Why Girona

One of the first known cyclists to settle here was Lance Armstrong, who had lived in Girona since 2001. Then others began to come, such as Daniel Martin or David Millar. Many of them stay here even after the end of their professional careers and start various companies here, from country sports villas, bicycle shops, provide guidance and coaching services, or open cafes and restaurants in the city. This is also the case with Christian Meier, who runs the famous café La Fabrica or Rory Sutherland, who opened the Federal Café. Well-known triathletes include Jan Frodeno and Ewa Komander.

Why did these athletes start coming to Girona? Firstly, because of the climate, which allows you to train all year round, good roads with little traffic and drivers who are very considerate of cyclists, the anonymity it provides to famous cyclists, quality of life, Mediterranean gastronomy, diverse terrain that allows cycling on long straights as well as in steep climbs in the hills, in the beautiful scenery along the Costa Brava or in the nearby Pyrenees.

In addition, Girona enjoys the growing popularity of trail running, the nature between the coast and the mountains is perfect for that.

And of course, there is the sea. As it is a calm, warm Mediterranean sea, athletes use it both for swimming and for kayaking, which is very popular here. Kayak rentals are in several towns on the coast.