2020 has been a rocky year for all, but an opportunity to appreciate the things we’ve taken for granted in the past, like the freedom to travel.

Our team at Mummu Cycling have greatly missed being on tour and travelling the globe to different races, as we usually would so often throughout the season.

Here, we chat with our French based European Logistics Coordinator and Tour Leader, Jean-Sébastien Abbal on what he’s missed most about being on tour, why he loves working in cycling tourism, why he rides, and what he’s most looking forward to on our return to the races in 2021.

What do you miss the most? 

I miss sharing adventures with guests, because every tour we deliver is always a new one!

What do you love the most about being on tour?

I thrive off being a tour leader, running the day to day operations to ensure our guests have the best holiday experience ever and take home with them moments that they’ll never forget. I also love the planning and time that goes in to prepare for each tour to create the best and most exciting trip’s we can. Riding and reconning our ride routes throughout Europe is something I really enjoy.

What are you most looking forward to when returning to the races?

I can’t wait for the Classics, mostly because they'll (fingers crossed) be the first European event we’ll be attending in the new season,  providing a fresh start after this 2020 nightmare and the beginning of what we hope will be a special return to the races. 

What is the #1 place you’ve ridden and guided at in the world?

It has to be Mallorca, Spain. There are really endless cycling possibilities there, ideal for everyday riding, harder training days or just enjoying holidays! Suitable for beginner level, right through to professional. To top, the weather is incredible. In my opinion, it’s the best place ever for cycling. Bring on some Mummu adventures in Mallorca!

What’s your #1 favourite climb?

Big climb: The Cormet de Roselend in the Alps. The road is very nice on both sides and before the top, you can ride along a stunning lake, where every day the colour of the water is changing, depending on the sun and sky…it’s just amazing.

Small climb: The Tour de Madeloc, on the Mediterranean coast. I love this climb as it’s consistently changing the whole way up. There’s rarely a straight section and the gradient varies a lot. It's the perfect climb to train on all season – not to mention the beautiful views!

Your favourite pro races?

The Giro d’Italia and the Vuelta are up there as my two favourite races because they’re so unpredictable. Anything can happen on any given stage, as they’re so tough - it’s just crazy. I also love that the ambience is a bit more relaxed, so for me (as a tour leader) it’s a little more fun, with less stress than the Tour de France.

Where in the world would you to travel most to?

Hawaïi is at the top of my travel list as I’d love to ride up the Mauna Kea volcano – 4,200m of altitude gain over 70km…it’s a a very long way up, but I’m up for the challenge!

Secondly, Colorado to visit some of the USA’s biggest mountains, and of course Adelaide, for the Santos Tour Down Under. Here's hoping I'll make it down there for the 2022 edition.

Why do you ride?

I don’t have enough words to explain just how much I love cycling, but I’ll try!

• My brain is functioning better on the bike and I often come up with my best ideas or solutions when out ridiing.
• It’s a fantastic way to stay active and healthy, while enjoying yourself at the same time.
• Riding a bike is the best way to visit a country and new places, not too fast, so you can really appreciate the view, and not too slow, so you can make the most out of every day.