Need for speed with Wednesday Worlds

One of the fastest group rides on the planet

Jake Warman brought a bit of Australian culture with him when he moved to Girona three years ago: fast ‘chop’ and roll-through rides, not dissimilar to a race (at times). Wednesday Worlds in Girona that way has become one of the fastest group rides on the planet, with regularly professionals joining as well.

Wednesday Worlds was always intended to be a hard ride says Warman, the founder of the project, that always attracts between 25 and 50 people for each group ride. Or should we say group race? The pace is always well above 42 kilometers per hour average, independent of the route.

Warman is originally from Perth, Western Australia and moved to Girona three years ago. “I had a coach back in Australia for a few years, Gordon Hindley (his son Jai won the Giro and used to live in Girona). That was part of the reason I first visited many years ago, but my wife and I have returned many times over the years and we eventually decided to make the move permanently.”

“When I first moved I had expected many group rides, as Girona is so well renowned for cycling, but apart from smaller groups and the occasional shop rides, I couldn’t find a regular weekly group ride”, he continues.

Old Papa’s

“Back in Australia, there are many rides that have been going for years and years. My home town has a ride ‘Old Papa’s’ that was started in the 60s and it still happens, rain, hail or shine each weekend. It would be nice if Wednesday Worlds could keep growing and become a regular and ideally to become a regular ride that doesn’t require any organization.”

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Een bericht gedeeld door Tristan Cardew ♠️ (@tristantakephoto)

There is a good mix of people throughout the season each year joining Wednesday Worlds – both pros and amateurs alike. “I think it helps that we have a regroup and it gives everybody, pro or not, the opportunity to have a good hit out, perhaps make it a bit further up the climb than last week, or just get out and train with a group”, says Warman. “I think the group has grown in popularity because there is a gap in Girona for regular group rides. I would love to see some new rides eventually, similar to how all the run groups are popping up.”

The social element remains important to the organizer: “It is such a social town, amazing access to nature and obviously offers some great riding. Therefore, during the summer months we often go for a beer after our training ride. I have met many new people, joined a masters cycling team, improved my Català etc all as a result of Wednesday Worlds, so I would say there is a good balance of hard riding and a social element, but first and foremost it is a hard training ride.”