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc race and started to allow for qualification points.

The Route

The route of the race goes around the entire island of Menorca. It starts and finishes in Ciutadella. The course follows the coast, going through the villages and countryside of Menorca. There are a few sections that are significantly higher than other sections, making for a challenging but breathtaking experience.

The course is basically a single loop around the island and is 185.3 km long. The majority of the course is through rural areas, with some small sections that go through villages and towns on the island. The course will follow the Tour du Mont Blanc, which is a famous hiking path wrapping around the mountains. In most cases, the hiking loop takes hikers a week or more. However, it is worth noting that this depends on the directions they choose to begin. When taking the trail, you get to see more than 130 bays and coves, diverse landscapes, orange desert-like sands, dense woodlands, wetlands, wave-crashing beaches, flat paths, and rugged cliff-tops.

This race is one of the most challenging races on the island. The course is long and consistently challenging, with a few significant climbs. The competition is also very strong, with many top riders competing in this event. This race is not for the faint of heart, but it will be an unforgettable experience.

The Stages of the Race

Here are five stages of the race that you need to know.

MAÓ — SES SALINES DE FORNELLS
The first stage of the race is a long and challenging ride through the mountains of Maó. This stage is 43. 56 km long and features several steep climbs. You will move through Es Grau, Favàritx, Addaia, Arenal den Castell, and Son Parc. It has an elevation gain of around 739 m.

SES SALINES DE FORNELLS — CALA MORELL
The second stage of the race is a long and relatively easy ride down to the coastal town of Ses Salines de Fornells. This stage is 34.19 km long and includes several gentle climbs. You will move through Tirant, Cavalleria, Binimel·là Pregonda, Cala en Calderer, Alocs, and Algaiarens. It attracts an elevation gain of 761 m.

CALA MORELL — CAP D’ARTRUTX
The races third stage is a long and challenging ride up beautiful mountain ranges. This stage is 31.95 km with an elevation of 329 m. It features climbs through Punta Nati, Pont d’en Gil, Ciutadella, and Cala Blanca.

CAP D’ARTRUTX — SON BOU
The fourth stage of the race is a short and easy ride down to the Mediterranean Sea. This stage is 35.22 km with an elevation gain of 439 m. You will pass through Son Saura, Cala en Turqueta, Macarella, Cala Galdana, and Sant Tomas.

SON BOU — MAÓ
The fifth and final stage of the race is a long and challenging ride up the beautiful Maó mountain range. This stage is 40.12 km long and has an elevation gain of 412 m including various climbs such as Llucalari, Cala en Porter, Calescoves, Es Canutells, Binissafuller, and Punta Prima.

The Weather Conditions in Menorca

Menorca is a Spanish island that is located in the Mediterranean Sea. It has approximately 65,000 people and is known for its stunning natural beauty. The island is home to several mountain ranges, making for a great cycling race course.

The weather in Menorca during the race will be hot and sunny. There will be a moderate breeze, which should help to keep the riders cool and comfortable during the race. The average temperature during the race will be around 72 degrees Fahrenheit, but temperatures can range from 68 degrees Fahrenheit to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. There is a high chance of thunderstorms during the race, so riders should be prepared for possible rain and lightning.

Winners for Trail Menorca Camí de Cavalls

The race has had several winners over time. The past winners of the race include:

Men
Antoine Guillon (16:46:56)
Juan José Larrotcha (17:07:45)
Juan María Jiménez (17:16:56)

Women
Claire Bannwarth (19:51:22)
Marina Kollassa (21:13:19)
Eva Orives (23:04:01)

NNormal in Camí de Cavalls

This year, we will have had a very special runner in Camí de Cavalls, one of our ambassadors, Tòfol Castanyer. On May 21st, he competed in the 100k Camí de Cavalls, where he was the winner (9:06:46) leading from start to finish and had the opportunity to test the NNormal equipment. Last year, he won in the 85 km category (6h:54:22) and registered a new record in this distance.

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