Europe offers endless opportunities and some of the most magnificent and picturesque but challenging climbing destinations for riding in the world. Without leaving your home, you can venture there and experience these stunning locations on ROUVY. Some European countries host famous World Tour races and monument classics for the pros. The races get massive coverage but are also renowned for training to prepare for the coming race season. So let's get packed, get your passport stamped and head off to explore these incredible and iconic places to see where the World Tour pros train and race.
Ride Mallorca on the ROUVY app
Mallorca, forming part of the Balearic Islands lying south of the Spanish mainland, is one of Europe's top go-to cycling destinations for avid and hobby cyclists and is a must-visit. Recently, the island has played a part as a famous training ground and cycling haven for cycling pros and recreational cyclists. Here one can take advantage of the mild weather in Spring, in the early cycling season, and do some intensive climbing training on beautiful but challenging climbs.
The region provides a mix of profiles and beautiful scenic landscapes: from mountainous terrain in the west of the island to flat routes in the south and east. There is also an annual event called the Mallorca 312-kilometre recreational sportive or Gran Fondo on the calendar near the end of April every year. The ride starts on the northeast coast at Playa de Muro and is one of the most famous in Europe, with over 8000 entrants. The event is also the most gruelling amateur cycling race, with 5,000m of climbing in the Serra Tramuntana mountains.
Where the four winds meet the light
At the end of this rugged limestone outcrop protruding into the sea stands a lighthouse at 210m that lights the way for boats sailing off Mallorcan shores in the dark. This landmark – that was once long ago, only accessible by sea or mule track – will be your destination on ROUVY’s Cap de Formentor route. The road is undulating with hairpins, winding, fast downhills and gorgeous vistas.
Visit Spanish mainland legendary gems
One of the most famous, enjoyable, and quite manageable climbs in the region of Aragón is Col du Pourtalet. It’s a unique climb, forming a natural border between France and Spain in the Pyrenees. The climb has been used numerous times in the Vuelta a España and the Tour de France. It is also used each year in the famous Quebrantahuesos Gran Fondo.
Another beautiful coastal route to explore in Spain is the rolling, up-and-down coastline meander from the Tossa de Mar, a seaside town enclosed by a mediaeval castle taking you to Sant Feliu de Guixols in the municipality of Catalonia, not far from the French border in Girona.
Climb legendary French passes where heroes are made
The French Alps are a regular and favourite cycling destination to explore. The alps appear on most bucket lists of places to cycle, where Tour heroes have battled in the Tour de France. The most popular and iconic "Hors Catégorie" climbs, frequently appearing at the end of exciting mountain top finishes, are a big drawcard for avid cyclists looking to challenge themselves. An HC climb is "beyond categorization in terms of gradient" and the most challenging climb in a cycle race. You can tackle these HC climbs on ROUVY: the Luz Ardiden, Col du Tourmalet and the Col d'Aubisque. Boasting breathtaking scenery, these classics in the French Pyrenees contribute to the many legendary climbs of the Tour de France and La Vuelta.
Next, we head a bit further south in France towards the Mediterranean. We find ourselves immersed in the mythical place of the cycling legends, the iconic Giant of Provence, Mt Ventoux. There are three ways up: via Bedoin, Maleaucene or Sault. The area has a background steeped in many Tour de France dramatic battles and stories of triumph and tragedy on Mt Ventoux since the Tour began. If a less demanding profile suits you better, however, enjoy a more gentle pace cycling in the lavender fields of Provence at the foot of the Giant.
Heading back up north, we do a whistle-stop tour of Paris for a fun city cycle and see what this magical and famous city has to offer before continuing on our trip through the magnificent sites of Europe.
Ride Paris, the city of lights and love
ROUVY’s tour of Paris takes riders through a famous section of one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The capital of France, known as the City of Lights, is a global centre for art, fashion, gastronomy and culture. A view of Paris's most iconic landmark, the Eiffel Tower – built to celebrate the centennial of the French Revolution – marks the start of your journey. You then cycle over and along the Seine River, where you’ll spot Notre Dame. Take a quick picnic break at a park and then continue to the Louvre Museum, famous for the Mona Lisa. Ride past the Palais Royal, and Place de la Concorde and finish up on the famous Champs-Élysées, the grande finale of the Tour de France.
