As we look out over the gentle curve of the Bay of Pollensa, the sea is flat, calm. There isn’t a whisper of wind. Our view is interrupted momentarily by the flash of spinning spokes as time-triallists wizz along the smooth tarmac, the gentle clacking from their aerobikes the only sound.
We are 2km away from the new home of an iconic time trial bike. Bradley Wiggins’ 2014 UCI World Cup Pinarello hangs alongside his Tour winning bike in a cherished restaurant in the Port. The time-triallists today ride the same section of road that many professional teams did a few weeks ago when they were out here for their early season training. What a great place to begin their cycling year.
My morning ride into the Tramuntanas is in the bag. The mountains still hold a particular place in my heart, which is why I head out into them so frequently. I had some good company on the way up, and then on the way into Pollensa ended up in one of those crazy impromptu races that spring up from nowhere for no particular reason other than they promise lots of fun. Together with 3 Londoners we chased down 4 great Spaniards, who in turn couldn’t possibly let ‘los estranieros’ get away with it. And so the passing and re-passing continued all the way along the valley into Pollensa then onto the Port. Cheery ‘Olas’ followed and we peeled off to our separate destinations.
Time for lunch has arrived.
We’re sat in Ca’n Cuarassa, away from the now quiet (but usually bustling) centres of Pollensa and Alcudia enjoying the view and the carefully cooked seasonal lunch. Chef Manuel Rey treated us to two delicious starters of Arrabiata and fresh mushroom ragu, mixed fish fillets, including the local salted cod (bacalo) and lovely seasonal vegetables. Presented beautifully, and eaten with relish! The desserts Tiramisu and semifreddo with fresh fruit are a great finale to a welcome lunch stop.
The only minor disappointment today was an indifferent white wine from the mainland; all the worse given that the Island now produces some of the best wines in Europe.
The recommendation for today’s lunch stop was that of a very discerning colleague Jim M. Thank you!
Can Cuarassa: http://www.cancuarassa.com/index.html
Cycling Weekly: http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest-news/bradley-wiggins-world-time-trial-champion-classic-wiggins-137597
