Racing Prepares for a Unique Travel Experience
The Racing team has meticulously organized the logistics for what is arguably the most challenging journey of the season, opting to charter a flight for this endeavor. The team is scheduled to train on Saturday at La Albericia before departing via a charter flight at 15:30 from Seve Ballesteros Airport. Upon arrival in Tétouan, Morocco, the players will then travel by bus for a short distance of 38 kilometers to Ceuta. However, this brief journey might become complicated due to the busy border crossings, which can vary depending on daily traffic conditions.
Upon arrival, Racing will be accommodated at the Parador de Ceuta for both Saturday and Sunday nights, before retracing their route back to Santander on Monday. The cost of chartering a flight of this nature typically approaches €30,000 for the outbound journey, with an additional similar amount for the return trip, alongside accommodation expenses. The Parador, where the players will be staying, boasts a stunning location adjacent to the Royal Walls in the heart of Ceuta, specifically in Plaza de África.
Challenges and Alternatives for the Journey
At the start of the season, other clubs opted for ferry travel from Algeciras to Ceuta, a method that proved to be more complex. There are also helicopter services available from both Algeciras and Málaga. Another alternative would have involved flying to Málaga, then taking a bus to Algeciras, and subsequently boarding a ferry to Ceuta, which could be a strenuous journey, especially with the risk of rough waters disrupting navigation.
Traveling to a non-European country requires ensuring that all passports are in order, a detail that Racing has been diligently monitoring in the weeks leading up to the trip. This concern was highlighted by an incident involving UD Las Palmas, whose two foreign players were unable to enter Morocco and thus had to travel via ferry from Algeciras to avoid the Moroccan border altogether. These players hailed from Serbia and Panama, and the team had to travel on the same day due to adverse weather conditions, even requesting a postponement of their match due to the logistical challenges they faced.
Racing's planning has been commendable, as they have arranged for the bus to reach the stadium directly. However, due to construction work around the Alfonso Murube Stadium in 2022, players had to walk part of the way to add a dramatic touch to the journey. The Parador is located just one kilometer from the stadium, making for a pleasant stroll for the Racing supporters, who will be staying near the famous Royal Moat and what was once the Old Artillery Park—a fitting locale for an offensively potent team. The Racing entourage will also be accompanied by approximately 70 enthusiastic fans, adding to the excitement of this unique travel experience.
As reported by racinguismo.com.
