8BAR
About the course
The course is located at Tempelhof Airport in Berlin and is the home to Germany’s largest fixed gear bike race; The 8 Bar Crit.
The race isn’t for the faint hearted, the technical course makes it tough when mixing it up with 100 other athletes. Especially when riding a fixie with no brakes.
What to expect
If you’re here to race you better warm-up. There are loads of tight, technical corners that you will be braking for so be ready to go hard from the gun and push out of every turn to stay with the group. There is no climbing so the course can suit those with bigger absolute power.
BORREGO SPRINGS
About the course
Located in San Diego County, California and close to the location of the 2019 6, 12 and 24 hour Time Trial World Championships, Borrego Springs is so flat it’s almost scary.
What to expect
The course is simple. One 7.7 km lap climbs only 9m of elevation and has four long straights and five corners. This makes it perfect for completing training sessions if you don’t want to use ERG mode or great for working on tempo efforts.
When it comes to racing, Borrego is a wolf in sheep’s clothing, don’t be fooled, it might be okay sitting in the peloton but if a group of strong riders get in a breakaway, bridging the gap will not come easy.
CANARY WHARF
About the course
Located in London, England, Canary Wharf is one of the most famous finance centres in the world.
It’s not a usual destination for recreational cyclists but Bromptons and city bikes are commonplace along the district’s roads as people make their way in and out of the busy offices.
What to expect
The course is short but relatively technical, there are plenty of corners which require the use of brakes making this perfect for crit racing.
If you are racing here, expect to be reacting to attacks out of the corners and keep your position in mind as riders can escape and solo to the finish.
CAP DE FORMENTOR
About the course
Cap Formentor is probably the most iconic ride in Mallorca, a true favorite and must ride of all those that visit the island. With around 1000m of climbing in the main 35km section it truly is a challenge that you won’t forget.
We start our ride on the edge of Port de Pollenca riding along the vibrant beachfront and port area. From here you can see the imposing mountains which await you. Once through the town you hit the first climb, your journey continues winding its way to the famous lighthouse. The route has truly stunning views from the start to the finish.
What to expect
If you are racing, make sure you bring your climbing legs, that first climb will split the field, the descent will give you time to recover and get ready for the relatively flat middle section where the pace will be high. The final section starts with a short sharp climb and this continues up through the famous tunnel and on to the very top.
MONT VENTOUX
About the course
Located in Southern France, Ventoux makes a regular appearance in the Tour de France and has animated the race since 1951.
With a summit of 1909 m it deserves the reputation as the ‘Giant of Provence’ and the climb has become a destination for cyclists from around the world.
What to expect
It doesn’t matter if your racing up Ventoux like the pros or challenging yourself against one of cycling’s great adventures, you will be immersed from the first turn of the pedals. You will head out of the town of Malaucene and climb a total of 1596m over 25.5 km of riding.
There is no doubt that riders who have a higher W/KG will do well on this course.
PATERBERG
About the course
It’s been said that Flandriens are made of cycling and that’s probably not too far from the truth.
The Belgian region was the birthplace of Avermaet, Boonen and Gilbert, the hardmen of modern cycling. It’s also home to the most famous climb from one of the best one-day bike races of all time – The Paterberg which is part of the infamous Tour of Flanders.
What to expect
Expect to feel like a pro in the early season classics.
You’re going to pick your way through the Belgian fields and rolling terrain before the Paterberg bites.
At only 400m long it isn’t an epic, but with an average gradient of 12.5% and a max gradient of 20% the legs will certainly feel it.
PIENZA
About the course
Located in Tuscany, Italy, Pienza was once the home of Pope Puis II and is now a UNESCO world heritage site.
The area is a common destination for cyclists and it is one of the best examples of a Renaissance town in Italy.
What to expect
There is no doubt, the Italian countryside and Pienza are beautiful. The route is perfect for any type of rider, especially those looking to have some fun on a punchy course.
Racing on Pienza will be hard (would you expect anything else) and is likely to be decided on the climb.
STELVIO
About the course
Sat tall above the Italian-Swiss border the Stelvio is the highest paved Mountain Pass in the Eastern Alps.
Home to some of the greatest battles of Italy’s Grand Tour, the Giro d’Italia, the pass has seen the legends of the sport such as Merckx, Coppi and De Vlaeminck attack the gradient.
What to expect
Expect to be immersed in one of the best climbs in Europe and feel like a pro as you push yourself to Go Beyond.
The route isn’t meant to be easy, but you’ve got this, we believe in you.
This is a climbers course and starts the same as it finishes; going up, but that doesn’t mean it’s not for you.
