Close Search
Rapha Mallorca, A Community Beyond the Island
Jul 17, 2025
- By
Chiara Ferrari
sustainability 2030
Rapha Mallorca, A Community Beyond the Island
Jul 17, 2025
- By
Chiara Ferrari
Rapha was built from a love for cycling and a commitment to community. The brand was launched in London, in 2004, with the forward-thinking vision of demanding better clothing for cyclists, offering riders the chance to “have a style” in an era where the sport had poor aesthetics and lack of performance in the segment of wearables. Simon Mottram, founder and former CEO, has managed in twenty years to make the brand an icon of cycling, associated with quality, functionality and subtle elegance, and also to grow a global community with Rapha Cycling Club (RCC). The origin of the club goes back to 2006, with the idea of supporting a British racing team that the brand was involved with, Rapha Condor, hence its name Rapha Condor cycling club. Dominique Gabellini, a former pro racer actively supporting the brands, initiated riding events for avid cyclists wanting to share the road, the passion for the sport and the companies’ values. It then became its sole name, Rapha Cycling Club, in 2014, spreading across the world along with the numerous “club houses”: a visionary concept of retail, consisting in flagship stores selling Rapha’s collections but also hosting a coffee shop, serving as a meeting hub for club’s members as well as hosting cycling-related events. Rapha saw potential in expanding to Mallorca, an already popular destination for cycling: it first brought over a “mobile pop-up”, a branded, vintage Citröen van in Puerto Pollença (2011) and later placed its permanent roots in Palma: the Clubhouse opened in 2017, spread across two floors in Plaça del Rosari. As of today, the Mallorcan hub hosts a community that attracts members from all over the world and even beyond RCC: it became a point of reference for cyclists visiting the island and an attractive place for gathering: from the easy-going, welcoming atmosphere created by local staff to the exquisite coffee and the events program - group rides and in-store events - this place is constantly filled with energy. We met with Berta Beran, who built the local team and is now busy overseeing the stores across Europe, Alicia Magallon, store manager, and Mario Cantarero, community manager, to find out more about the whys and the hows of Rapha Mallorca’s community.
CF
Can you talk about RCC: what does it mean to be a member, what do you offer? Who joins the club?
RCC

The Rapha Cycling Club (RCC) is more than just a club — it’s a global community of passionate cyclists who share a love for riding and everything that surrounds it. To be a member means you belong to an international network of like-minded riders, with access to exclusive rides, events, and Clubhouses around the world. Members can join group rides, participate in special challenges, borrow high-end bikes when travelling, and enjoy member-only kit and early access to new products. Riders of all kinds join — from seasoned racers to social weekend cyclists — united by a shared desire to ride more and connect with people who love cycling as much as they do; there’s always an RCC chapter ready to welcome you.

CF
“Inspiration and engagement starts with our own staff at Rapha” says Simon Mottram, former CEO of the brand, in “the extra mile”, a recent book celebrating the 20th anniversary of Rapha: which are the core values of Rapha’s culture?
RCC

Rapha’s culture is built on a few clear core values: a deep passion for cycling in all its forms, an obsessive attention to detail, and a commitment to community. From the very beginning, Rapha set out to honour the beauty and drama of road cycling, keeping alive the idea that riding can be demanding, elegant, and deeply human all at once. Quality, innovation, and timeless design always serve to elevate the rider’s experience. But above all, Rapha puts people at the heart of everything — staff, RCC members, and the global cycling community. Sharing rides, stories, and coffees is what fuels the culture Simon and the team built and continue to ride forward every day.

CF
Rapha Mallorca is amongst the most popular destinations for RCC members , however you also managed to build a community beyond the club’s members: which type of events do you offer to the general public and which are most specific to members?
RCC

Rapha Mallorca is one of the most popular destinations for RCC members, but it’s true that we’ve built a welcoming community that goes beyond just the club. For the general public, we offer a wide range of open rides, social spins with café stops, talks, race live screenings, and special events that celebrate cycling culture — anyone can join in and feel part of the Rapha spirit.

For RCC members specifically, we create more curated experiences: members-only rides with dedicated ride leaders, longer and more challenging routes, training sessions, exclusive trips, and unique events like the RCC Summits or Escapes as well as special partner rides. These are designed to strengthen the sense of belonging and to connect members with each other wherever they are in the world. Whether you’re part of the club or just dropping by, the goal is the same: ride together, share stories, and make every kilometre count.

"Supporting our members goes beyond just leading rides. We ensure safety with experienced ride leaders, provide mechanical support when needed, share training tips, and create a welcoming environment that encourages everyone to connect, improve, and enjoy cycling together."
CF
Berta, you managed to build a brilliant, magnetic team behind Rapha Mallorca : does everyone have specific roles?
RCC

Each person in the team has their role according to its personal background and speciality but what really unites us is…We all pedal in the same direction: making Rapha Mallorca a place you’ll always want to come back to. 

CF
How is a typical club ride?
RCC

A typical Rapha Cycling Club (RCC) ride starts with an announcement shared through our official channels — usually via email, the Rapha app, and social media. We provide all the details riders need: meeting point, time, route, difficulty level, and any special notes. We usually meet at the Clubhouse or a well-known local spot that’s easy to find. Riders arrive, grab a coffee, chat a bit to get ready, and then we all head out together.

The rides vary depending on the group and the day: some are relaxed social spins perfect for newcomers, while others are longer, more challenging routes for experienced riders. The terrain showcases Mallorca’s beauty, with a mix of flats, gentle hills, and occasionally some tough climbs. Most rides are open to the public so anyone can join and experience the community vibe. In addition, we organize rides and events exclusive to RCC members. 

Supporting our members goes beyond just leading rides. We ensure safety with experienced ride leaders, provide mechanical support when needed, share training tips, and create a welcoming environment that encourages everyone to connect, improve, and enjoy cycling together.

CF
What are the obstacles of running a cycling community in Mallorca?
RCC

Running a cycling community in Mallorca comes with its own challenges. One of the biggest obstacles is the diversity of riders—from locals who know every road like the back of their hand to tourists discovering the island for the first time. Catering to different skill levels, expectations, and riding styles requires careful planning to make sure everyone feels included and safe.

The climate also presents its difficulties: while Mallorca is known for ideal cycling conditions, the intense summer heat can be a real challenge for riders, requiring adjustments in timing, hydration, and pace. Finally, keeping the community alive is a constant effort: organizing events, motivating members, and creating a welcoming environment so everyone feels inspired to ride and come back. But despite these challenges, the passion for cycling and the island’s beauty keep the community growing and thriving.

CF
How do you reach out to your community?
RCC

We connect with our community through multiple channels to make sure no one misses out and everyone feels included. We use the Rapha app and email to send direct announcements about rides, events, and news. We also send a monthly newsletter exclusive to the RCC community belonging to the Mallorca chapter, featuring special content, stories, and all the relevant info.

Social media — especially Instagram and Facebook — plays a key role in sharing photos, stories, and sparking conversations. We also organise in-person meet-ups at the Clubhouse and collaborate with local shops, workshops, and other groups to expand the network and attract more riders. Close and personalised communication is essential: we like to listen, respond, and tailor activities based on what the community wants and needs. Finally, we encourage active member participation so they themselves share the experience, invite others to join, and help build an authentic, vibrant atmosphere.

CF
Does the club participate in local cycling events organised and run by others?
RCC

Yes, the club actively participates in major Mallorca events like the Mallorca 312 or the Ironman in Alcúdia, where many of our members take part and receive support to prepare and enjoy the experience. Additionally, we are the main sponsor of Termes 53, an ultra-distance gravel race that crosses the 53 municipalities in Mallorca, where both locals and international gravel cyclists discover the hidden Mallorca through small, unknown dirt roads. 

CF
Three best rides in Mallorca?
RCC

f you want to discover Mallorca on two wheels, here are our three must-do rides:

  • The classic climb to Sa Calobra, a challenge for all levels with unforgettable scenery.
  • The Tramuntana route, with stunning views and curves that steal your heart.
  • The East Coast ride, where sea and mountains meet to create the perfect cycling backdrop.

CF
What would you say to someone new to cycling in order to convince them to join the club?
RCC

If you’re new to cycling, joining the club is the best way to learn, improve, and enjoy from day one. Here you’ll find support, rides tailored to your level, and a group that motivates you to push yourself without pressure. It’s not just about riding; it’s about being part of a community that shares passion, challenges, and unforgettable moments.

Links

For club events and program:

https://events.rapha.cc/rapha-mallorca

IG: @rapha_mallorca

To know more about the brand:

https://www.rapha.cc/es/en

Next story.