The soaring peaks and deep green valleys of the Alps stretch north from the French coast through northern Italy and beyond. Best experienced in summer, these dramatic landscapes are home to legendary climbs such as the Passo Stelvio, The Passo Mortirolo and the Passo Gavia in Italy, and the Col du Télégraphe, Col du Galibier, Col de la Madeleine and the Alpe d’Huez in France, many of which are commonly featured in the Tour de France.
Lake Annecy sits beside the city of the same name, overlooked by the tall peak of the La Tournette mountain. It’s sparkling water and blue and turquoise hues are a sight to behold. Cycling-wise Annecy is perfectly situated; a stone’s throw away from some of the most iconic climbs in the sport it is an ideal base for tackling the classic Alpine Cols. Post-ride activities are also aplenty including a walk along the canals which run through the pastel-coloured town giving it the nickname: ‘the Venice of the Alps’. The vast beauty of ‘le lac d’Annecy’ is something that needs to be seen to be believed. So blue is the lake and so unrealistically perfect the snow-topped mountains that it’s hard to believe it isn’t in fact a painting. Indeed, the French artist Cézanne, despite sneeringly describing the view as one which “young lady travellers like to sketch in their albums”, painted it anyway, an indication of just how stunning it is.
The 21 hairpins of Alpe d’Huez may not be the toughest, steepest, longest or most beautiful, but they provide what must be one of the most iconic stretches of climbing in cycling history. El Pirata, Marco Pantani, holds the record for the fastest ever ascent at 37 mins 35 seconds. Mere mortals fulled on jam sandwiches and espresso can aim for the hour as being an exceptionally good time.
The 8th highest paved road in the Alps, the Col du Galibier is one of the French Alps’ giants, and is often featured in the Tour de France. Sitting at an impressive 2,642 m above sea level, it’s a legend in its own right.
Gethyn is from Wales but has been living in Catalonia for 14 years, and having found a quiet spot in the forest not far from Girona, he has no intention of leaving. Gethyn’s been a part of the ESC team since the early days and loves the job. He rides road and gravel with friends and MTB with his dog.
The Alps offer some of the best cycling routes in Europe. Known for their skyscraping peaks, their pristine, glassy lakes, and sweeping alpine valleys, the...
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A playground like no other. Explore the endless roads of Europe’s most impressive mountain ranges and discover giants such as the Col du Tourmalet, Col...
