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Mark Nessmith  —  1/8/2026

Lee Bibring on cycling on Tenerife, the island of eternal spring | ROUVY PODCAST EP. 5

Podcast
Rouvy Unchained
Cycling Tenerife

From oceanfront roads to the towering ascent of Mount Teide, Tenerife is the perfect setting for an unforgettable cycling holiday. In this episode of the ROUVY Unchained podcast, cycling travel expert Lee Bibring shares why the Island of Eternal Spring is Europe’s ultimate winter escape. Listen now.

Lee Bibring on cycling on Tenerife, the island of eternal spring | ROUVY PODCAST EP. 5

Tenerife isn’t just a sunny escape from winter – it’s one of Europe’s most iconic cycling training grounds, drawing everyone from first-time cycling holidaymakers to WorldTour professionals chasing altitude gains. In the newly released fifth episode of the ROUVY Unchained Podcast, host Zach Nehr sits down with Lee Bibring, founder and CEO of Love Velo, the UK-based cycling travel company known for creating tailored cycling holidays for riders of every ability.

Lee has cycled in virtually every country across Europe, with countless adventures further afield in Asia. But Tenerife remains one of the destinations he returns to again and again. In this episode, he breaks down what makes the Canary Island such a standout: consistently smooth roads, varied terrain, and that famous year-round “island of eternal spring” climate that keeps cyclists training outdoors even when much of Europe is still frozen.

From the long, steady climb up to Mount Teide to the rugged coastal routes and lesser known roads in the north, Lee shares how Tenerife offers both epic challenges and unforgettable scenery. He also explains why so many pro riders base themselves there for altitude training.

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and discover why ROUVY Unchained is the ultimate soundtrack for your next ride.

Tenerife Winter Escape: Lee Bibring | ROUVY Unchained #5

Join host Zach Nehr and Lee Bibring, founder of Love Velo, as they explore what makes Tenerife so unique.

ROUVY Unchained podcast highlights

Tenerife: A cycling playground built around a volcano

Tenerife’s identity is shaped by its geography: a massive volcano at the center of the island, with roads rising from the coastline toward the crater. For cyclists, that means one thing: Climbing, often for hours, in stunning and constantly changing landscapes.

“There’s been a big shift toward active tourism. And it makes perfect sense, because the island has a volcano in the middle of it, and that volcano is basically a cycling playground.”

The First Impression: Mount Teide above the clouds

Even before your first ride, Tenerife makes a statement. From the plane, the volcano dominates the skyline, and cyclists immediately understand why the island’s so famous. Lee says on cloudy days you’ll see the peak of Mount Teide sitting above the clouds, and realize just how huge it is.

“As a cyclist, you’re always aware of it, because from the coast you’re basically staring up at this mountain thinking, ‘That’s where we’re going.’”

Five Ways Up: Why Tenerife never gets boring

Many riders assume Mount Teide is one road up, but Tenerife’s variety is part of the magic. Different approaches mean different scenery, pacing, and difficulty – so repeat visits still feel fresh.

“There are five main ways up Mount Teide … some climbs feel greener and more built-up in the lower section – villages, banana plantations – and some feel exposed and barren.”

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Pacing advice that might save your ride

For riders tackling Mount Teide for the first time, the challenge is as much mental as physical. Lee describes one moment that every cyclist can relate to: when your legs start questioning your life choices.

“You can’t sugarcoat it; it’s a big climb. A typical rider might take 4 or 5 hours up, depending on pacing, fitness, stops and conditions. It’s not a climb where you survive by going hard. You survive by being smart.”

The descent from Mount Teide: Unbelievable – and slightly terrifying

Teide is a climb you earn – but the descent is the reward. Smooth roads and long sweeping lines make it unforgettable. But be prepared for serious speed.

“The descent is amazing … A lot of riders freewheel most of the way down, and you’re thinking, ‘This is unbelievable.’ Then you look at your speed and think, ‘This is also slightly terrifying.’”

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The most underrated part of the Island

Many visitors never ride outside the southwest, but Lee insists the north is where you discover Tenerife’s wild side. It feels older, rawer and far less touristy; like a completely different destination. He likens the north side of the island to Utah or Death Valley.

“I rode down toward the northern coast and it felt like Tenerife from 100 years ago – banana plantations, tiny villages, huge Atlantic waves smashing into the rocks. And there were almost no tourists. It was phenomenal.”

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The Masca Wall: Spectacular, brutal and unforgiving

Masca is one of Tenerife’s most famous “hard rides,” and it deserves the reputation. It’s beautiful, remote, and steep enough to humble just about anyone – so preparation isn’t optional. Still, Lee says Masca is one of those rides everyone should do once.

“When you think you’ve topped out, you descend a little, and then you hit the wall. It’s 15 percent to 20 percent in places. But it’s also one of the most spectacular rides on the island.”

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Tenerife for the pros vs. Tenerife or the rest of us

Pro cycling teams love Tenerife because of altitude training, but their Tenerife is not the same as a typical cycling holiday. Lee recommends that most riders stay coastal so the trip feels like a real vacation, not just a training camp.

“If you stay on the coast, you get the best of both worlds: the climbs are still there, but you’ve also got life around you.”

Don’t miss an episode of ROUVY Unchained

ROUVY Unchained brings you inside the world of cycling through candid conversations with pro athletes, adventurers and industry experts. From training insights to travel inspiration, each episode offers stories that motivate you to ride more – and ride better.

Subscribe on your favourite platform to catch every new release:

  • ▶️ Watch the full episode now on YouTube

  • 🎧 Subscribe on Spotify and Apple Music to get new episodes every two weeks.

  • 📷 Follow Love Velo (@love_velo_cycling_) on Instagram

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FAQ

Mark Nessmith
ROUVY Writer
Mark Nessmith is a native of south Florida who’s spent most of the past three decades living in Europe. During his career in writing and editing, his beats have included cycling, golf, baseball, football and basketball. On two wheels, his preferred terrain is the seemingly endless network of cycling trails throughout the forests of the Czech Republic. Mark and his wife have three brilliant kids.
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