RJ Cycling Camps is run by Rachel Paling and James Williamson. We have been directly involved in the sport of cycling at the highest possible level in the UK and internationally.
It is our intention to create an environment where you get the most out of your time spent cycling with us. We believe this is only achievable by running cycling holidays and camps specifically for small groups.
Keeping the groups small means everyone stays together on the road and can take a regular turn on the front, which is difficult to do in large composite groups. Whilst in our company you also get the opportunity to pick our brains for advice and tips on the many aspects of cycling; for example training, bike set up, equipment, nutrition, bike handling, mechanics and race tactics etc. to help make your stay productive and beneficial, even when you return home!
James accompanies every ride to guide and ensure each day runs according to plan. Rachel accompanies every ride in the support vehicle, which is stocked just like a team car, so you have nothing to worry about.
1) Pick one of our specific training camps; The Climbing Camp or Time Trial Camp which gives you the opportunity to work at the specific discipline at your own pace.
2) A bespoke camp for you or your group (1-12 people). We will design the rides specifically to your ability, so the pace, duration and terrain of each ride are tailored to you or your group.
In 2016, we planned and led professional UCI Team Raleigh-GAC's training camp here in the Marina Alta, which prepared them for the race season.
In 2017, we guided and supported ultra endurance athlete Mark Beaumont with his training, in preparation for his successful world record attempt 'Around the World in 80 Days'.
In 2018, Tom Pidcock (U23 European Cross Champion, 2017 World Junior Cross Champion & National Crit Champion) joined us for a week's training with a group of up and coming talented British Juniors.
Rachel was born into a cycling family of national champions and international riders. She helped create and manage the men's UK pro-elite team Metaltek-Scott, -Knights of Old & now -Kuota, during 2012-2014, competing in the Tour Series, An Post Ras, Cicle Classic, UCI international stage races and the National Road Race, Elite Road & Criterium series. Rachel also has twenty years experience within the tour operating industry, organizing tailor-made holidays, group tours, training camps and sport themed holidays, including specialised Tour de France packages.
James has grown up with cycling, racing from a young age in the UK before moving to France to develop his talent for three seasons, supported by the Dave Rayner Fund. James finished his racing career with the UCI Continental Team Sigma Sport-Specialized where he competed in races against top professional cyclists from UCI World Tour Teams. Since retiring from professional racing James has worked full time with the Great Britain cycling team as a mechanic, travelling all over the world for numerous events, including the World Road and Track Championships for both the para-cycling and able-bodied squads. Most recently James worked with the GB Olympic squad on their training camps in the run up to Rio 2016. He has worked with some of the best cyclists in the world such as Olympic gold medallists Laura Kenny CBE, Jason Kenny CBE, Jo Rowsell-Shand MBE, Dani Rowe MBE, Ed Clancy MBE and Dame Sarah Storey to name but a few.
All of this invaluable experience and knowledge has been combined to create RJ Cycling Camps. No matter what level you are at, we are on hand to give you the support, advice and guidance you need to ensure you get the most out of your riding and help achieve your own goals.
RJ Cycling Camps is a company committed to customer satisfaction and consumer financial protection. Therefore, in accordance with "The Package Travel, Package Tours Regulations 2018" and legislation, all passengers are fully insured for all monies paid directly to us. The policy will also include repatriation if required, arising from the cancellation or curtailment of your travel arrangements due to the insolvency of RJ Cycling Camps. This is a legal requirement for all organisers of holidays and meets the requirements of the European Package Travel Directive 2015.
Rachel & James both hold a QA Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (RQF).