MARQUÉS DE RISCAL

Elciego - Rioja
13 - 16 APRIL 2023

Our first adventure of 2023, LeBlanq Rioja, celebrates the Tour de France's Basque Country Grand Départ in the heart of wine country as we head to La Rioja with two of the biggest names in Spanish cycling. Joining us in the majestic landscapes of Northern Spain will be three-time World Champion Óscar Freire and local boy and living legend Miguel Induráin, winner of five consecutive editions of the Tour de France.

STAGES

RIOJA ITINERARY /

THUR AFTERNOON

PROLOGUE

Pedal your way gently into the weekend with a short, relaxed ride to loosen the legs, taking in the beautiful nearby village of Elciego and its surroundings.

THUR EVENING

TIME & PLACE

Get a taste for some of the region's finest produce with a celebration of Rioja wine and traditional pintxos.


FRI MORNING

JOYRIDE 01

Ride side by side with Miguel Induráin and Óscar Freire through the rolling hills and vineyards of Rioja. Riding groups will be suitable for riders of all abilities.

FRI AFTERNOON

RECHARGE

Enjoy an afternoon of relaxation at Marqués de Riscal as well as a guided tour of their vineyards and cellars, ending with a Rioja wine tasting.

FRI EVENING

A TASTE OF RIOJA

The culinary tour of Rioja continues with a taste of the Basque region, with a 3-course dinner created by Michelin star executive chef of Marqués de Riscal, Francis Paniego.

FRI EVENING

TALES OF A YELLOW JERSEY

An after dinner chat with the cycling greats Miguel Induráin and Óscar Freire. Unwind and enjoy tales from their Grand Tour victories, and much more.

SAT MORNING

JOYRIDE 02

Our second joyride into the rolling terrain through more vineyards, along the way tasting some of the finest produce available in Rioja.

SAT AFTERNOON

RECHARGE

Lap up the luxury of Marqués de Riscal with an afternoon aperitif in the sunshine, or take advantage of Spa Vinothérapie®. An award winning and unique experience involving all the senses. Relax in the heated indoor pool, whirlpool bath, barrel tub and steam room, or book yourself in for some natural treatments, containing the extraordinary properties of the surrounding vines and the grapes, all of which are available at an extra cost.

SAT EVENING

TOUR DE FEAST

A 5-course dinner celebrating each of Miguel Induráin's Tour de France wins, created as a collaboration between Nieves Barragán and Ashley Palmer-Watts. All courses will be paired with Marqués de Riscal Rioja.

SUN MORNING

JOYRIDE 03

Your last chance to take in the stunning surrounds of Rioja on your bike with an optional and leisurely 1-2 hour ride.

SUN AFTERNOON

THE FINISH DINE

The final culinary celebration. An opportunity to share stories with fellow guests and enjoy a relaxed meal created by the team at Marqués de Riscal.

TEAM

Miguel Induráin

Miguel Induráin

BIO
Nieves Barragán

Nieves Barragán

BIO
Óscar Freire

Óscar Freire

BIO
"A fantastic team of passionate people with great attention to detail. I’ve now enjoyed two weekends of Joyriding and I’m already planning my next weekend away."

KEITH - LONDON

"I had one of the best weekends of my life. Incredible organisation, the cycling routes were stunning, and the 'Tour de Feast' was out of this world."

PHILIPPE - PARIS

DESTINATION

OUR BASE

MARQUÉS DE RISCAL

The hotel Marqués de Riscal is home to one of the oldest vineyards in the region, with Marqués de Riscal wine dating back to 1858, and bottles from only four years later still stored in the cellars there. The five star hotel itself is the only one in the world designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry and has similar design aspects to his world famous Guggenheim Museum in the nearby Bilbao. Wine tasting tours of the Marqués de Riscal vineyard and wine cellar are available, and guests will have the option of experiencing the truly luxurious Caudalie Vinotherapie spa onsite.

RIDING

A TOUR OF RIOJA

Celebrate the Tour de France's Basque Country Grand Départ in the heart of wine country as we take in some of the most beautiful roads in nearby Rioja Alavesa through vineyards and groves of almond and olive trees, making the most of the Riojan spring in the shadow of the Iberian mountains. Ride alongside three-time World Champion and eleven-time Grand Tour stage winner Óscar Freire, and who knows? Maybe you'll be lucky enough to get a tow up one of the many rolling hills in the slipstream of five-time Tour de France winner Miguel Induráin.

DINING

A TASTE OF RIOJA

From delicious tapas to intense flavourful stews, Riojan cuisine is a rich, colourful experience full of the flavours of Spain and our Taste of the Basque Country dinner will be created by Marqués de Riscal's executive chef, four time Michelin-starred, Francis Paniego. The Tour de Feast will be a collaboration between our very own Directeur Culinaire Ashley Palmer-Watts, Heston Blumenthal's right hand man, Basque-born creator of Michelin-star Sabor, Nieves Barragán. We obviously couldn't visit this part of the world without a deep dive into the wines of the region, and guests will enjoy an extraordinary wine experience from our Master of Wine, David Hesketh, working with the winemakers, to bring a vintage from the Marques de Riscal's cellars to celebrate each season of Miguel Induráin's Tour de France success.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

riding

RIDING

A place on each of the weekend’s rides, guided by our team of cycling legends and pro ride leaders. We offer several groups, tailored by distance and pace, to ensure you can enjoy your perfect joyride.
Dining

DINING

A Michelin standard of dining and drinks for you to indulge in, created by the world’s finest chefs and master sommeliers.
Hospitality

HOSPITALITY

Your time is precious and we’re here to help you make the most of it. Our team is on hand to host and guide you so that you can join in, relax and savour every moment.
Luxury Bikes

TEST RIDES

A selection of premium road bikes are available to test ride during the weekend. We also have a team of bike mechanics ready to support with fine-tuning and fixes to help keep you on the road.
Custom kits

CUSTOM RAPHA KIT

Each rider receives special edition Rapha kit, including a LeBlanq team jersey, gilet and cap. We also provide a laundry service for your LeBlanq kit.
Membership

MEMBERSHIP

Book any joyride package and enjoy club benefits and treats from our partners, including an annual subscription to Rouleur magazine.

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

  • Travel to and from your destination
  • Personal Ride Insurance
  • Beverages outside of our drinks list
  • Accommodation pre/post trip (please ask our Concierge for preferential rates)

OPTIONAL ADD-ONS

CHAMPAGNE IN ROOM
A bottle of Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle on ice waiting for your arrival.

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QUESTIONS?

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RIOJA

Spain · 13 - 16 APRIL 2023