Not bad numbers for a scientist. The man can ride and do sums!
Dr Jon Baker's Mallorca 312 Top Tips
Modest Jon
Jon is disarmingly modest for such a superstar in his field (training Tour de France riders). He is happy to cruise on the front of our Mallorca Training Camp bunch for hour after hour keeping tempo. Every now and then one of the group would pedal up next to him and start a conversation about, I don't know, bikes, diet or of course, their training. Half an hour later they would inevitably drift back sated with golden nuggets, backed up by recent data and his decade in academia. All delivered with humour, humility and an obvious love of quietly helping his fellow riders succeed at the goals they have set themselves. Jon is just a total legend.
What follows is are his simple tips to assess the goal of the Mallorca 312, if it is right for you and how you best execute a rational plan. we advise you to weigh every syllable with care.
The inevitable dawn start in Alcudia. The day awaits.
What Mallorca 312?
In the UK it’s still cold, wet and still wintery. Many people are still in what I call “hibernation mode” (scientific term)
Often, even athletes (professional and amateur) need a “line in the sand” to act – to start.
Make contact with their latent motivation, so to speak.
Distant Summers
Summer events feel so far away when we are stuck in deepest February. But be warned they’re not. They are in touching distance in sports physiology terms.
So what about the Mallorca 312? Could you? Should you?
312 is in April, and the weather in Mallorca is usually decent, and improving all the time. April is a deflection month in our experience with Mallorca - hence the timing of Cyclefit's Training Camp.
Riding Nivarna
312 takes place on the best, and most beautiful roads on The Green Island.
The best reasons to sign on are that the gradients are not that steep, and the road surfaces are all superb.
To recap - there’s a choice of three Mallorca 312 lengths:
- 312 – for a nutters ;-) - why would you unless your form is terrific or you have something to prove (to yourself)?
- 225 – challenging, for the committed (the time-cut isn’t so hard to achieve)
- 167 – a very pleasant day on the bike. My favourite.
Whichever one you pick it will be an excellent first event to target, to focus training on, and to kickstart 2025. My tip would be to go low this time of year. They are all big rides to be treated with respect.
Any of them will provide a springboard to bigger and harder events in the Summer. Which is just around the corner. I promise.
Gravel tyres? Really? How fast would he ridden on road tyres?
That was The What - Here is The How
What do you need to do?
167 – This does not have to be taken super seriously, but you do need a base level of fitness.
Riding 6-8 hours a week will get you round with a smile on your face.
One longer ride on the weekend, a focussed interval session midweek (we’d recommend 2-3x 10-mins) and whatever easy endurance time you can add is enough.
And without the worry of a time cut in the mountains, you can even stay on bed for a few more hours and start last (I did, and it was a revelation.
And there’s loads of space on the big roads to ride your own pace and move up).
225 – Here you’d simply add more hours, 10-15 a week works. Two longer rides, maybe an extra shorter interval session (3-5 mins) and you’ll be well on your way.
For this duration, fuelling matters! So train with plenty of carbohydrates to boost endurance and maintain power over time.
If you’ve done the work, the time-cut won’t be a problem (trust me) and you can enjoy the added mountain loop, and the joy of fast peloton riding all the way back home.
312 - If you are serious - 312 will require a much more personalised, considered approach and conversation.
Jon in guiding mode - walking towards camera
Jon (2nd from left) next to co-guide, Barna
And Finally From Jon - Here's Why You Should Join Us
- Mallorca 312, 15 years, 8000 participants… sells out in minutes. Easier to get a Glastonbury ticket.
- Cyclefit has a few spare places left
- 312 is a celebration of that’s good about cycling, for riders of all abilities – Alberto Contador at the front, and first timers encouraging each other throughout a long day in the saddle.
- Not everyone is racing. In fact, most are enjoying the challenge with a smile.
- We’ll provide a strategy for the event that’s specific to you, and your goals – pacing, nutrition etc etc.
Join us, and Jon, at the 2025 Mallorca 312
Jonathan Baker, Ph.D
Founder // PALMARES
