European cyclosportives
Emulate your pro rider idols with one of Europe's best cyclosportives and Gran Fondos taking in a blend of legendary climbs and picturesque surroundings imbued in cycling folklore. Cycling writer Felix Lowe picks out his favourite events.
1 / L’Ariégeoise
With more than 80 Pyrenean peaks to choose from, the narrow roads around the sleepy town of Tarascon-sur-Ariège are an ideal setting for a community-driven cyclosportive that last year attracted almost 5,000 riders. Now in its 21st outing, the Ariégeoise passes pine forests, lush meadows, flowing rivers and the ruins…
2 / Gran Fondo Sportful
Since its inaugural outing in 2009 this gruelling Gran Fondo in the Dolomites has reached cult status among Italians, with organisers claiming the it to be the hardest of its kind in Europe. Starting and finishing in the beautiful Renaissance town of Feltre on the Stizzon River, this year's stunning route through the…
3 / L'Eroica - Tuscany
Blending nostalgia, picturesque surroundings, arduous terrain and delicious food, L'Eroica - the Heroic - is the Gran Fondo of choice for lovers of all things vintage. Entrants must use pre-1987 bikes with steel frames, leather shoes and toe clips, while kit must be in the spirit of yesteryear (wool not lycra). More a…
4 / Gran Fondo Quebrantahuesos
The number one sportive in Spain, the iconic Quebrantahuesos attracts 9,000 riders each year to tackle an awe-inspiring route through the Pyrenees. Starting and finishing in the town of Sabiñánigo, the long and challenging course passes over the Col du Somport, dips into France for the Col du Marie Blanque, then…
5 / Haute Route
The Haute Route is the closest amateur cyclists can get to doing their own Grand Tour, with each event taking place over 7 consecutive days in the Pyrenees, Alps and Dolomites. Tackling World-renowned climbs each route also includes an individual mountain time trial. From the Basque coast to Toulouse, the Pyrenees…
6 / Ronde van Vlaanderen Cyclo
It's hard for most amateur cyclists to watch the bone-jangling Tour of Flanders one-day Spring classic without feeling a strange urge to take to the cobbled roads of Belgium - and since 2004, around 16,000 riders per year have been able to do just that. Blending the new and old course of the professional race, this…
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