Travel: Five Of Europe’s Best Climbs
It’s Disneyland for bike riders – a dream destination spanning thousands of kilometres, featuring countless incredible routes, climbs, and descents, and offering something for riders of all ages and abilities.
Yes, it’s Europe, home of the three Grand Tours, the Spring Classics, and a series of many other races, participation rides and major cycling events each year. It’s also the top destination for many cold and frustrated Aussie bike riders as the winter months bite and we dream of warm days on the bike.
Spanning more than 10 million square kilometres, there’s one major problem when it comes to cycling Europe … yep, where to go? Here we list five top European cycling destinations – places we’ve ridden, enjoyed, and hope to return to on future trips.
1: Alpe d’Huez, France
The infamous 21 bends of cycling’s most famous climb are high on the bucket list of most riders. Starting at 720 m above sea level in the picture-perfect village of Bourg d’Oisans at the base of the climb, within a few painful hours you’ll be up around 1,900 m at the highest point of the ascent.
The fastest pros can complete the climb in around 40 minutes, with Marco Pantani clocking 36 minutes and 50 seconds.
Ride On Tip – Take your time, enjoy the atmosphere, and soak up the stunning views and historical significance of this iconic climb. If you’re staying in the region, you can always go for a PB on your second or third attempt.
2: Ventoux, France
The ‘Giant of Provence’ is up there (quite literally) as one of the all-time classic climbs. Above the treeline and akin to a lunar landscape, this stunning ascent attracts riders and enthusiasts from around the world. V
Ventoux has been centre stage for some of the biggest battles in pro cycling – and the scene of heartbreak as well. From Chris Froome running up the mountain to Tom Simpson collapsing and dying on the climb – Ventoux has seen it all.
At 1,866 m, the mountain is visible from all directions and is the centrepiece of a cycling holiday in the Provence region.
Ride On Tip – The commune of Bédoin is close to the start of the 21.3 km climb, features plenty of bike shops, and is a lovely place to stay.
3: The Stelvio, Italy
One of the world’s most picturesque and memorable climbs, the Stelvio is up there as one of the ultimate achievements in cycling. Bormio, in the Italian Alps, is the perfect launch point and also an ideal base for tackling the region’s many other famous climbs (such as Gavia Pass, Mortirolo, Livigno, Bormio 2000, and Giacomo, to name but a few).
With 48 phenomenal switchbacks, along with tunnels, balconies and views that stretch forever, you’ll simply never forget your day (or days) in the Passo dello Stelvio region.
The climb itself is 21 km from Bormio and will take you to 2,758 m.
Ride On Tip – Visit or stay at Hotel Funivia and ask to speak with Daniel, aka ‘Stelvio Man’. This guy has ridden the climb hundreds of times and knows the region like no one else.
4: Umbrail Pass, Switzerland
The highest pass in Switzerland, this climb is also one of the three ways to the top of the aforementioned Stelvio. The road surface is insanely smooth, the corners are wide and sweeping, and the views up and down are otherworldly.
At just 13 km, averaging 8%, and taking in 1,000 m of climbing, the Umbrail Pass is definitely one to add to the bucket list.
Ride On Tip – Keen on a big day out, the kind of ride you’ll never forget? How about a 107 km loop that takes in both the Stelvio and Umbrail passes. With a total of 3,600 vertical metres, this is guaranteed to put a sting in the legs.
5: Rocacorba, Catalonia, Spain
Confined to just five (out of at least 500!) epic Euro climbs, we’ve got to include this beauty. Not far from the cycling-centric Catalonian town of Girona, Rocacorba is one of the go-to climbs for the hundreds of pro riders who call the region home.
Starting in downtown Girona or at the lakeside town of Banyoles, the climb itself is just under 10 km with an average gradient of around 7%. You’ll take in stunning Spanish vistas, ride through sleepy little villages, and enjoy quiet rural roads.
Keep some fuel in the tank for the final 400 m of the climb – and expect to be passed by big-name pros, particularly in the lead-up to major European races.
Ride On Tip – During the ride back to Girona, spend some time lakeside at Banyoles. It’s a wonderful place for lunch, a coffee or cold beer, and maybe even a sneaky Spanish siesta.
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