Then there's the second option: a treadmill in the living room where sweat drips onto the floor and you hypnotize the second hand.

I've said enough this year. I packed my bags and my bike and flew to Andalusia. Why is the south of Spain the "holy grail" of winter training for me?

1. Stable weather: cycling without compromise

While at home you're worrying about whether the roads are icy, in Andalusia you'll be greeted by temperatures between 15-22°C. This is the absolute sweet spot. It's not too hot to fall, but at the same time you can get by with a short jersey and bibs. Instead of fighting for survival, you can focus on technique and watts under blue skies.

2. Group strength: No solo misery

One of Andalusia's biggest advantages? You're not in it alone. There's a huge community of triathletes and cyclists from all over Europe. I have the opportunity to train with great sparring partners here, which takes the quality of training up a level.

• Peer support: when the crunch comes on a long hill, there's always someone next to you to cheer you on.

• Shared experiences: over a post-workout coffee, we discuss everything from technique to nutrition.

• Motivation. The atmosphere where everyone supports each other instead of competing is incredibly energizing.

3. The terrain and asphalt we only dream about

Just a few kilometres inland and the real fun begins in the hills. The long, drawn-out climbs are ideal for building strength endurance. What's more, the quality of the roads here is a balm for the soul and the bicycle frame - a surface as smooth as glass and drivers who respect cyclists and go around in a big arc.

4. Regeneration and "Vitamin D"

Mentality makes 50% of success in training. Replenishing your natural vitamin D and regenerating by the sea is very different to trying to warm up with tea in a freezing February. My body regenerates much faster here and my head stays "hungry" for more miles. Running along the beach promenades at sunrise is just the icing on the cake.