Climbing

Whether you're watching the Tour de France, tackling your first climb or scrolling through Strava, you've probably come across terms like Category 1 or Hors Catégorie (HC). Cycling climbs are graded from Category 4, the easiest, to HC, the hardest. Understanding those categories helps you judge how demanding a climb is and why some mountains play such an important role in professional racing.

If you've ever reached the bottom of a climb and wondered how you're going to get to the top, you're not alone. Every cyclist has ridden a hill that felt harder than expected, whether it was a local climb or a famous mountain pass.

The Tour de France is one of cycling’s three Grand Tours, and the 2026 edition stands out for a route that begins in Barcelona before building toward a decisive Alpine and finale in Paris.

Discover the world’s most iconic cycling climbs and unforgettable routes that every passionate rider should experience at least once. Whether you're conquering alpine legends outdoors or tackling epic ascents virtually on ROUVY, this guide will inspire your ultimate cycling bucket list.

With Trek Travel and ROUVY, you can take on the ultimate challenge through the towering peaks of the French Alps, either in real life or on ROUVY! On this exciting adventure, you will ride the top legendary climbs and conquer their steep gradients, and as a reward, you will be treated to their majestic panoramic mountain views. The Route des Grandes Alpes is a bucket list dream come true for any passionate cyclist who loves adventure and nature! It spans the heart of the French Alps and offers a to-do list of cycling destinations for some of the most challenging mountain passes in the world. Are you in?

The Czech Tour 2024 was a thrilling four-day race held from July 25 to July 28, 2024, just four days after the Tour de France. It featured diverse flat sprints, steep climbs, and challenging terrain across various Czech regions. The event covered a total distance of 587 km and gained 9,156 metres across its four stages​, promising a variety of terrains and challenges for the riders and excitement for the spectators.

I want to take you on an extraordinary climbing journey! One that will make you feel as though you are outdoors in nature, exploring climbs in Europe. These selected climbs provide exciting insights, background stories, and historical myths and legends to read before you start that will add to your immersive riding experience.

Organizers of the Grand Tours aim to plan the most challenging routes that push the riders to their limits, where a succession of brutal climbs with no rest in mountain stages and mountain-top finishes leave no doubts about who the winner is.

Going up a hill is a big part of cycling. It requires strength, skill, technique, and even mental toughness. It’s not rare for a climb to feel overwhelming at times and learning how to become an excellent climber is challenging.