Testimonials

Dear Flora, A very big thank you to you and Martin for a truly lovely holiday in Provence. We thoroughly enjoyed cycling the great routes in glorious weather and of course the challenge of Ventoux is an experience we will never forget! We were so lucky to have such a great group of people and had lots of laughs along the way. Hopefully see you soon.

Adele and Hugh MacIver - Scotland - UK 

Hi Flora & Martin, I hope you are well and much rested after the massive, fabulous, unbelieveable Geneva to Nice cycle event. You really made this cycle trip a wonderful memory forever for us.
Flora, you are one amazing lady! To do so much for everyone with such ease, your organisional skills are outstanding, to be able to achieve what you did and keep everyone happy is beyond all expectations. You truly are amazing and in the right profession.
Sportactive have really thought of everything and everyones needs to perfection. The cycle experience was spectacular. Cycling through the most wonderful scenery of the Alps was truly something special and of course sighting the beautiful Marmotte was fabulous.
Martin, with your amazing years of experience and skills in guiding such a big group gave me the courage I never thought I possessed in doing those downhills and challenging roads. Your "on the spot" care and management when the need arose was brilliant. Thank you Martin for such care and treating my wound after the fall (my knee has mended well with no issues). A huge thank you to Thierry and Patrice for all their wonderful patience, guidance and kindness, and alwaus such wonderful gentlemen, you made this experience absolutely wonderful. What a fabulous team to have riding through the Alps.
Flora, we truly had the most wonderful experience, which we will remember for life. It was a fantastic achievement for all (even me on my ebike). Im so happy and lucky to have had such an experience. Looking back on the photos and seeing that crazy weather and then looking at all those happy faces when at the top tells you, yes this is something really special and everyone is smiling.
We thank you Sportactive for giving us the most wonderful cycle experience. This is our third cycle trip with Sportactive and all of our trips have been fabulous. We will be back for more spectacular Sportactive cycle experiences. Thank you.

Maggie & Ken Trembearth - Mooroobool Australia

Hi Flora, Many thanks to you and Martin and all Sportactive team for fantastic tour this year. All our family is fascinated by Martin' video with Tony on Galibier climb: Rasa can not stop watching. She watched it may be 10 times by now:) Our phrase of the day is: what an iconic day! Could you put my name on 'Priority list' for Geneva-Nice 2020 edition please. With best wishes,

Dr. Audrius Simaitis - Cornwall, UK

Hi Flora, Just a brief message to tell you how much Ali and I thoroughly enjoyed the recent trip. You made the whole booking process very straightforward for us and dealt with our individual requirements seamlessly. The transfer arrangements and accommodation worked out perfectly.The hire bike was set up perfectly for me and it felt as if I was riding my own bike! Although, understandably, severely limited by the event organisers the support on the 312 was crucial and greatly appreciated. The group rides on the Sunday and Monday were brilliant. Not quite the recovery rides we had envisaged but great fun with great riding! Many, many thanks to you and Martin for a memorable trip. Kind regards. John

John Clapp - Gloucestershire, UK

Flora, I wanted to thank you and the rest of the SportActive team for a tremendous week cycling in Mallorca. The days are well organized, the guides extremely knowledgeable and the equipment and  accommodations are first rate. It makes for a very enjoyable experience. Dawna and I wanted to thank you personally for providing the complete experience by augmenting the cycling with technique ideas, yoga/stretching, nutritional and diet advice and your infectious positive attitude. It was a real pleasure to get to know you and I am hopeful we can return in 2020. Thanks again for a wonderful introduction to cycling and introducing us both to Mallorca and all it has to offer.

Allan and Dawna LaRiviere - Alberta, Canada

Many thanks for your patience, kindness and skill in teaching me last week. I was drawn by the description of just that from a previous customer and the whole week exceeded my expectations. Last Sunday I completed the Eden Classic Sportive on a very hilly course linking Cornish coastal villages. Whilst I only attempted the short ride of 36 miles I was surprised to finish 27 th out of the 300 or so riders on that course. My next challenge is to pop down to the bike shop and get some clip in pedals fitted. I cannot praise SportActive enough for a really well thought out experience.

Steve Baker - Cornwall, UK

Hi Flora, just a quick email to thank you and the team for a great week. I really enjoyed the experience and I learned a lot during the week. Keep me on your mailing list and I hope to make it back again.

Martin Prendiville - Ireland

Dear Flora and Martin, Just a quick note to thank you both and Derek for a memorable week with SportActive in Alcudia. I enjoyed every day and learned a lot about the basics and what is required to make progress. I stared cycling in October 2017 because old sports injuries prohibited me from participating in my preferred past time of golf and have found nothing but enjoyment, collegiality and enduring friendships in the cycling fraternity. The 'tough' week with SportActive confirmed this and I hope to continue making progress and be in better shape next year to last a few extra days with Martin! Thank you again.

Donal Bracken - Clontarf Cycling Club, Ireland

Rouler en compagnie de Sean Kelly reste pour moi une expérience inoubliable. Sa formidable gentillesse et ses conseils judicieux m'ont beaucoup aidé.

Pierre Delmelle - Brussel, Belgique

Just quick note to say what great time I had this year at the Sportactive training camp in Mallorca. Thanks to you, Martin and the team for making it a successful week for my training. Special thanks to William who was an exceptional guide, he made sure we had some great days on the bike and help encourage progression throughout the week. All the best for the rest of the season.

Mark Langabeer - Sheffield, UK

Semaine extraordinaire, sensation vélo formidable.

Pierre Delmelle - Brussel, Belgique

Dear Flora, A week after Mallorca, I'm still buzzing from the experience. Every time I ride my bike, I go back to Mallorca and riding with Martin. So.... I'd like to book for next year, also for the first week. I'm hoping some of the other riders from this trip will do so as well, and that I can get a couple of friends to come from New York. I can quite confidently say it's the best thing I've ever done for myself-and I want more of it! Please let me know the starting dates next year. I also want to be sure that I can ride with Martin again. I won't go the the Pyrenees this year, but if I can keep the training up and progress, it's a great goal for next year. Warm regards-

Tom Hennes - New York, United States.

Dear Flora and Martin, Thank you for another wonderful week of cycling in Mallorca, my second Sportactive holiday . I decided to return as I enjoyed my October week so much in 2017, and 2018 lived up to and surpassed all my expectations. We were blessed with brilliant weather all week, and Alfonso picked some stunning routes, including the Sa Colobra which was a real treat and a day I will never forget. The organisation, hotel and bikes were all excellent, as was all the helpful advice and the warm down stretching exercises. I feel I learned a lot and my cycling and fitness has moved up a level. Looking forward to joining you again !

John Smart - Inverness, Scotland

Hi Flora, Just a short note to say how much I enjoyed last week's cycling holiday.
The organisation throughout was exceptional including the transfers, accommodation, reception, bike hire and support and the daily rides.
Steve in the workshop was extremely helpful, efficient and professional.
Derek made riding in his group sociable, hugely enjoyable and yet still testing and rewarding.
The day cycling with Martin included the spectacular Sa Colobra climb followed by the ride back when he gauged our absolute limit perfectly and managed to keep us there to the finish at the hotel. A brilliant day!
Many thanks to you and the whole SportActive team for a memorable trip.
Kind regards. John Clapp

John Clapp - Gloucestershire, UK

Just back from our first organised cycling holiday and what a great experience! From the moment we arrived everything ran smoothly and everyone in the SportActive team was welcoming and helpful. Our rented bikes were quickly prepared, with our own pedals and saddles being fitted, which we would recommend. The group was divided by ability which ensured we could ride at a level that suited us. Our group was led by Alfonso, who managed to find some wonderful routes to the coffee and lunch stops every day. All the stops were well planned and the coffee and food was excellent every day - and very reasonably priced. Martin, Flora and the team dealt with the exceptional weather conditions early in the week, ensuring that we still got our full schedule of rides despite heavy rain preventing riding on the Monday. The hotel was very good, with comfortable rooms and a good choice of high quality food at all the meals. Flora organised transfers to and from the airport which worked very efficiently and also provided after-cycling stretching sessions to ensure we were fit for the following day. If this wasn't enough, we also got to ride with Sean Kelly on numerous occasions. Overall an excellent week which more than met our expectations. See you next year.

Jane and Guy Rae - Hampshire, England

Dear Flora, Thank you so much for organising another fantastic holiday with SportActive and for looking after Hugh and I so well. Also a big thank you to Martin for his excellent routes and advice. What a thrill it was for us to cycle the Sa Calobra! Finally, what lovely company and fun we had with our fellow cycling guests. You are always guaranteed to come home from a week with SportActive with some new friends! Until the next time....Kind regards

Adele & Hugh MacIver - UK- Scotland

Just a little note to say a big thank you again for another great holiday with SportAtive. It was lovely catching up with you and the rest of the team and it was great seeing so many familiar faces. As you probably noticed we had lots of laughs! I hope you have a lovely summer in France and look forward to seeing you soon.

Adele and Hugh MacIver -  UK Scotland

Never too late......Thanks so much.This was my first cycling holiday and what a revelation. My cycling buddy had been with sportactive on two previous occasions and during the penance of last winters training his meanderings about riding billard table smooth roads in the warmth seemed a little far fetched. In fact he was underselling it . The whole set up was top class. The bikes, hotel, food and an inspirational group of people of all ages and abilities. There were five different groups graded according to ability and i was in group three. This allowed me to cycle within myself and still be able to savour this absolutely stunning island. Alfonso Garcia was our guide for the week and he could not have been better. Many in our group had been sportactive before so that speaks for itself . Iv'e never made a decent cup of coffee in my life !! Sitting out in a warm and sunny village square eating a slice of superior almond cake without guilt and drinking the finest cup of coffee id ever had i realised that i wasn't civilised at all . The coffee and lunch stops were picture perfect village squares, never the same one twice. I originally conceived the holiday as a reward for the winter of our discontent but it has proved to be the platform on which my new found athletics career will be built. I learned so much. I cant wait to go back and neither can my cycling buddy and next time will be his fourth. Flora, Stephen, Martin,and especially Alfonso thank you so much for a most memorable holiday. At 55 its not too late to teach an old dog new tricks !!! Oh by the way, my nemesis on the climbs was an athllete and Gentleman of some 20 years my senior. Another group one (elite) man told me his dad had raced into his eighties and leisure cycled into his nineties and lived to over a hundred. Its never too late, so as the Dubliners would say "on yer bike". Thanks folks.

Eamon Coady - Ireland - Waterford

Dear Flora, I wanted to thank you and the team for a wonderful week last week, we really enjoyed it and it gave me new enthusiasm for the "training" kind of cycling again (despite what i was saying about keeping the head down instead of looking at the scenery!!) and filled Miriam with enthusiasm for the whole cycling lark, for which she has definitely caught the bug. Please also pass on my thanks to Derek, i didn't get a chance to thank him personally in the morning as ye all headed off

Colm Ward - Ireland

I want to say how much I enjoyed the week at SportsActive Mallorca. I am a beginner cyclist and I learnt a multitude of cycling essentials over the week. It was a challenging and wonderful experience. I got to see much of the beautiful North Ouest of Mallorca during the week and the hotel and food were superb. Mallorca is ideal for cycling with its weather, good roads and safe country lanes but it was made so much better by being part of a group cycling experience with SportActive. The week is very sociable as one meets cyclists from all over the world.

Miriam McGillycuddy - Ireland

Thanks so much for the awesome week in Mallorca! Great cycling with really great people!

Laurence Slavin - Canada

Last year I tackled the Mont Ventoux Challenge with SportActive. A challenge it certainly was - 6 days riding totalling 450km with over 8,000m climbed.  I will never forget the sight of Mont Ventoux towering above us and the joy and sense of achievement at reaching the summit not once but twice, from different directions.With Martin on the road for coaching and encouragement and Flora in the van for support I never doubted that I would make it. A holiday it also was - with rides through the sun drenched vineyards and breathtaking gorges, stopping at hilltop villages for lunch, then returning to a friendly welcome at the hotel and a dip in the pool followed by good food and company at local restaurants.

Alexandra Taylor - Uk Shropshire

Hi Martin and Flora - just a thank you from myself and Jeanette for a fantastic week of cycling. The routes were challenging and perfect for us - the cafe stops even more so. You both obviously put a lot of effort and planning into those days out on the bike and we know that a lot of work goes on in the background to ensure everything runs as smoothly as it does. Group riding will never be the same again after Martin`s coaching, tips and guidance. Hoping to see you both in October!

Less Currie - UK

Just a quick message...thank you so very much to Derek..
on I think was my best holiday ever to date...great fun apart from that horrid mountain.. definitely will be back again very soon..thanks millon...loved every second of it.. Regards Angela

Angela Brady - Ireland

Can't say enough about what a terrific experience this was. Well organized with friendly and informative guides who clearly know the roads like the back of their hands and were able to provide us with interesting and challenging routes each day. The rental bikes were in great shape and there was great technical support when needed. Am certainly thinking this is worthy of a repeat visit down the road. 

Henry & Terry Stevens - Calgary, Canada

Hi Flora, Mike & I were just poring over this message and the photos in your website gallery of our trip in September. We had the best time improving our cycling, enjoying the gorgeous Mallorcan countryside and making new friends. Your organization and support were phenomenal, and Mike loved grinding  up the climbs every day with Martin. Thank you for making it all so enjoyable - we know it takes a lot of work on your part!

Barbara & Mike Krahn - Alberta, Canada

Wow what an experience first time with sportactive and enjoyed every minute from the friendly greeting from Flora to the ride outs with Martin, Alfonso and Derek. Everything is well organised every day loved stopping in the little villages for coffee and lunch. It was also great cycling with the legend Sean Kelly.  

Laurence Armour - N.Ireland

My wife and I decided to do the Sportactive camp in October after some friends recommended it. I was a bit apprehensive about how well I might cope but my fears were unfounded. I found myself in just the right group that really challenged me without being so tough that it was offputting. I also learned some things about group riding technique and etiquette that had passed me by. I've come back a better and more confident rider and so has my wife. many thanks to Martin & Flora, and especially Alfonso and Derek who were the guides for myself and my wife respectively. And last but not least. Thanks to the SportActive mechanic Stephen who kept us all on the road with quiet efficiency.

David Padfield - Buckinghamshire, UK

Superb cycling holiday with SportActive. Just back from a wonderful holiday cycling with SportActive in Mallorca. Lovely setting in Alcudia, quiet seaside town in the picturesque north of the island. Superb hotel facilities and excellent food in Viva Tropica where all of the cyclists with SportActive stayed, ate and socialised. But what impressed me most was the absolute attention to detail of all of the SportActive staff. Nothing is left to chance here. The bikes are first class and perfectly maintained. The cycle routes are tailored to the ability of the members of each group. The guide to group ratio is amazing. I didn't see any group larger than seven and often there was one guide to groups of two or three cyclists. The rides were meticulously planned to be challenging and interesting and most of the time the separate groups met up for coffee at 11 and lunch at 1.00 each day in great little local cafes and restaurants in quiet villages. The guides focus on safety, enjoyment and encouraging each rider to develop his/her skill and fitness levels. This was my first organised cycling holiday and I am hooked. I will definitely be back next year. A sincere thank you to Martin, Flora, Alfonso and Derek.

Jim O'Leary - Cork, Ireland

This was my first cycle holiday with SportActive and it exceeded all expectations. If there is such a place as "Cycle Heaven" then I think I just experienced it. Sportactive's organisation and customer care is second to none and I was so well looked after, from the moment I arrived to the moment I left. The equipment was first class, and Martin's careful bike fit and Steve's maintenance during the week made for a comfy ride. I learned a lot from Derek and Alfonso and my technique has greatly improved. The routes were stunning and achieved a perfect balance of enjoyment and challenge. Flora was always on hand to deal with any questions and her warm-down exercise sessions were very helpful. It was a real treat to meet Sean Kelly and cycle with him on the last couple of days. If you are looking for a high quality cycle experience then I would highly recommend a week with Sportactive.

John Smart - Inverness, Scotland

Wow - what an experience! I have to admit to being slightly nervous before my arrival. Was I going to arrive to find a group indie hard, ninja cyclists, that would leave me for dust every day? In fact Martin, Derek and Alfonso split the groups perfectly - enough of a challenge, but still fun.The routes were brilliant, the guides' knowledge excellent. The bikes for hire were great and looked after perfectly by Stephen the Sport Active mechanic. Behind the scenes (and on as many rides as the emails would allow), Flora provided all the information needed, steering us to the locations needed, providing post-ride stretching (a must to prevent seizing up) and effectively hostess for the week. All in all, I have come away wanting another week soon. Oh and did I mention cycling with the legend that is Sean Kelly? I cannot recommend Sport Active and a Mallorca cycling week enough.

Marc Stickley - UK

Thanks to all the staff at Sportactive for a fantastic week. I wasn't too sure what to expect, being my first cycling holiday, but I was not disappointed. From the moment I arrived at the hotel, to the moment I left, I enjoyed every minute.Efficient administration, friendly service, great guides, and progressive rides in both effort and beautiful scenery. Was a pleasure to ride with like minded riders, the icing on top was to have the privilege of riding with Sean Kelly. Thanks again for a great experience.

Pete Bodily - Suffolk, UK

I just completed 10 days cycling with SportActive in Alcudia that exceeded all expectations. The equipment supplied was first class, the routes chosen offered a superb balance between enjoyment and challenge, and invariably took us through beautiful Mallorcan countryside, interspersed with well-chosen coffee and lunch stops. Most of all, our guides Alfonso, Derek and Martin offered top class leadership and information, safety first being their priority, and with excellent organisation from the unfailingly courteous Flora. The icing on the cake was riding out with the great Sean Kelly on my final cycle. I intend to be back next year, when I hope to renew acquaintance not only with the cycling, but also with our fine accommodation at the Zafiro Tropic hotel. Many thanks.

Eamonn Cashell - Ireland

Thanks for an unbelievable experience in the French alps. I had the time of my life. Please send on my best wishes and thanks to Martin and Stephen. Please send me details of up and coming camps and trips as I would definitely like to go again.

Brian Kelly - Ireland

Fabulous Tour, immaculate organisation, attention to every detail, tailored professional advice during the rides and real camerado atmosphere. Highly recommended!

Audrius Simaitis - Cornwall - UK

I was looking for a booster to start my cycling training and get some confidence to climb. This was my first cycling trip and choosing Sportactive was the best thing I did ! I went by myself, without my bike and not much experience. Everything was organized smoothly as promised and Martin managed to fit the bike perfectly for me for the next 500 km. He is a fantastic professional, he knows every bit of Mallorca and everything about cycling; and lead each one of us to our best. I learned a lot every day and achieved much more than expected. I am already looking forward to my next challenge with them and totally recommend it.

Telma Kremer - Amstelveen - The Netherlands

Thanks for the great organisation. Had a great week with Martin and turned out to be lots of lovely ladies out as well, so was very happy with that. Weather was kind to us and some great training rides. I conquered Sa Calobra - not sure enjoy springs to mind but I did it, so I have that one ticked off! See you in April, best wishes Paula.

Paula Blackburn - Staffordshire - UK

I meant to email you a while back to thank Flora and Martin for looking after our small group for the Cinglés challenge back in September.

I would describe the service SportActive offers both at your Mallorca training camp and on private trips as 6 star. What a luxury it was having you both looking after us. I suppose it hit me when I got back home, the effort you both put into supporting us on our recent trip September last, the food on the Cinglés day, the logistics and Martin actually completing all three climbs with Terry and myself to make sure we got up and down safely.
It was amazing to see you at the top and have the refuge of the van, out of the high wind and allowed us to change into dry and warm clothes.

Darragh Hammond - Dublin - Ireland

Hope you are well and have recovered from the weekend. I just wanted to say a huge thank you for a fantastic weekend and all the support. You were so kind and looked after me so well. I thoroughly appreciated it. Without the support of Sport Active I could not have done this event. I will be highly recommending SportActive to all the cyclists I know. Once again a million thanks and look forward to seeing you again soon.

Orla Callender - Dublin - Ireland

This was my first ever trip abroad on a bike and I can honestly say that I hope to do many more. I had some concerns before coming but these were allayed by Flora and Martin's superb organisation. The rides were spectacular; words cannot do them justice. We had a great bunch of people taking part and I'll definitely be back! Thanks again to Flora, Martin, Thierry and Patrice.

Jason McGoey - Dublin - Ireland

This was my sixth trip with Sportactive, the support they give is, as always, superb. Advice, technical assistance, pacing (very important on long climbs), food, hotels are provided in a personalised and thoughtful, ’sympa' way. Everyone gets to ride at their best and at the pace they prefer. I was very lucky again this year to be in the presence of other experienced, well-prepared cyclists. We had fun on the road and over the nourishing French cuisine in the evenings.”

Seamus Shortall - Dublin - Ireland

Bonjour Flora,
Sommes de retour à Québec, routine revenue tranquillement. Nous tenons à te remercier de l’extraordinaire semaine que nous avons passée à Majorque et de l’expérience inoubliable du 30 avril. Malgré une météo pour le moins rigoureuse et intransigeante, nous avons tenu le coup et franchi la ligne d’arrivée avec beaucoup de fierté. Nous planons encore. Et cette réussite n’aurait pu être possible sans la préparation, l’accompagnement et le soutien de votre équipe. Nous avons rencontré des personnes formidables ! (Nous pensons souvent à Thierry et Patrice, ainsi qu’à Alphonso notamment.) Et côtoyé des gens venus de partout. Merci à Guylaine et Robert. Ce sont eux qui nous ont initiés à ce type de vacances. Nous avons la piqûre ! On se dit à l’an prochain ?

Dominique et Normand  - Quebec - Canada

This was a very enjoyable trip; during my time there Flora, Martin and Stephen and all the team were very kind, helpful and organised; they resolved a problem i had for a long time and also when i returned to Ireland Martin send me the adaptors he had made for my pedals. I am very grateful for all this and i plan to return again in the new year to SportActive. I would suggest that anybody that's starting or even experienced should go to this camp ; the weather is great and the scenary and lifestyle is brillant.Thanks again to all the SprtActive team.

Liam Egan - Ireland

Dear Sportactive team,
Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I could take up such a challenge that is Geneva Nice. I would like thank you all, Flora, Martin and Thierry for your incredible support and professionalism. I doubted myself as to whether or not I had the legs for this. I figured that if you had faith in me I should also. Thank you for a wonderful week that I will never forget.

Guylaine Letendre - Quebec - Canada

Went in October with three members of our cycling club , Hertfordshire Wheelers who had been before. Being my first time I was really pleased that the atmosphere within the group I rode with ( first group) was fantastic. The speed was pacy but working within the peloton it was brilliantly controlled by Martin and learnt a lot that will without doubt improve me tremendously. There was four different standard groups, so there was something for everyone. The hotel Viva Tropic was first class and the backup from Steve in the workshop was very good and if you hired a bike they are really well maintained. Have no hesitation in recommending it as a well organised experience.

Alan Clark  UK

Thank you so much for the amazing experience. We will never forget the week we spent with you this year for a number of reasons and we’re already looking forward to next year’s visit (though with a sense of trepidation this time).
There are so many things about the trip that were amazing and we’d both happily help to spread the word about Sport Active or support in any way that you may feel would help, we will both start using social media to talk about our experience. Please pass on our thanks to Steven and Sean and the rest of the team.

Tracey & Andrew  Ireland

Thank you Flora, Martin, Derek, Thierry and Alfonso for another fabulous October holiday in Mallorca (my second in 7 months!).
I really enjoyed cycling with you all for the week and look forward to seeing you again for the Mallorca167 in April 2016.
As usual everything was perfectly organised and I loved the bicycle I was given which fitted me very well.

 Hilary - Ireland

I signed up for the beginners week in Mallorca as it was my first time to use a road bike. Flora is an excellent instructor and immediately put me at ease which led to a very enjoyable week. With Flora's coaching I was soon climbing and descending hills with confidence. I would also like to thank Stephen and Martin for providing a bike that suited me so well. I well definitely return to Sportactive Mallorca again and will be recommending to a lot of friends.

Well organised, coordinated and led. Once I found my rythym, I felt I was floating through wonderlands of Alpine flowers and white-green rivers running down from the glaciers.

Seamus - Dublin

Really enjoyed the tour, had a great craic with the bunch and looking forward to the next trip. Very organised and everything was very enjoyable. 

From Wally in Australia

Hi Flora
Greetings from blustery, Ireland - but heh we are used to that now n'est-ce pas and Martin would just say it was good training.
Just wanted to drop you a note to say how much we enjoyed our holiday with Sport Active and a particular thanks to you, for all your hard work and determination in ensuring the holiday more than met our hopes and needs and we especially enjoyed our 2 days cycling with you.
Many thanks to Martin too and to his team, we really felt we learnt a huge amount on the trip. It turns out, to paraphrase Donald Rumsfeld, that there are known unknowns and unknown unknowns in cycling. That is to say, there were lots of things we knew we wanted to learn before we went on the holiday.......but it was only when there we realised the depth of our ignorance! Still it can only mean we have to return again with Sport Active to continue our education.
In the meantime I have done exactly as instructed by Martin and am now happily, very happily in fact, using cleats. Way to go! So far I haven't fallen off - but hoping not to get to blasé about this as I'm sure its because I'm concentrating hard on this one aspect.
Anyway fitness levels, skills and motivation all had a huge boost from our week with you all at SportActive. All that and so enjoyable too. Even the memories of the pain have eased, and accordingly we hope to return later this year but will be in touch with you again about that.
Best Regards,
Julia (and Barbara)

Hi Flora & Martin, Just a quick email to say thanks for looking after us so well in Majorca , my first time on the island and I will be back. Mary and myself enjoyed it immensely. Below is a cycle I did on my own this morning the training Martin did with us has helped my fitness and speed enormously. I will be spreading the word to friends to get themselves out to you !
Hope fully see you both soon

Robin Boyd

Hi Flora, this a belated BIG thank you to everyone at SportActive for the most fabulous and enjoyable week of cycling in Majorca. Everything was perfect - the weather, the hotel, fellow cyclists, the island the rides and most importantly the whole SportActive team. Please pass my thank you to all the team and tel Martin and Steve that my bike had never run quieter. I hope to see you all again soon. Kind regards.

Neil Morgan

Thank you to all at SportActive for such a great cycle experience. Everyone was very impressed by tge bikes! Hotel, hospitality, food amazing! Well done to you all and a big thank you.

Hetty Walsh - May 2015

Hi Flora, Thanks so much to you and Martin for great organization and support in the Mallorca 312. I was really impressed with your set up and will be recommending it. Is there a link to photos of the event? Seems cold and grey here in Ireland since I got back. But thats a reason for happy memories. Particularly of the finish line . All the best to ye

Pat

I joined the ladies only cycling week with a huge open mind .....
It was the most amazing mind thoughtful cycling week I could have experience ...
Martin and Flora with their team left nothing uncovered and gave all their individual professional attributes to each and everyone of us ladies...
I came home knowing I could challenge from changing a puncher on the side of the Tarmac to cycling 90K on the Tarmac with a challenging 8K climb with gradient of 6/10% ....
Anyone thinking of going I was just an average cyclist and came back home with a mind like a pro !
Don't miss out ... I loved it ...
So can you ....

What a fantastic few days cycling. Everything about SportActive was just great, most of all the people. A big thank you to Martin for looking after me and making sure I was never left behind, for getting me up the hill and for "never cutting the rope". I will definitely be back next year and highly recommend it to anyone thinking of a cycling holiday.

Hey Flora,
Once again, another fantastic holiday :) with SportActive. Thanks so much Flora for all your arrangements as ever, everything was perfect. Hope to be back next year for Easter again - although Easter is even earlier next year (March 27th),
Cheers Flora,
Frances

Hi flora, wow what a week ! I thought I could ride but I have to say Martin has changed my riding in so many ways . The Profesionalism yet fun was more than I expected and the people on the trip were of same opinion. So thanks to you and your Team for a great week. MARTIN IS MY NEW HERO HAHAHA

A fantastic holiday - spectacular scenery makes the challenging climbs enjoyable! Extremely well organised - nothing is left to chance, the sportactive team provide great support and all levels are catered for. It's a once in a lifetime trip but I would consider doing it again!

Geneva/Nice is a cycle like no other..it incorporates iconic climbs daily which are steeped in tour de france history ie col de telegraph/alpe d'huez/col de galibier/col d'izoard/col de la bonette etc. Every day brings something new ..from lake annency down to menton. For anyone who does sportives..whether you have done the ventoux or marmotte.. this is the ultimate..one for the bucket list. As always martin and flora look after everything ..all you have to do is turn up and pedal!!

The whole week was a brilliant experience with some great people from start to finish. Loved the idea of moving from place to place each day and having everything arranged for you so that you could focus on the cycling (the closest I will ever get to being on a tour). As always the pacing was great and having achieved ones goals is always good. Could not fault a single thing from arrival in Geneva to departure in Nice. The only problem was arriving in Menton to the traffic having left behind the alps and some of the most amazing places I have cycled.  Hopefully can fit it into my schedule for next year and do it all again.

This was the most ambitious ride I have attempted and I was quite apprehensive. But having done training in Mallorca and the Alps, as well as the Marmotte sportive, with SportActive in previous years I knew that everything would be done to ensure I had an enjoyable and  successful  ride, despite my 63 years. And so it was!  What an incredible and exciting week. The route took in so many legendary climbs and exhilarating long descents. Overall the accommodation and food was good, with some memorable meals and overnight stays. The company on and off the bike was great with some good craic with the Irish. The organisation and rider support for this demanding event was outstanding. Flora and Martin from SportActive are legends of the cycle training and event scene: nothing was too much trouble. We could not have been in better hands. Thierry  was also great in staying with me when I fell behind the youngsters on the big climbs. Enjoyable, exhilarating, and great memories.

Thanks for a very memorable holiday: the accommodation, location, wonderful food, companionship of the other guests and your coaching combined to ease the difficult efforts on the mountain. Thanks to your advice and encouragement, I've made a breakthrough in how I ride my bike and, more importantly my enjoyment of our sport. Keep me posted about July 2015's trip, I'd like to tackle some other mountains, although I'm not finished with Ventoux yet....

Once again thanks for a fantastic week in Provence it was beautiful. Just looked at the photo's from the cycling on your homepage and they are excellent...well done.
Finally keep me updated on the developments with the possible trip to the States, and I am definitely interested in the Alp d'Huez trip July 11 - 18, 2015.
Stay Safe

When  I came to the women's week in March I said my goal was to climb a Cat 1 Alpine Col next year. Derek said I could do it this year. So I did (albeit Pyrenean - the Col du Portillon to watch the Tour de France go over).
I have also just completed my first Sportive (95km with 1000m ascent).
So thanks to you all! See you next year.
Best wishes

I just wanted to send this quick mail to thank you Martin, Stephen and all your team for a great Marmotte experience last Saturday. From start to finish your support during the event was first class. Again thanks and I look forward to see you all again in the future

Thanks to Flora & Martin and all the crew for a very professional service you provided to us on our recent Marmotte experience. From start to finish I couldn't really fault you and found the support on the day was second to none. I would have no hesitation recommending you guys to any potential Marmotte participant and I will be back again!! Colm Egan (Orwell wheelers)

Hi Flora & Martin
Thank you very much for all your help and support during Marmotte 2014. It was a great experience and has only increased our love of cycling. Your assistance and encouragement on the road was invaluable.
Hope to see you soon.

Had a fantastic holiday in March in Mallorca. Great tips from Derek supporting me to achieve my cycling goals - have now completed 2 100 rides and thoroughly enjoyed them.
Thanks again

Thank you for the wonderful trip over Easter in Alcudia, I really enjoyed the training week and instruction. You and Martin run such a professional operation and look after all your guests so well.

Flora, thanks so much for organising a really terrific week of holiday for me. I had a great time, and great training. I don't think I'll be able to do any further cycling holidays this year, regretfully, but I do hope to get out to you again over Easter (which is early again I think 5th of April 2015) for a good week of solid cycling as this really sets me up for the triathlon season.
I received in the post yesterday the handbook on cycling, thanks for this too, and have been perusing it for tips! Thanks again Flora, and a "Hallo" to Martin too. All the very best.
Frances

We just wanted to say how much we enjoyed our week with Sportactive again, and I certainly feel I made progress on the bike. We went out in the cold this morning and cycled into a real headwind, but I managed what count for hills here much better than I have in the past. I also came down faster and managed my left-handers! So thank you again - to you, to Derek, and to Sportactive in general.
We've been pretty busy since getting home at 2.30am yesterday, as we have a fairly rapid turn-around. Belfast on Thursday ! Thanks again, and have a good summer. Best wishes
Helen and Lance

Thanks again for another wonderful week of cycling in Majorca (April 11-18th).  I really enjoyed it as did all our group.  Please pass on my thanks to the super guides Rafael + Derek (1 day) and Sean.   Hope to see you soon on another cycling trip or in Ireland over the summer.

Just a quick note to say thank you so much for a wonderful week. I so enjoyed it. The guides were super (Rafael, Derek (1 day) and of course Sean Kelly).
I am telling everyone how great it was. Hope to see you soon on another cycling trip.

I have been going down to Sportactive for about five years, sometimes my husband and I go to Mallorca twice  each  year to train with Martin, Flora and their team. We just enjoy it so much even when Martin is pushing us to our limits!!  We have biked in many countries with Sportactive and have done many Sportives with Martin. Thank you both for many fun days on the bike and all the encouragement when hurting most!!!  What is our motto Martin?? ' I am fantastic'.. See you both next for another week of work and fun.

Had a fantastic week cycling in Malloca with SportActive. Loved seeing the beautiful countryside. Thanks to Derek for pacing me, challenging me and building up my cycling confidence. Thanks for advice from Derek and Martin on how to achieve my cycling goals.  Am looking forward to the Cambridge 100 at the end of April and Norwich 100 in June. Wanting to seek out hills never thought I'd be saying this!!
Thanks again

Thank you sportactive for another wonderful holiday. A big thank you to Martin, Derek and Rafael for looking after us so well. Looking forward to coming back again in September/October and seeing you all again. Have a great summer.

Just to say thanks for a fantastic cycling holiday and one of the best holidays we have ever had! This was our first cycling holiday experience  and we enjoyed every minute of it! (even the hills!!) We met some lovely people when we were there and we hope to meet them again at another Sportactive Cycling Holiday. I want to 'thank you' personally Martin for all your patience, advice and encouragement. You helped me with so much from learning how to ride in a group, using cleats, gear changing and getting up the hills! I wish we were back there.... it hasn't stopped raining since we got back home to NI).

The week was fantastic and the Mt Ventoux a special mountain to cycle on, I loved it, thanks.
I'll defiantly be returning so you'll be seeing me again at some point on another one of your adventures.
The photo's are excellent and to be honest I cannot fault one aspect of the week in Provence.
Stay Safe

I had a fantastic trip with you two and the rest of the gang! It was so enjoyable I am afraid to admit it out loud!  … as before heading out to Marseille I refer to the trip as the ‘boot camp’ cycling holiday’ and I was making fun of it… but having been there and done it, I do understand why the guys are hooked on it!
The beauty and charm of Provence in itself with the highlight of the astonishing Mount Ventoux, mixed with the wonderful sense of freedom and achievement while riding my bike definitely deserves a special mentioned on my diary.
I thank you for providing the frame for this to take place, I loved the fact that though it was an ‘organized’ trip I did not feel encrusted on a set timetable. I had fun, I was challenged, I learnt, I met new people, I saw new places… I was in pain, in shock, in love…
Anyway, I think you get the idea. I LOVE my sportactive experience!

Since being with SportActive, last April 2013, my cycling has transformed. I am cycling 5 years and competing 3 years and I have to say I have learnt more in my one week's cycling with Sport Active than I have since starting cycling. Everything about the cycling week was amazing from the weather, good roads, hospitality, Flora's organisation of the week, the mechanical back up to Martins great attention to detail. I had the privilege of being coached by Martin and I really believe it is his sound advice discipline and coaching skills that has helped me improve from being dropped at races to winning my first A4 race and being placed twice this year. Another unbelieveable achievement was being second in my category in the Leinster Hill Climbing Championship in August where I think the practice we got in the mountains and hills in Majorca really helped me.
I just want to say a big thank you to SportActive for a wonderful year of cycling.
Paul English, Navan, Co Meath, Ireland

Many thanks to both Martin & Flora for organising such a wonderfully professional trip. This is my second SportActive cycle holiday and I can honestly say you guys offer so much more than your competitors. I would wholeheartedly recommend a SportActive holiday to anyone who has an interest in cycling. See you on my next trip guys. Cheers, Darragh 

Robert and I would like to Thank you and your team for a wonderful week of cycling. For me, I have enjoyed the challenge of group riding and riding downhill. But beyond the cycling there was the camaraderie that we felt among the participants. Robert and I have traveled alot but never have we been so totally happy with a vacation. We will repeat the experience next april. I want to thank Sean Kelly and William for their incredible support. And most of all Thank you Flora for your kindness and your dedication. See you next year ! Guylaine Letendre and Robert Tetrault from Québec

Monday, 29 April 2013

Saturday, 28 April 2013

Saturday, 27 April 2013

Tuesday, 23 April 2013

Tuesday, 23 April 2013

Thursday, 17 April 2013