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February 1, 2025 28 mins
The fourth race in the Challenge Mallorca series was cancelled because of crashes on the opening circuit.

But that doesn't stop Lionel Birnie and Rob Hatch talking Balearics for twenty five minutes or so.

We discuss the safety issues and the impact of the cancellation on the race. Then we ask whether the Vuelta a España could return to the island of Mallorca for the first time since 1991*, and ponder whether innovative, alternative race formats might be the answer to the safety issues.

*Corrections Corner – the Vuelta also visited Mallorca in 1998 when Fabrizio Guidi won in Palma and Abraham Olano won a time trial in Alcúdia.

Sponsored by Sports Tours International
The Cycling Podcast is proudly sponsored by Sports Tours International. Whether you want to ride, or watch the best in the world in action, Sports Tours International can take you to the heart of some of the world’s biggest cycling events. Choose from a VIP experience at the Tour de France or one of the major classics, or riding events such as the Etape du Tour or Marmotte, you can travel in style with Sports Tours International.

One of the most prestigious sportive events in the world is the Mallorca 312 in late April. You can experience the beauty of the island on closed roads, tackling either the full 312km, or the short 225km or 167km events.

Let Sports Tours International take charge of all the planning and logistics so all you have to do is enjoy the ride.

Go to sportstoursinternational.co.uk for full details.

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The Cycling Podcast was founded in 2013 by Richard Moore, Daniel Friebe and Lionel Birnie.
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