Sir Bradley Wiggins Promotes Balearic Islands as Sports Destination
The Balearic Islands celebrated as sports destination at World Travel Market first
Yesterday, Tuesday 3rd November 2015, the Balearic Islands presented its unique sports offering together with key figures from the sporting world; three time Olympic gold medallist Sir Bradley Marc Wiggins CBE, Irish cycling legend Sean Kelly, Mallorcan cyclist and seven times winner of the World Track Championships, Joan Llaneras, and Scottish professional ultra-runner Casey Morgan.
Joining representatives from the tourism authorities in Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera, the one off presentation showcased the unique sports proposition of the Balearic Islands amongst travel media and travel industry professionals.
The president of the Balearic Islands, Mrs Francina Armengol opened the ceremony in the company of vice president and secretary for innovation, research and tourism, Mr Biel Barceló.
As well as stunning scenery, the favourable climate and unique topography of the Balearic Islands make it a prime sports destination for amateur and elite sportsmen and women. Over the last few years, the Balearic Islands have been catapulted into the spotlight as a sports destination, thanks to a number of high profile sporting challenges including cycling events Mallorca 312 and Challenge Ciclista Mallorca; the latter being one of the longest running professional events held on the island.
Together with Sir Bradley Wiggins, the director of Challenge Ciclista Mallorca Mr Manuel Hernández acknowledged the impact of Challenge Ciclista Mallorca since its creation:
“When the Challenge first started back in 1991, the Balearic Islands were not known as a sports destination. During the years however, this has changed, partly thank to events such as Challenge Ciclista Mallorca which have welcomed the best cyclists in the international peloton, as well as international broadcasters and media.”
Mallorca’s neighbour Menorca also hosts a range of high profile sporting events such as the Compressport Trail Menorca Cami de Cavalls, an ultra-trail event which spans over 185km. The Trail Menorca Costa Nord, which Casey Morgan championed in 2015, takes place in parallel to the Trail Menorca Cami de Cavalls and is one of Spain’s most challenging ultra-running events covering 100km of diverse terrain.
One of the UK’s most popular hot spots, Ibiza, is also making its mark for its sports offering. Like its neighbours, Ibiza’s dry and sunny climate, matched with its cycling and hiking trails has made it a premium outdoor sports destination.
Ibiza also hosts a number of running challenges such as the Ibiza half Marathon, a beautifully scenic run that takes in some of the islands best landscapes, and swimming events such as the Ibiza Human Heritage Crossing Swim that departs from Talamanca beach on the east coast of the island.
Ibiza’s neighbour, the beautiful island of Formentera offers crystal clear waters, unique sea beds and a diverse geological coastline. In recent years, active tourism has increased on Formentera with many professionals using the island as a base for their training. Sailing competitions have placed Formentera on the map as a famous sailing destination such as the Peñón de Ifach Trophy; a yearly sailing race that takes boats around the island attracting competitors and spectators from around the globe.
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