As European countries begin to tentatively ease lock down restrictions, many people are daydreaming about an autumn cycling holiday this year. Cycling will be one of the most popular activities on holiday as it will allow people to maintain social distancing and get out and breathe fresh air. Here are our top 5 destinations for travel this autumn.
Mallorca is a Mecca for cyclists with some of the most awe inspiring cycling around. There is 555km of glistening Mediterranean coastline and a sprawling patchwork of countryside and rural flatlands, dotted with beautiful old stone houses. It is the iconic Tramuntana mountains though that are the biggest pull. Epic climbs such as Sa Calobra and Puig Major are where the pros and British Cycling riders have honed their skills, whilst the 40km loop from Port Pollensa out to the Cap Formentor lighthouse might just be the most spectacular rides in Europe.
Mallorca is perfect for a quick weekend getaway in autumn as the weather is warm and the riding perfect. Escape to Mallorca this September and October to conquer the climbs, ride into quiet countryside or simply take a well deserved holiday after a turbulent few months. Heaven knows we all need this right now!
Just inland from the Costa Brava and in the foothills of the Spanish Pyrenees is Girona. This small city packs a punch with stunning medieval architecture and world class cuisine. The cobbled alleyways of the old walled city often witness road bikes rolling out towards Lake Banyoles and Olot for rides into the Spanish countryside. The roads are becoming more iconic in the cycling world including the famous Rococorba at 13.8km with an average gradient of 6.5%. The road to nowhere provides awesome views over the plains and if you’ve got enough in the tank, hit Els Angels and discover the monastery.
If you need some climbing in your legs, look no further than the training base for Team Ineos. Mount Teide looms over the island and offers a climb like no other. Ascend from Vilaflor or from Adeje and get ready for approximately 50km of ascent, with no respite. Forget the Brits abroad vision of Tenerife that package holidays gave you and ride through banana plantations and high into the crater. Out of the fertile jet black volcanic rock springs bright green vegetation as you climb higher into the national park. Gaze out at La Gomera before the most pristine tarmac delivers fast and furious descending back to the coast. Tenerife is the island of Eternal Spring so contrary to what you might think, the temperatures are always pretty consistent, even in summer time, but there’s no doubting that our favourite time is November to March when the cyclists overtake the island.
Italy is at the time of publication already talking about opening borders and when they do, Lake Garda will be at the top of many people’s wish lists. A sports persons haven, the lake is home to windsurfing and sailing along with many other watersports. What sets Garda apart though is the mountains that surround the water. Lose yourself on trails and tracks if you like mountain biking or are looking for family adventure, or ride tough gradients and thrilling descents on the roads. There isn’t a much better view than from your a cafe in Bardolino, whilst you sip espresso with one of our Pinarello F12s leaning up against the wall.
As the world emerges from lockdown, it will be the Dutch that are first on their bikes. With a labyrinth of interconnecting cycling paths, this is the ultimate destination for newer cyclists or families. Experience the Green Heart of Holland and the spectacular lakes and polders of a country where much of the land is below sea level. A short hop across the water also means you can get to Holland by car, train or ferry, perfect for these post lockdown times.