Tackling Kühtai, a wonder of the Austrian Tyrol, with Sarah Bacher As we move into autumn, snow has started to whiten the tops of the Alpes de Stubai massif which surrounds the valley of Innsbruck. For this year’s winter season, I decided to settle in Innsbruck. I still have a month’s preparation left before things really get started, but I’m already so looking forward to letting it rip. Seeing the first flakes fall gets me impatient and I’m so excited by the thought of getting on my snowboard and hurtling down my first descent. This town was unveiled to the cycling world during the 2018 World Championships, but I already know it pretty well. My path ended here many times when I came to ski in the surrounding ski resorts. Lots of my friends live here too, including Louisa, who’s accompanying me on today’s outing. The advantage of Innsbruck is that its terrain is really versatile. You can cycle along the flat bank of the Inn River, just as you can venture up the neighbouring mountain slopes, where summits can reach over 2000m in altitude. Louisa and I met at school. It served as a specialist school for skiing. We have kept in touch ever since. At the time, I was already partial to snowboarding and Louisa to skiing. Unfortunately, she suffered several knee injuries and had to quit racing . She then discovered a love for cycling, which leads us to the here and now. It’s going to be awesome to share my training sessions with an old friend on Tyrol’s superb roads. It’s Louisa who will serve as our guide today, and her advice is going to be important for me as I climb the giant of the Alpes that is Kühtai. These last few months I’ve put my cycling on the back burner a bit because my training has already started. Each day, I train for two hours. I spend this time out running to work on my balance and core strength, or at the gym, doing weights. On other days, I spend my time revising my lessons online. Since September 2021, I’ve been studying for a university course about dietetics. The programme focuses on top-level athletes and I will complete it in 5 years instead of 3. This winter, with training, travelling and competitions, I won’t be able to dedicate as much time to cycling as during my off season. Kühtai has a special place in my heart because it’s there that I participated in one of my very first competitions. I was 10 years old when I took a trip across to Austria to battle against all the other young skiers from the country. Each year in fact, a series of competitions bring together all the junior winter sport competitors, an opportunity to spot the future talent. I won third place at my first competition and it’s a fond memory of mine. It all started from that moment and things quickly snowballed. I was worried that today’s weather wouldn’t be on our side because autumn in Innsbruck can be quite unpredictable - the weather can do a 180 on you. But luckily, we had sunshine all day long and the temperature was mild, at about 12 degrees (except at the summit, where the snow was waiting for us and where the thermostat showed sub-zero). We tackle the climb at a good pace: 23 km of up-hill riding is on the menu. Louisa advises me to keep some gas left in the tank to get through the long and hard 1km climb at 15% (with parts at 20%) which starts at kilometre 11. We reach this wall that rises up straight in front of us – it’s really quite impressive. Once we’re passed that, the kilometres go by quicker, just as the landscape becomes more and more breathtaking. The last 4 km are the icing on the cake – the beauty of the place makes us almost forget the 18 km of hard work our legs have already endured, not to mention the cold wind that freezes our cheeks. We pass snow ploughs heading in the opposite direction and the descending cars have snow on their roofs, all signs that we’re getting close to the summit. Soon, snow is added to the frame and borders the road, making our ride even more epic. And there we are! We reach the summit. We stop for only five minutes, immortalising the moment with a picture in front of the “Kühtai 2020m” sign, before wrapping up to brave the glacial descent. I always enjoy the descent, I like the feeling of freedom, the sensation of flying. It reminds me of snowboarding. But today, the cold paralyses my fingers and tenses my muscles, which makes it less pleasurable than usual. Thankfully, the magnificent views and the sun warm us up a little bit. This ride will surely be the last one of the year for me, the cold and the snow are coming quickly. I turn my sights towards the imminent winter season. But this little escape has already given me some ideas for new cycling adventures next spring, and why not Innsbruck – Nice ? Further Riding Sarah Bacher: an Introduction As a snowboarder hoping to make the Freeride World Tour, cycling for me is a great endurance training but also another exciting way to explore the mountains. VIEW MORE Caravan A collective of like minded sports people bonded by a shared love of cycling. Their reasons for riding are varied but they all have a common passion for exploring on two wheels. VIEW MORE Guillaume Néry: A Traverse Across the Pyrenees Each summer, I set off on an adventurous trip with good friends who are up for a challenge. Last year, we bikepacked through the Alps and this year we tackled the Pyrenees. VIEW MORE A Mont-Blanc Gravel Tour with Etienne Hubert After the last few months of training and the Olympics in Japan, I find myself constantly craving nature. I’ve thought about doing a Gravel tour of Mont Blanc for so long, so this seemed like the perfect time. VIEW MORE

URBAN GARDENING ON THE ROOFTOPS OF MONACO A few kilometers from the port of Nice, Monaco is our destination of the day. It may be one of the smallest countries in the world, but it’s also home to some of the biggest legends in the cycling world - Peter Sagan, Primož Roglič, Cadel Evans and Geraint Thomas have all made Monaco their home. On the menu today is Monaco via the Col d’Eze - a road made famous by the Paris-Nice race, however Rani, a cyclist and mountaineer, takes the road less travelled on the most improbable gravel paths. Rani is a researcher working at the University and leading the Master’s degree on land revitalisation, so she’s always in search of innovative solutions, like Jessica Sbaraglia’s Terre de Monaco - a start-up urban agriculture business responsible for the organic vegetable gardens sprouting up all over the rooftops of Monaco. The goal is to reach Menton by lunchtime, going off the beaten track along car-free backcountry roads. The first stop is Gorbio, a stunning medieval village perched on the side of a hill, with olive trees rising up all around the village. On this sunny day this vantage point offers panoramic views out across the Mediterranean, as the Turbie fountain helps quench the thirst from climbing the Col d’Eze. With the bidon filled it’s time to jump back onto the saddle and continue the journey. Ten kilometers further, as if balanced on the very edge of the cliff, sits the Maybourne Riviera luxury hotel, with its white modernist architecture providing a striking contrast against the deep blue sea. The right to disfigure such a beautiful landscape could one day be forgiven, but for now the building remains nothing more than a curiosity before descending on the drops at full speed to Menton and eventually to Monaco thirty minutes later. Bordered by France and the Mediterranean, Monaco is the world’s most densely populated country and to increase its living space the only way is up, literally, as Monaco’s towers increase in height. The tiny sovereign state of Monaco is widely recognised for being one of the most expensive and wealthiest places on earth, with one in three of its 40,000 inhabitants being a millionaire. Rani met Jessica, urban gardener extraordinaire, at the foot of the Odeon Tower - a 170m skyscraper, on top of which sits the world’s most expensive apartment - a symbol of Monaco’s exorbitant real estate market. Monaco may seem a less than ideal place for farming, yet Jessica knows the only way is up with her 450 m2 urban garden on the rooftop, with its fruits, vegetables, edible flowers, herbs, chickens and beehives. This is a garden unlike any other and it arouses the curiosity of Rani the researcher. For Jessica, founder of Terre de Monaco, nothing is impossible. She wanted to create urban gardens in Monaco and with the help of local businesses and a crowd-funding campaign, the first organic gardens started to spring to life on the rooftops of buildings and luxury hotels in 2016. Sprinting ahead to 2021, five spaces are being exploited with an area of 1600m2 now under cultivation, producing 4000 kilograms of fruit and vegetables. The model is simple, the produce is sold to the inhabitants of the buildings or to chefs from Michelin star restaurants at the large hotels with rooftop urban gardens - whatever is in the garden, they can cook next! What is really incredible is the utopia of revitalizing these small urban spaces using the values of organic gardening and permaculture - no pesticides or chemical fertilizers are used and this form of urban agriculture is an innovative framework for developing sustainable lifestyles. Jessica’s ambitions aren’t just confined to urban agriculture, she’s also inspiring school children in Monaco - almost 3000 children a year enjoy a fabulous field of awareness and awakening in these tiny cultivated spaces. The urban roof garden at the Monaco hospital also provides patients with a way to help boost their mental health, with many choosing to spend their time working there. The young entrepreneur also leads seminars, does consulting with top Michelin chefs and is looking to take her vision of sustainable urban agriculture abroad, including a new project at the huge Outlet Center in Belgium which has 10,000m2 of roof space that can be cultivated. “There are three of us running the business today,” said Jessica, who went on to say “this is the first time in 5 years that I’ve taken a week's vacation, it takes a huge amount of dedication and self-sacrifice to achieve the results you see here today.” For Rani, this innovative economic model for sustainable urban agriculture is something very unique to include in a University course. She plans to invite Jessica for conferences at the University to speak about her experiences and inspire the students. Back to Nice, another beautiful autumn day on the Côte d'Azur is drawing to a close. The bike rolls at speed on the Basse Corniche road where the ocean swell throws its spray towards the mesmerizing sunset. It was more than just a ride today. It was a chance to dream, to rethink our reality, and to consider how to transform the way we live in a place and consume. A sunset state of mind, which resonates with the words of Théodore Monod: "Utopia is not the unrealizable but the unrealized." Further Riding THE RESILIENCE OF THE HINTERLAND In October 2020, Storm Alex hit the valleys in the hinterland around Nice and the whole landscape was permanently altered. Chris returns one year later. READ MORE THE MONTS D'AZUR A 1300m climb to explore the wild animal reserve of the Monts d’Azur and ride the thrilling descent down the other side, through tunnels cut in the rock. READ MORE COL DE VENCE An unforgiving climb, renowned for it's desert-like landscape, beautiful views of the Mediterrean Sea and the absence of an escape from the blazing sun. READ MORE ROSE DE MAI Heading for the foothills of Grasse, and its Rose de Mai. Flowers in full bloom and early season climbs combine to produce a beautiful spring ride. READ MORE PARIS - NICE Paris- Nice didn't end as it should this year but the roads not ridden are still there. A local classic that says spring has arrived. READ MORE

A Mont-Blanc Gravel Tour with Etienne Hubert Tokyo is now behind me. The Olympic Games take months of preparation and involve strict constraints – weeks and months of self-sacrifice. The results weren’t quite what I was counting on, but there were new lessons to be learnt once again. Paris 2024 will no doubt be my last Olympic Games. I know that I’m still obsessed with the desire to give it my all and to win, so I’ll do everything I can to get there. But right now, I’m craving wide open spaces. After the last few months of training and my weeks spent in Japan, it’s impossible for me to get back to normal daily life without the crucial step of submerging myself in nature, reconnecting with life’s simplest things and, for a few days, pushing myself to tackle every difficulty thrown at me. I’ve thought about doing a tour of Mont Blanc on gravel for a long time. I’ve researched routes and gathered stories about it. As a map fanatic, I’ve dissected them to find the best route. For me, the ideal itinerary is the one which goes via as many paths as possible, and which veers off the built roads to get as close as possible to the paths. Gravel still has to mean rideable though, so that the epic doesn’t turn into an epic ordeal. I’m giving myself 3 days to do this – it needs to be a realistic time goal, given that, at the start of October, the days have become extensively shorter. I went on a quest to find friends who wanted to share this tour of Mont Blanc with me. Having friends on board for this kind of experience transforms it from a sport and nature mission to a true party. For Patrick, who lives in the Mont Blanc region, it didn’t take long to convince him. He had just completed the same tour by road, so the desire for something more original and, at times, a bit more hazardous really tempted him. And so, we set off. We packed light. I completely threw my usual principles out of the window, such as riding in total autonomy, bringing everything for my meals and nights with me – that’s to say, bringing the very minimum. This time, we reserved a few nights in small hotels that were still open at the end of the season. I hope I’m not becoming middle class, but I don’t think so. The whole length of the journey I imagined myself riding with a bit more gear, making my den wherever the path took me. Admittedly, the bike’s setup could have been a bit different because certain sections of the ride favoured bikes that are equipped with good suspension travel, as opposed to our semi-rigid gravel bikes, which were often more than mistreated. As for the route, we set out to complete an itinerary of 220km with 7500m of elevation gain over 3 days. The weather was supposed to worsen on the last day, but in reality, we had ideal conditions for the trip. The rain that was expected on the last day created a kind of debate, we talked about it with hikers and other cyclists on electric mountain bikes that we met. The glass half empty people promised us hell so far as the weather and the mountain terrain that awaited us were concerned. The glass half full kind predicted the best scenario possible. You should always listen to the optimists; these kinds of people help us move forwards in life. We had the best weather and the worst of the mountain terrain made us smile. We upheld our rhythm of 2500m of elevation gain per day, sometimes a bit more. Every chance we had we took the off-road option, even if it was very rough. We pushed, we carried, we also fell, but we always got back up, nothing too nasty. On the second day, we covered only 14km by 1PM, so we had to eat up 70km in the afternoon, followed by a pretty hazardous descent in the dark along the road going from Cormet de Roseland to Beaufort. We took time to lift our noses up off the handlebars and observe, appreciate, meet people. That’s what I like about this kind of adventure, and it’s why I’m never reluctant to go alone if no one wants to come with me: the people you meet are always great and never disappoint you. To embark upon a trip like this is to make yourself available and open to meeting people. And it always works. I have plenty of projects in mind – explorations by bike, on cross-country skis or by kayak. I’m even thinking about combining several of these modes of transport into one experience. I’m really into the combination of bike-cross-country skiing for this winter. I’ll start looking for a potential playground for this idea – a new Caravan story to come! Further Riding Étienne Hubert: an Introduction As a World Champion sprint canoeist, cycling has always been a key part of my training routine but also a great way to socialise and explore hidden routes. VIEW MORE Caravan A collective of like minded sports people bonded by a shared love of cycling. Their reasons for riding are varied but they all have a common passion for exploring on two wheels. VIEW MORE Guillaume Néry: A Traverse Across the Pyrenees Each summer, I set off on an adventurous trip with good friends who are up for a challenge. Last year, we bikepacked through the Alps and this year we tackled the Pyrenees. VIEW MORE The Morvan The Grande Traversée du Morvan ('GTM') was built into a route consisting of more than 400km of track through huge fir forests. It's so good it's certified by the French cycling federation. VIEW MORE

Storm Alex: The Resilience of the Hinterland A year ago, on the 2nd October 2020, local authorities put Nice and its hinterland on red alert. Storm Alex, an Atlantic depression, was recategorized as a ‘volatile storm’ by weather reporters, which was heading towards the South of France. Schools in the area were closed for the day and businesses were asked to send their employees home. Nobody yet knew where and how the storm would hit. The coast endured more destructive storms than usual, but it was the valleys in the hinterland around Nice, in France and in Italy, that paid the highest price and were indefinitely marred by the uncommonly violent weather event. 18 people died, hundreds of homes were washed away, roads were destroyed, bridges were torn apart, and the whole landscape was permanently altered. To live in the back country is to choose a much harsher way of life than in urban areas. The economy there is fragile, it takes a long time to get around, supplies are harder to come by, comforts are very often limited to the bare minimum and access to technology for communicating is often unpredictable. Beyond the trauma that it caused, Storm Alex made daily life much more complicated for thousands of people – the majority of them became severely isolated. In Roya valley, the roads were heavily impacted for months on end. The touristic train of Merveilles, which goes from Nice to Tende, became the lifeline of the valley overnight. In some villages and hamlets, lanes and pathways were the only accessible routes. One year on, this region is still trying to get back to normal life – the resilience of the valleys has been tested to its limits. It’s October 2021, Chris is boarding the Merveilles train with his gravel bike, returning to the region a year after the storm. The aim of the day’s ride is to meet local residents and contemplate everything that is hopeful. After a two-hour journey alongside the mountain, the train arrives into Tende, just a few kilometres from the Italian border. There’s hustle and bustle in the little village bakery and the morning sun is just starting to shine into the alleyways – it’s going to be a beautiful day. On the menu today are two cols, Brouis and Braus, but that’s for later. Chris is using the first part of his day for a little detour around the village of La Brigue, where a chapel called Notre Dame des Fontaines miraculously survived last year’s floods. The parallel between Storm Alex and the history of this building is captivating. In the 12th century, very probably after an earthquake, the water sources in La Brigue dried up, leaving its inhabitants faced with the worrying situation of drought. Villagers vowed to build a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary if water returned to its sources. The miracle came true, and the chapel was erected on the site where seven streams sprouted from the rocks. The phenomenon is clear for visitors to see today. The little church remained intact inside and out, even though it was built on the edge of one of the streams which was turned into a river on the night of the 2nd October 2020. Though it appears to be a modest building from the outside, the chapel conceals a priceless treasure inside. It’s like looking at a smaller version of the famous Sistine Chapel: the nave of the building is home to over 200m2 of paintings dating from the 15th century. With its 26 frescos depicting the Passion of Christ, one can familiarise themselves with the beliefs and superstitions of the time. Flawlessly preserved, although never renovated, these paintings, which use a technique particular to ‘distemper’ painting, have stood the test of time with incredible freshness, giving visitors an absolutely marvellous sight to behold. The path which goes around the chapel is none other than the salt road, a superb gravel track on which we’ve already lingered, and where we’ll have to return. The fact remains that this little piece of road between Saint Dalmas de Tende and the chapel is bursting with intriguing things, enough to distract any curious rider: look out for the huge, abandoned lime kiln and the remarkable so-called Rooster Bridge. It would be a shame not to see them. To access the two cols which lead back to Nice, one has to follow the Valley de la Roya road for about 15 kilometres. A year on, the sight is still horrifying. Despite the important reconstruction work already undertaken and the round-the-clock activity of the specialists working there, the scars from the storm are still obvious and they are proof of the power of water. In Breil sur Roya, the road follows the col of Brouis. This place is testament to a different period in time – a monument dating from the Maginot Line stands here. The fort built on the col of Brouis consists of an artillery block which could station over 170 men, sent there to protect access to the col at the beginning of WW2. Awaiting Christopher in Sospel is the final challenge of the day, the col of Braus. The last 800 metres of climbing feels like a formality. Following that, the road slopes downhill towards Escarène, and quickly leads back to the outskirts of Nice. The days ends at the Port, and then, Nice’s Old Town, after an emotionally and historically rich expedition. Further Riding THE MONTS D’AZUR A 1300m climb to explore the wild animal reserve of the Monts d’Azur and ride the thrilling descent down the other side, through tunnels cut in the rock. READ MORE COL DE VENCE An unforgiving climb, renowned for it's desert-like landscape, beautiful views of the Mediterrean Sea and the absence of an escape from the blazing sun. READ MORE ROSE DE MAI Heading for the foothills of Grasse, and its Rose de Mai. Flowers in full bloom and early season climbs combine to produce a beautiful spring ride. READ MORE PARIS - NICE Paris- Nice didn't end as it should this year but the roads not ridden are still there. A local classic that says spring has arrived. READ MORE BACK TO BASICS If you’re looking for flat, look somewhere else. It may be close to home but it's time to climb. This is two times up and two times down. Really what riding is about. READ MORE

Guillaume Néry: A Traverse Across the Pyrenees It’s now a well-established ritual that, each summer, I set off on a trip with good friends who are up for accompanying me. Two years ago, my friend Fouad and I set off from Nice and trekked across the Southern French Alps on foot. Last year, we were spurred on by Audrey to do another trip to the Alps, this time by bike. This year, we tackled the Pyrenees and Audrey was, of course, part of the journey. I really could take on any journey with these two by my side. We head out with the sole objective of arriving. With no electronics or digital maps, we’re going old school. Armed only with a paper map and an itinerary that we’ll just feel out day to day, the idea is to do between 70 and 90 km per day with 1500/2000m elevation gain and complete the crossing from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic Ocean in the time (our goal is around two weeks). Our bikes aren’t the most modern, but they work and they climb if we pedal hard, and that’s all we’re asking of them. We’re more fortunate this year in terms of clothing because the Café sorted us out. We’ve quickly discovered how practical it is to have a jersey with pockets in the back. We really should have them on all our everyday clothes – I think it’s a trend that will hit the fashion market, and quickly. How come no one has thought of this before? Another concept I’m thinking about really looking into on the journey home: Birkenstocks with automatic pedal clips. Audrey is completing this expedition in sandals – she hasn’t brought anything else – but we agreed that at least with clips they’d be more efficient. We take on these adventures with minimal gear, our lives are contained in two saddlebags for several days. To get hold of a reserve of drinking water is a daily challenge. This minimalism makes us appreciate the comforts. If Fouad were sent to a desert island, I now know that he would bring his tin cup, his Italian coffee maker and his camping stove, seeing as coffee is key to his survival. Audrey, on the other hand, wouldn’t survive without a river to clean herself in at the end of each day. We’re also carrying things which we didn’t foresee taking when we set off. In the train from Nice to Perpignan, our paths crossed with a Ukrainian man who was kind enough to share with us a little piece of his culture, a speciality, absolutely amazing– thick pork rind covered with grilled pork skin. The dish leaves a very special sensation in your mouth, and it’s a brand new taste for me. We decided to enjoy it in moderation and make it last our entire trip. We won’t forget to take pictures with it in the most impressive places we travel through. Tonight, after a long journey in the saddle, we will lie down in the grass. We will get out what we’ve bought to eat and drink en route and simply enjoy the magic of the moment. We’ll tell each other that life here is really beautiful. We’ll lift our eyes up to the sky and hope it stays mild. If not, we’ll find a makeshift shelter, we’ll huddle together under the tarp we’ve got with us, and we’ll have an unforgettable experience. Then, we will set off again to attack more climbs, meet new people and make unforgettable memories. Life as I like it, existence as I see it. Further Riding Guillaume Néry: An Introduction Cycling has forged me into the athlete I am today, but it is so much more than just a way to train as it encompasses travel, exploration and discovery. VIEW MORE Caravan A collective of like minded sports people bonded by a shared love of cycling. Their reasons for riding are varied but they all have a common passion for exploring on two wheels. VIEW MORE Tracing the Torino-Nice Rally. A legendary gravel ride travelling from Italy to France. Sophie Gateau explores the route ahead of the start of the Rally this September. VIEW MORE Jurasick Park The PCR Gravier collective is back with its latest adventure – a grand traverse of the Jura mountains. But did they find any dinosaurs? VIEW MORE

RIDE OF THE MONTH: An Escape to the Monts d’Azur Without doubt, some of us have the time and necessary skill level to complete this route in its entirety, starting from the Port of Nice. Personally, I decided to take the train to reach Grasse, taking in the nice beachside journey, and getting away from the surge of cars still clogging up the coastal roads in early autumn. Grasse station, in the perfume capital, is my starting point at precisely 212m in altitude. The road which takes me to Saint Vallier de Thiey goes through the old town before reaching the heights of the town. 300 metres of elevation gain separates the low parts and high parts. That’s to say that, leaving Grasse, I can already feel it in my legs. Saint Vallier de Thiey can be reached in a little under one and a half hours. In the village square, the bust of Napoleon and the bench on which he sat is a reminder of his return journey from the Island of Elba on March 2nd, 1815. Fans of his will appreciate it. The road that climbs up to Ferrier is a cyclist’s dream. The big hairpin turns, which dominate the bottom of the Napoléon road where I just came from, offer stunning views out to sea and tempt me to take a quick break – a photo here is a must. After climbing the col, I enter into the Préalpes d’Azur park, and, as I continue to climb, I eat up the miles to get to the col of Castellaras quickly. 35km and a little over 1300m of elevation gain are now between me and my starting point. Passing over the Thorenc plateau is like changing worlds, an amazing surprise is waiting for me. The Monts d’Azur nature reserve stretches over 700 hectares, and its purpose is to reintroduce ancient and remarkable species of flora and fauna, dating from the Neolithic Era. All of these species (mammals, birds, insects, fish etc.) live alongside each other in total freedom. From the road which runs along the reserve you will certainly see bison, wild horses, stag, deer, elk and boar. The reserve is an exceptional model of a ‘rewilding’ experiment, an initiative which makes sense for lovers of unspoilt nature and protected areas. You would have to come back without your bike to really profit from a full day, or even night here, which would make for an unparalleled experience. Along the plateau which leads to Gréolières, a little ski resort in the back country of Nice, I find myself going at a quick pace. Boosted by a current of hot air and the abundance of vegetation surrounding me, the feeling of freedom is crazy! And when I arrive on a magical road on the side of the mountain, strewn with tunnels carved into the rock, I tell myself that what I’m experiencing is absolutely extraordinary. The scenery changes every 10km and so I am plunged into new atmospheres, each one as unique and as thrilling as the next. The end of my route follows the Loup river. From the gorge to larger riverbeds in the valley, the river eventually flows into the sea. I follow it until its end, and, like the river, I join up with the Mediterranean Sea at Cagnes sur Mer. The river’s course stops here, but mine finishes another dozen kilometres further along, past the Promenade des Anglais, and, finally, into the Port of Nice. Col De Vence The Col de Vence is an unforgiving climb, renowned for it's desert-like landscape, beautiful views of the Mediterrean Sea and the absence of an escape from the blazing sun. READ MORE Rose de Mai Heading for the foothills of Grasse, and its Rose de Mai. Flowers in full bloom and early season climbs combine to produce a beautiful spring ride. READ MORE Paris - Nice Paris- Nice didn't end as it should this year but the roads not ridden are still there. A local classic that says spring has arrived. READ MORE Corniche D'or Early in the year it can be cold, even on the Cote d’Azur. The days are shorter, the sun is weaker and even the water seems less blue. READ MORE Col St Roch Joining the dots that are the perched villages of the arrière-pays niçois for a roller-coaster ride that peaks over the Col St Roch. READ MORE

Guillaume Néry Some of my first dives were along the Promenade des Anglais as a child. I remember the excitement and fear of seeing the pebbles go deeper and deeper and then almost disappearing out of sight. I found it fascinating, like I was going into my own little space. I started freediving at 14 and initially I was just focused competitions and records. In 2015, I tried to break my 5th world record but there was a mistake in the measurement of the cable. I ended up at 139M instead of 129M which was way too deep for me and I damaged my lungs on the way up. I recovered but it was a breaking point and my relationship with the sport changed. I stopped competing and I realised that freediving was an amazing way to see the underwater world, marine animals and explore new places. It's not just a sport, it's a lifestyle and you develop a relationship with the elements. It teaches you humility because when you dive deep into the sea you realise how small we are. Cycling has forged me into the athlete I have become. As a child, I wasn’t particularly into sports, but I always went out on my bike regularly. It has helped me develop strong thighs and a passion for endurance which are essential for deep diving. When I started to perform well underwater, I used the bike as a training tool because it is great for practicing breath work, energy saving and building muscle. In college I was going out on my bike around 5 times a week and even as my career progressed, I still rode at least twice a week. Over the years my relationship with cycling has changed as well. Now, I use my bike all time to get around Nice, not just for training, and recently I have fallen in love with bikepacking. Last summer I crossed the Alps with my partner and this year I hope to take on the Pyrenees. instagram @guillaumenery facebook @Guillaume Néry twitter @guillaumenery “ Where I ride Around Nice, I enjoy exploring the Esteron valley, up to St-Auban. But if I only had two hours to spare, I would ride the Col d'Eze or Mont Chauve. ” “ What I ride When I was younger I always trained on the road. Nowadays I love riding in the backcountry on small gravel roads where there are no cars. ” “ Why I ride Cycling encompasses several things which are important to me in life: travel, exploration and discovery; it has a strong connection with free diving and has given me so much more than just a way to train. ” Related Stories One Breath Around The World Turn out the light, put on your headphones and freedive with me around the world. VIEW MORE A TRAVERSE ACROSS THE PYRENEES Each summer, I set off on an adventurous trip with good friends who are up for a challenge. VIEW MORE Bike-packing in the Balkans Freediving champion and Caravan athlete Guillaume Néry saddled up with his partner to ride from southern Greece towards their home in Nice. VIEW MORE Diving in at the Café It took five magical minutes to understand the dimension of free-diving champion and Caravan member, Guillaume Néry. To watch him sit and hold his breath for five minutes was a drop in the ocean on the way to understanding what’s required in this super-human sport. VIEW MORE BACK TO THE CARAVAN

SARAH BACHER My mom was a snowboard teacher and in winter I was always snowboarding with my friends. It just always felt like it was the thing I wanted to do. I started in snowboard cross but my body wasn't built for that discipline. Too light, too many injuries, it was a tough time physically and mentally. Then I found snowboard free ride. In free ride it is like someone ripped up the rules. You can almost do what you want, perform the tricks you like, takes the lines you like. As long as you stay in the corridor the rest is up to you. It's liberating and each run is different. It suits me. I’m currently one level down from the Freeride World Tour, which is the same as the World Cup in alpine skiing. Of course my goal is to make it to the Tour but each year only one girl gets to join. The competition for ranking points is tough but that's challange. To improve, to get better, to realise my ambitions. I've always ridden, for pleasure and for training but it used to be a lot of MTB. Now I've switched more to road and for the endurance I need in winter, I enjoy it much more than running. You can go further, you can see more, you can discover endless new places. Like with snowboard, for me riding is more about the feeling I get than the effort itself. The excitement of being outside, the risks in a descent, the decisions I have to take and the sense of ' légèreté', that lightness of spirit when everything is working together perfectly. On a bike or a board, the mountains are always different. There’s always another way you can do things. In snowboarding and in cycling you can always pick another line. instagram @sarah_bacher_ strava @Sarah Bacher “ Where I ride Normally I ride at home in lower Austria or in Innsbruck. It always depends on what training I want to do. So for basic endurance I cycle by the river Danube and for more exhausting training I go into the mountains and try to get as much altitude meters as I can get. ” “ What I ride Anything and almost everything. Roads close to home, sweeps along the river, MTB in Schaldming or intervals as part of my endurance training regime. ” “ Why I ride In snowboarding and in cycling you go with the flow, you go wherever you want. I ride because I can pause and I don’t think about other things. ” Related Stories Tackling Kühtai, a Tyrolian wonder. Snow has just started to whiten the top of Kühtai - a mountain which holds a special place in my heart and the perfect location for a pre-ski season climb. READ MORE THE WHITE VENTOUX Climbing the infamous 'Bald Mountian' is tough in the best conditions. Sprinkle some snow and add some cold and the challenge becomes even more extreme. READ MORE BIKE TO SKI At 1600m up, deep within the Mercantour National Park, surrounded by snow-covered peaks, the pick-up truck is being loaded two by two. READ MORE BACK TO THE CARAVAN

Étienne Hubert I should thank my parents. They took me hiking from a very young age and gave me a love of the outdoors. And they put me in a kayak for the first time. My first memory is of just going around in circles. The sport is very technical, much like swimming, and it takes years to ingrain good habits on the water. I've been a junior and senior world champion and finished seventh at the Olympic Games but I'm still learning all of the time. Like any elite sport, there are good things and bad things along the way. You have to be very selfish sometimes and it is easy to find yourself cut off from real life, in a 'bubble' which is only about one thing. But I love the challenge of the journey, looking ahead to the next goal and wondering how and if I'll get there. Any victories along the way are always nice as well, of course. Cycling is a key part of my training routine but it has always been more than that. Sometimes I have to ride alone but if possible I like to ride in a group, it's a great contrast to my day job which can be very individualistic. When I was younger, I would spend time exploring by kayak and by bike with a group of close friends. This gave us all a taste for adventure and it is still there now. I've ridden across amazing landscapes in Patagonia, gone from Eindhoven to `Sedan on an old 'dutch style' bike and crossed through Andorra in the deep winter with plastic bags over my shoes. The next trip, by bike or kayak, is always the best. twitter @hubertetienne1 instagram @tonton_hub “ Where I Ride Around Paris I've discovered some amazing gravel routes. Often I ride with relatives in the Ardennes and I keep a mountain bike at my sister's in the Ardèche. ” “ What I Ride Maybe I'm not really a pure cyclist if I don't love the road. But I love dirt roads. I love rough tracks and out of the way places. ” “ Why I Ride Kayaking is an aerobic sport, you need a big VO2 max and training on a bike helps. Really though it is for the discovery, the little adventure of going from point A to point B. ” Related Stories A Mont-Blanc Gravel Tour After the last few months of training and the Olympics in Japan, I find myself constantly craving nature. I’ve thought about doing this tour for a while so this seemed like the perfect time. READ MORE Lake Émosson The professional canoeist and Caravan athlete, Étienne Hubert, is preparing for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, where he lives. Part of his process is to take himself away from the metropolis, just him, a tent, his bike and of course, his kayak. READ MORE Paris by Night Adventure is around every corner on a bike, even in Paris in winter. Olympic canoeist and Caravan member, Étienne Hubert, takes two kayaking veterans on a twilight tour of Paris. READ MORE BACK TO THE CARAVAN

Alexia Barrier When I was less than 6 years old, my parents moved to Nice and bought a 6m sailboat. I can still feel the sensation of the helm of that boat in my hand and, even though I had blisters, I knew I didn't want to let go. Offshore racing requires a huge amount of versatility that is not found in many sports. You have to be competent in many areas like navigation and technology so you can be as efficient as possible. It is often incredibly rewarding but also requires immense mental strength at points. The scariest moment of my life was during the Vendée Globe race, on December 25 2020. I was in the South Pacific and my mast bending in half because of a broken cable. Theoretically, it had to break, which would have meant the end of the race for me, but it held. Even as one of the best female sailors in the world, you always have to question yourself. You are completely at the mercy of the elements and it never goes the way you have planned. I love the extreme side of sailing but also the freedom of just being out in nature, which is also what I enjoy about cycling. Cycling is a big part of my training. It's endurance, cardio and great mental preparation as well. The stamina needed in those last pedal strokes of a Col help me a lot when I am struggling on the boat. The Alpes- Maritimes is definitely my favourite place to ride - panoramic views and lots of Cols which is great as I appreciate the challenge of a big climb. I also love riding around Barcelonnette, Col de la Bonnette and, of course, the legendary Mont Ventoux but my dream would be to go to Japan for 6 months and ride there. Being outdoors for me is a way to relax; it is the only place where I can chill out and reflect on things. instagram @alexiasailingteam twitter @alexia_barrier strava @alexia barrier “ Where I ride The Alpes-Maritimes, where I live, there is everything here! Although I love the challenge of Mont Ventoux or Col de la Bonette. ” “ What I ride I prefer the road, mainly climbing Cols. I don’t trust myself to explore gravel routes, I have no sense of direction on land. ” “ Why I ride I like to do all my training outdoors so cycling is perfect. Its good endurance preparation and can also be mentally tough, which is important for me. ” Related Stories I am not number Alexia is the 10th woman in the world to have finished the Vendée Globe race without stopping and without assistance. Cycling is her other passion. READ MORE The Highest Crit In The World Redline racing at 2,802m on the lunar landscape and steep slopes of the Cime de la Bonette. READ MORE ABOVE THE CLOUDS – Fuji’s B-Side Climbing through Fuji's forests away from the crowds for a view above the clouds. READ MORE BACK TO THE CARAVAN

TAKE ME TO THE RIVER #7 : LA CLUE DE LA CERISE I still haven’t seen any of summer. I’ve spent the past few weeks on the European circuit, where I did manage to pick up a few nice wins. The feeling of returning home knowing you’ve accomplished your goal is a beautiful one. Coming back to my house, my family, my mountains, the sunshine, is a pleasure that I always savour. Today’s ride is a celebration of these things. The plan? Head inland, hop on my mountain bike and explore new routes, hurtle down new paths, soak up the sun, the sensations and new adventures. I know these parts well - my long hours of training often brought me here. The winding roads of Bouyon and Coursegoules aren’t a secret to me anymore. I come here to find peace – there are hardly any cars. Many riders neglect these roads in favour of the more well-known cols overlooking Nice, but they are wrong to do so. I promised myself to come back to La Clue de la Cerise on a machine equipped with suspension and big tyres. It’s 11 in the morning and swimmers have flocked here early to get the best spots. It’s an extraordinary place, nestled in a valley. The water is heated upstream as its snakes over boiling limestone rock, and it offers an ideal temperature to those who brave the 1-hour walk down. I sped down its bumpy valley side in just a few minutes. For sure, I’ll swim on the way back. But right now, I’ve got to tackle the sloping path which isn’t very wheel-friendly. It’s dotted with big rocks which forces me to use my arms and push myself back up constantly. My aim is to reach Les Ferres, 600 metres higher up, before midday. I am literally soaked in sweat when I come out on the little tarmac road that leads up to the village, with two kilometres to go. Climbing the steep alleyways which lead to the village square, I can’t escape the thought that, in centuries before, my peers knew how to tame the climate – it’s noticeably cooler along these stone walls. I plunge my head into the fountain: ecstasy. My body cools to a more acceptable temperature. Now, for the rocky summit which towers over the village. A local recommends that I take a break at the little church en route, to catch a glimpse of the view over the village: it’s superb. The rocky cliff I ride along is as hot as an oven, it hasn’t rained here for days and choking dust blows up at me. I change path, heading towards a shadier northern slope which, to my surprise, runs through a forest of chestnut trees. Again, the path gets tricky, it’s punctuated with steps, which proves demanding on the arms. As soon as I reach the bottom of the valley, the heat is stifling. My face is covered in dust and trickles with sweat. I’ve lost my way. I have to carry my bike to reach the riverbed, climbing down a slope and holding onto the tree roots that poke out. I need to find a way out to get back onto the road where I left my car. But that’s a problem for later. For now, this deserted corner of the river, and the cool of its sparkling blue water, is waiting for me. Mount Tanneron Hidden wild swimming spots offer perfect relief as the mercury rises. Tanneron is home to one of the River Siagne's best kept secrets. VIEW MORE Gordolasque High summer means high heat means the search for high roads and high mountain river swimming. Go to Gordolasque. VIEW MORE Col St Roch Halfway up Col St Roch lies a hidden treasure known only to a few. The perfect place to take a minute and unwind. VIEW MORE Rochetta Nervina Across the border, up the valley and through the olive groves. The latest ‘Take Me To The River’ takes us into Italy for a dip and a doppio. VIEW MORE Ruisseau de Redebraus We reveal yet another secret of the Col de Braus. Discover wild swimming paradise just a few hundred metres below some of the most perfect switchbacks in the Alpes-Maritimes. VIEW MORE Les Gorges Du Loup When the heat gets too much, escape to l’arrière-pays for some fresh water wild swimming. Introducing a new series of riding to rivers, starting with Les Gorges du Loup. VIEW MORE

Nissa La Bella Strolling the iconic Promenade des Anglais, wandering the bustling streets of the Old Town or simply sitting and gazing out to sea. Whichever way you look, Nissa La Bella is mesmerising in summer. The Eglantine jersey is badged in honour of our hometown and available for both men and women. 1. Promenade des Anglais 2. Vieux Nice, Place Sainte-Claire 3. Marché du Cours Saleya 4. Cours Saleya 5. Promenade des Anglais 6. Negresco 7. Promenade des Anglais 8. Promenade des Anglais 9. Rue Rossetti 10. Pointe de Rauba Capeu 12. Rue Sainte-Claire 11. Vieux Nice, Place Sainte Claire. 13. Sentier du Littoral

Badges for Cols Some climbs are greater than others. Not for the road itself but for the history that hangs heavy over each inch of the tarmac. They are about triumph, tragedy and true achievement. Our collection of badges is a celebration of cols near and far, the local routes we ride and the landscapes we enjoy stand alongside some of the most iconic climbs in the world. Claim those you've ridden for free and start planning your next adventure. If you've climbed a classic, claim your badge. Claim your badge following five simple steps: 1. Create/log in to your Café du Cycliste account 2. Select 'Badges' from the account menu 3. Connect your komoot account (or create one) 4. Choose badge(s) from those you've unlocked and add to basket 5. Follow the checkout process as usual Badges of Honour Free for a Good Climb All badges are free. The first one can be shipped without charge, subsequent badges can be added to any normal purchase (one per order).  All you have to do is ride. FAQs Don't have a komoot account? Not sure how to import rides you've already completed? Our FAQ page has got you covered. VIEW FAQs Montagnes à la Carte We've created a badge for each our local climbs, the places we ride and the landscapes we enjoy. Simply conquer the col and then claim the badge. VIEW MORE Montagnes du Monde Our badge series has gone global, including some of the most iconic climbs in the world. Simply conquer the col and then claim the badge. VIEW MORE COL DE TURINI VIEW MORE L'ALPE D'HUEZ VIEW MORE COL DE LA MADONE VIEW MORE SA CALOBRA VIEW MORE MONT VENTOUX VIEW MORE MOUNT FUJI VIEW MORE

High Five When first presented with this challenge, I must confess that whilst I thought it was totally crazy, I was a little intrigued. Climbing five local cols in one ride would require a total distance of more than 200km and over 5000m of elevation…even reading it made me tired. But who doesn’t love a challenge? Start time: 7am. I depart from the Café and ride along the peaceful beaches adjacent to Nice harbour, joined only by some of the early morning swimmers dotting the Mediterranean. The first climb on the list is something of a formality for any Nice cyclist; Col d’Eze. It rises to 507m of elevation and means a short, quite intense workout which is probably why it’s a favourite for a lunchtime hour ride. It is also famous as the time-trial stage of the Paris-Nice race and offers breathtaking panoramic views from the sea in the south to the Alps in the north. Not bad for 45 minutes of riding, and one badge already claimed! Next up is col de la Madone so I descend to la Turbie and into Menton. The Madone starts on the Route des Serres, a hidden road allowing you to get some altitude quickly, each turn giving you a better view of the town above the sea. This climb was made infamous by Lance Armstrong who chose it as his testing ground before the start of each Tour de France. The Trek brand even went as far as to name its premier bike model after the climb and every other model name forms an anagram of Madone. The climb is a highlight of any ride on the French Riviera, not because of its altitude, its gradient, its views or even its switchbacks, but because of the special feeling that comes from riding through the little village of Sainte Agnès as you climb, which cannot be replicated by any of its neighbours. It’s 9.15am by the time I reach the top and I’ve already climbed 1500m in only 45km. My attention turns to col de Braus and I ride into the little town of l’Escarène before taking a right turn. The climb may only be 11km but with some sections where the gradient is over 12% it’s no picnic. It is famous for its switchbacks that start a few kilometres from the top and I allow myself a second to look behind and enjoy the view, the road meandering down below me; a classic. My bike computer reads 70km and over 2300m of climbing but I know that the serious matters are about to start. Col de Turini. 1300m of elevation to reach the top. My route takes me via Sospel where I allow myself a pit stop and a bite to eat. It’s just after 11am and a Pan Bagna provides the perfect combination of energy and comfort food before heading out on the Route de Moulinet, the intermediate stage of the longest climb of the day. I’m very lucky, the weather is mild for June and the few clouds hovering above the foothills do not look threatening. As I ride past the Notre Dame de la Menour the setting really is like something from a fairy tale as this little 15th Century church perches atop the steep mountainside 780m above the Bévéra valley. As I near the top, fatigue kicks in and I feel the lactic start to build but I press on, the larch trees provide comforting freshness and the silence only punctuated by the chirping of birds. A few more pedal strokes and I’m at the top of Turini, 105km and 3600m of elevation covered; it’s 1pm. The route to the last climb goes through the Vésubie valley and the landscape is an ever-present reminder of the catastrophic flooding in November 2020. The valleys are slowly recovering but this is a process that will take years rather than months and my eyes widen as I ride past house after house ripped open in the riverbed. The Col de la Madone d’Utelle is my final climb of the day, the beautiful denouement before my solitary adventure comes to an end. It’s too often discounted from local rides as it is on an out and back ride on the same road, but the scenery deserves more than two viewings. I climb steadily and, as I emerge from a chestnut forest, suddenly land on a deserted limestone plateau with an incredible panoramic view all the way over the sea. The tiny chapel standing atop appears as a reward and I can finally feel my legs again after a total of 4600m of climbing. I give myself a short moment before turning for home. As I arrive back at the Café my computer reads 5033m of climbing and 202km covered, not bad for a little over nine hours on the bike. The barista hands me a welcome glass of water and five small, brightly coloured badges. I grab both with a warm smile although perhaps next time I will stick to earning one at a time. BADGES FOR COLS We've created a collection of badges in celebration of iconic climbs near and far. All you have to do is ride the col and claim your free badge. VIEW MORE MONTAGNES À LA CARTE The cols of the Alpes Maritimes offer some of the best riding in Europe. Providing inspiration and perspiration in close to equal measure. VIEW MORE MONTAGNES DU MONDE Explore some of the most celebrated cycling climbs globally. And a few less celebrated but no less good. VIEW MORE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Not sure how to get started on your badge collection? Having trouble uploading rides? Our FAQ page has got you covered. VIEW MORE Download the GPX file from Strava here.

Ride of the month: Col de Vence Summer is coming around the corner, and the burning sun as well. The days are definitely not the hottest yet, so it’s a good time for me to try out climbing up Col de Vence. Col de Vence is famous for its lunar and desert-like landscapes. It is also an unforgiving climb, renown for the blazing sun hitting any brave cyclist attempting the ascent, a bitter promise for a few sweat drops. It is only after finally getting on its north side that you can find some shade and cool spots. They forecasted today to be around 24°C, an ideal temperature to spin the legs on these steady slopes. The climb achieved stardom mainly through the Paris-Nice race. 8h30, the morning is fresh enough to give me a gentle start from Café du Cycliste after fueling up with the caffein of my usual espresso. The first few 10 km on the Promenade allow me to warm up nicely while admiring the sea sparkling under the low sun. I make it quickly to Cagnes-sur-Mer; take a right turn to get to Saint-Paul-de-Vence, another 10 km away. This village is a gem, I can’t resist the idea of taking a small break in the medieval old town, nestled within battlements perched on a rock looking over the Mediterranean Sea. The moment my eye catches a fountain, I go for the option of filling up my bottles in anticipation of the climb : hydration is important. I review the many art galleries which built the reputation of the village and swear I will be back to enjoy it properly. Here I go now, starting Col de Vence, getting into my cruising speed early on, I then opt for increasing my pace where the switchbacks start. The sun hits me hard but I accept the challenge and play the game, keeping an eye on the gorgeous views around me with the sea in the background. What an amazing playground… A short stop at the top to take the usual picture of the famous sign before tipping over on the other side towards Coursegoule. There is a little hill expecting me before crossing the village, after which I head to Bouyon, another one of these beautiful perched villages. As I enter the village an incredible view over Bouyon and the Mercantour mountain range in the background unfolds. Going through the village with its colourful façades takes me to the long downhill back towards the seaside. There is still one last breathtaking view beforehand though with snowcapped mountains appearing to my left : they do give me some ideas for my next adventures. I enjoy the descent, flowing down on the curves, simply enjoying the sense of oneness with my bike. Back on the seashore, it’s a fast track back to Nice, I seize the sea view one more time, something I can’t get bored with. The sun is definitely still there, well settled for the day and inviting me to the next thing on my schedule, which is most probably going to be on the beach… Rose de Mai Heading for the foothills of Grasse, and its Rose de Mai. Flowers in full bloom and early season climbs combine to produce a beautiful spring ride. VIEW MORE Paris - Nice Paris- Nice didn't end as it should this year but the roads not ridden are still there. A local classic that says spring has arrived. VIEW MORE Back to basics If you’re looking for flat, look somewhere else. It may be close to home but it's time to climb. This is two times up and two times down. Really what riding is about. VIEW MORE Corniche D'Or Early in the year it can be cold, even on the Cote d’Azur. The days are shorter, the sun is weaker and even the water seems less blue. VIEW MORE The perched villages Joining the dots that are the perched villages of the arrière-pays niçois for a roller-coaster ride that peaks over the Col St Roch. VIEW MORE The Deconfinement All-Road Ride Linking Col de Braus and Col de la Madone via a beautiful double track traverse and finishing with a 25km descent back to the sea. VIEW MORE The Secret Vésubie Climbs Sharing two almost secret climbs that take you up past the tree lines to provide a window on to the wild high peaks of the Mercantour National Park. VIEW MORE Download the GPX file from Strava here.

Take Me To The River #6 : Mount Tanneron Mount Tanneron, peacefully standing over Cannes and Mandelieu… It’s a name we usually call in February when the place is covered with an ardent yellow blanket of Mimosas. When temperatures rise, when the tarmac exhales unbearable heat, the only way to think about climbing is if you have a solution for cooling off. And indeed, the river is going to offer itself as the ultimate reward after your climb. For Mathilde and Thomas, this getaway to the river feels like the Dolce Vita. Starting in Nice, they jump on the train to avoid the seaside ride out : it is too noisy, too crowded. They get off at La Napoule train station to reach the foothills of the western Côte d’Azur more swiftly in just a couple of pedal strokes. The ideal plan for a perfect summer recovery day sounds like climbing in the heat, stopping at a shaded terrace, getting on the bike again to race downhill through the green northern side of the Tanneron and finally getting to the fresh riverbanks. You simply need the appropriate jersey with a large cargo pocket to carry your bathing suit. Anything to dry yourself is redundant with the power of the sun. With temperatures around 32 °C, it isn’t really a question, you ride the 10 uphill kilometres under burning sunlight. At the café in Tanneron, the plane trees are providing much appreciated shade to pause in before heading off a few kilometres downhill. The twisty road takes them to the banks of the river Siagne (pronounce it “see-Ann”), it is a magical spot at the feet of a stone aqueduct. At first, you start with a round of observation over the bridge looking down to find the best location for your swim. Then there is this little pathway down to the river going along the chapel in Saint Cassien des Bois. You have to put your feet down and grab your bike for a few dozen meters. On the way down you’ll grab some of the roots popping out, as if they had been placed here on purpose to help you make your way to the river. In no time the bikes are resting under the shade of a tree. The water is deliciously fresh even in the heart of summer. This river is 45km long, it springs in Escragnoles, not too far from the small Audibergue ski resort. When it reaches Saint Cassien, it is after a long journey through the upland meadows, streaming on the limestone cliffs, staying in the shade most of the time. Putting feet and legs is enough to cool you down, the less faint hearted will take a jump, risking a little rock “scrub” on their legs or buttocks… The road down lake Saint Cassien and the famous Route Nationale 7 will take you back to civilisation. By the time you make it to La Napoule, the urge for another swim strikes again. This time, it will be in the Mediterranean Sea. Gordolasque High summer means high heat means the search for high roads and high mountain river swimming. Go to Gordolasque. VIEW MORE Col St Roch Halfway up Col St Roch lies a hidden treasure known only to a few. The perfect place to take a minute and unwind. VIEW MORE Rocchetta Nervina Across the border, up the valley and through the olive groves. The latest ‘Take Me To The River’ takes us into Italy for a dip and a doppio. VIEW MORE Ruisseau de Redebraus We reveal yet another secret of the Col de Braus. Discover wild swimming paradise just a few hundred metres below some of the most perfect switchbacks in the Alpes-Maritimes. VIEW MORE Les Gorges Du Loup When the heat gets too much, escape to l’arrière-pays for some fresh water wild swimming. Introducing a new series of riding to rivers, starting with Les Gorges du Loup. VIEW MORE

SHAKE IT UP #3 When I asked about this route, the guys at Café du Cycliste told me “Just be careful, it’s not an easy piece of cake, it is more a wall than a road in some places… Always looking for an original suggestion for a gravel route around Nice, I’m used to talking here and there with the locals to find new ideas. This time though I’m not sure theirs was a good one… As I leave the Port to take the road up Mont Boron, everything looks just fine. The blue sky reflects the colour of the sea, behind I can see some clouds on the foothills announcing a probable change in weather. Some fifteen minutes later, I am at the top of col de Villefranche. To get to the gravel path along the mountain side, I had to take a narrow street in between houses, a hidden pathway only known by insiders.Even though I’ve got the route on my head unit, some of the bends between the houses are so improbable they keep surprising me. And a few minutes later I’m riding high above Nice, on a shaded path protected by the pine trees. It’s such a delight to climb through the olive trees in Vinaigrier’s park, and I’m already 300 meters above sea level as I arrive at the col des Quatre Chemins : I go over the top towards la Trinité, starting point of the infernal part of my day. There is an invitation for pedestrians to walk around the barrier locking this tiny road going up to Col d’Eze. Nothing has been really fitted for cyclists, and I’ll soon understand why… The road is only a well ribbed concrete tarmac, allowing for the abundant water runoff from rainy days to flow down these steep slopes. My gravel bike is the ideal one for this type of path. Serious matters start almost immediately and I don’t need to wait more than a few hundred meters for the slope to become literally dramatic. You wouldn’t call that a climb or a hill, but a proper wall ! I’m pushing hard on the pedals, the grade gives no recess. I really shouldn’t stop at all, shouldn’t put one foot on the ground, it would be absolutely impossible to clip in my pedals and get the slightest momentum to start over : clearly, stopping is not on the list for today. There are a few houses on the side of the road, and I sincerely wonder how people can access them every day, I can’t even imagine how a car could drive back on such an incredible slope, clearly you would need quite a lot of mastery and self-control. As far as I’m concerned, it’s power that I need, I keep pulling as hard with my arms as I’m pushing on the pedals, my bike is zigzagging and rearing up despite all my efforts. Shortly after 14 km, the grade climaxes, probably not to the maximum of what would be physically doable on a bike, but to the maximum of what Physics allows : one segment shows 37%. With more than that, I’m not sure you could stay low enough to keep the bike on its wheels ! The ending of the path is absolutely fabulous, the grade finally allows me to enjoy what is around, meadows and amazingly green trees, these old stone walls in the tree shades… I reach col d’Eze and come back down towards Nice on this strategic stony road that most hikers and mountain bikers know. The road is high above the northern valley of Nice and gives a breathtaking view of the summits of the Mercantour mountain range. Upon arrival back at the café, the weather had definitively turned to grey. All I could muster was a grimace to the man behind the bar who had seen me get on the bike a little over an hour ago; his early assessment of the route ringing true in my ears - and in my legs. Further Riding Shake it up #1 One hour, five kilometres from home. The palette may be restricted but the colours are as bright as ever. Plenty of hurt from plenty of height and all within sixty minutes. Nice riding lockdown style. READ MORE Shake it up #2 One hour, five kilometres from home. In less than one hundred metres the gradient climbs from 14% to a scarcely believable 21%. There's short and there's sharp and there's this. READ MORE Ride of The Month: May Heading for the foothills of Grasse, and its Rose de Mai. Flowers in full bloom and early season climbs combine to produce a beautiful spring ride. READ MORE Bikepacking in the Lone Star State Endless gravel trails, purple posts, rising temperatures and lots and lots of sunscreen. READ MORE Download the GPX file from Strava here.

Rose de Mai : Amazing Grasse We call it “May Rose”, “Rose de Mai”, or even “cabbage rose”. “Centifolia” is the emblematic rose of the city of Grasse, and if it holds this status, it is probably because of its exceptional perfume. Among the existing 40 000 roses in the world, this rare one is the most appreciated by master perfume manufacturers. Its hundred petals gave its name to this precious and fragile flower : it needs to be picked up by hand with the dew on the very day when the bud opens up. Here in May we celebrate it, Grasse and other towns nearby organise festivals on its name. At Café du Cycliste we are dedicating a series of four jerseys to this rose in order to honour its fine touch and the delicate way to produce it. Our Ride of the Month will take us to the foothills of Grasse on a route slightly longer than 120km. We will get some altitude with Col de l’Ecre reaching as high as 1100m, an ideal combination when season changes. As I leave Nice harbour in the morning towards La Colle Sur Loup, the first stage of my adventure, I know that the first 20 kilometers will be a nice stroll along the seashore. The weather forecast predicted some sun but the clouds piling up over the foothills remind me that I should have probably taken my gilet. Well, we’ll see up there. As I ride through La Colle sur Loup, the sun is still shining and the temperature is very much pleasant, but what awaits me in the gorge of the Loup river is much cooler ! After 40 kilometers I reach the Courmes waterfall : the river doesn’t usually flow much in the summer but the spring snowmelt makes it bigger today and I can even feel some spray as I ride along. Outside of the gorge, I am being watched by the village of Gourdon, nestled on its rock. It will take me some good 45 minutes to reach the “Eagle Nest” as they call this famous perched village, classified as one of the most beautiful of France. Upon arrival, there is a strange feeling of quietness in this 350 inhabitants place. The grey clouds give a winter feel, something completely different than the summer vibes when flocks of tourists flood the streets. However, I really don’t want to get cold so let’s focus for now on the hovering Col de l’Ecre, 400m above me. I climb at a good pace which brings me into the clouds settling on the plateau de Caussols. I am slightly disappointed that the mist is still there as I turn on this amazing little road of the plateau which usually displays a lunar landscape. I could only get a short glimpse at the mountain ridge over the sea because of the foggy atmosphere which also spoiled the summit finish at the top of Col du Ferrier: I hurry back down into the descent to Grasse for milder weather. A ray of sun warms the heart of the old town of the perfume capital of the world. It is here that the most famous perfume manufacturers gave a second life to perfume plant growing. The precious centifolia rose is grown here over 40 hectares of prestigious gardens for Dior or Chanel…You can get close to the Rose de Mai in the International Museum of Perfume in Mouans Sartoux : an unforgettable memory for your eyes and nose that I highly recommend for one of your off the bike activities. The route then goes downhill for the next 20 kilometers and brings me down quickly to the seashore. The sun is back again. It is my first ride over 100kms this year and I start feeling it ! The last kilometers riding back to the Café allow me to peacefully gaze at the sea and feel the gratitude for being able to ride from sea to mountain with just my own two legs in such a short amount of time. It is the end of this ride full of colours and fragrances… I promise I will take you to a garden in glorious bloom soon ! Paris - Nice Paris- Nice didn't end as it should this year but the roads not ridden are still there. A local classic that says spring has arrived. VIEW MORE Back to basics If you’re looking for flat, look somewhere else. It may be close to home but it's time to climb. This is two times up and two times down. Really what riding is about. VIEW MORE Corniche D'Or Early in the year it can be cold, even on the Cote d’Azur. The days are shorter, the sun is weaker and even the water seems less blue. VIEW MORE The perched villages Joining the dots that are the perched villages of the arrière-pays niçois for a roller-coaster ride that peaks over the Col St Roch. VIEW MORE The Deconfinement All-Road Ride Linking Col de Braus and Col de la Madone via a beautiful double track traverse and finishing with a 25km descent back to the sea. VIEW MORE The Secret Vésubie Climbs Sharing two almost secret climbs that take you up past the tree lines to provide a window on to the wild high peaks of the Mercantour National Park. VIEW MORE Download the GPX file from Strava here.

Montagnes à la Carte The cols of the Alpes Maritimes offer some of the best riding in Europe. Providing inspiration and perspiration in close to equal measure. The plethora of roads, routes and rides that the region offers up to any visiting cyclist is innumerable. From hors category climbs to spins by the sea, from breaks for the Italian border to gravel grinds, from classic Cols to unknown tracks. To salute the roads we ride, we've created a badge for each col. To claim your badge you need to connect your Café du Cycliste account to your komoot account and go out and ride. All badges are free to a good, and deserving home. To learn more and get started on your collection, head to our badges page here. MADONE D’UTELLE This has long been a place of pilgrimage and healing, but one that for cyclists has remained a well-kept secret – beloved of local riders… until recently. In March 2016, the penultimate stage of Paris-Nice finished on the summit, bringing the views from this holy site to a wider audience. KEY INFO Altitude: 1,174m Length: 15.3km Ascent: 894m Average Gradient 5.8% Max Gradient 8.0%   Read more COL DE LA BONETTE Don’t look too hard at the Bonette’s claim – seen on signposts the length of the ascent from Jausiers in the north and from Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée in the south – that it is the highest road in Europe. Instead, marvel at the panorama in front of you which will make the debate seem inconsequential. KEY INFO Altitude: 2,802m Length: 25.8km Ascent: 1,652m Average Gradient 6.4% Max Gradient 15.0%   Read more COL DE TENDE Alpe d’Huez famously has 21 switchbacks, hairpins, or lacets - call them what you want. The Passo dello Stelvio has 48 on the classic eastern side but that’s in 16.5km and all on tarmac. The Col de Tende manages the same number in 7.4km. If you like getting off the beaten track, you will like the Col de Tende. KEY INFO Altitude: 1,871m Length: 7.4km Ascent: 587m Average Gradient 8.0% Max Gradient 18.0%   Read more COL D’ÈZE Between Èze village and the fort runs the Route de la Grande Corniche, the highest of the three corniche roads that lead from Nice towards Monaco and Italy. Starting almost at the Café, it takes you steeply out of town, past villas and under palm trees, winding up through the hills to a height of 507m. KEY INFO Altitude: 507m Length: 10.0km Ascent: 490m Average Gradient 4.9% Max Gradient 10.0%   Read more COL DE LA MADONE Famed as a training hill, exactly where the pros commence their battle with the clock on the ‘classic’ start is a constant cause of debate. Regardless of how long it takes, a successful summit is rewarded with a view towards Peille and the higher mountains with Madone being a gateway Col that unlocks the door to a whole host of other climbs and routes in the Alpes Maritimes. KEY INFO Altitude: 925m Length: 13.3km Ascent: 920m Average Gradient 7.0% Max Gradient 12.0%   Read more MONT VENTOUX Let us be clear: the road to Ventoux does not go anywhere and there is no reason to climb it. It exists only as a challenge, the ultimate mirror, says cycling philosopher Paul Fournel, in which riders, stripped bare, confront not only the grandeur of nature but also their essential selves. Perhaps this is why the legend of Ventoux endures, and new chapters keep being written. KEY INFO Altitude: 1,911m Length: 22.7km Ascent: 1,622m Average Gradient 7.2% Max Gradient 10.8%   Read more COL DE TURINI The thick forests of the Col de Turini are testament to the unpredictable weather on this, the highest of the coastal climbs near Café du Cycliste’s home town of Nice. Even close to the top of the heaped switchbacks, the sea can still be glimpsed, and warm, wet, maritime air regularly drifts inland and buffets the mountain, leading to downpours on its slopes KEY INFO Altitude: 1,604m Length: 24.0km Ascent: 1,244m Average Gradient 5.2% Max Gradient 9.3%   Read more COL DE BRAUS People have been stopping to marvel at this view since the col’s famous switchbacks were constructed in the early 20th century. Take your time up the ascent and you will admire the olive groves, and maybe spy the remnants of the old Route Royale, the salt road that linked Nice and the coast to Piedmont and the Dukes of Savoy in Turin. KEY INFO Altitude: 1,002m Length: 10.3km Ascent: 662m Average Gradient 6.4% Max Gradient 15.0%   Read more COL DE VENCE It is said that Alberto Contador rode this 9.7km stretch, which rises 643m and averages 6.6%, in less 24 minutes. Mere mortals who do it in less than 35 should count themselves lucky. If you can tear your eyes off your stem in the final kilometres, you’ll have a great view of the Mediterranean from Italy to Cannes and beyond. KEY INFO Altitude: 962m Length: 9.7km Ascent: 643m Average Gradient 6.6% Max Gradient 9.0%   Read more MONT VIAL Although Mont Vial can seem ubiquitous, cyclists have to travel far into the backcountry to find the turning, which is tucked away somewhere between Toudon and Tourette-du-Chateau. Those who search will be rewarded, however, with a deserted, small, irregularly surfaced scrawl of switchbacks up the rocky mountain face. Perfection, in our eyes at least. KEY INFO Altitude: 1,549m Length: 17.6km Ascent: 1,195m Average Gradient 6.8% Max Gradient 12.5%   Read more COL DE BROUIS From Sospel the climb starts in the pleasant and open meadows in the valley of the small river Bevera. It ascends through deep gorges, though never too tight, and ends in open meadows again. It is as if the pass is higher than its 879m, and you have passed into the northern Alps. KEY INFO Altitude: 879m Length: 11.9km Ascent: 531m Average Gradient 4.5% Max Gradient 7.3%   Read more MONT CHAUVE Mont Chauve is Nice’s hidden mountain. It is hiding in plain sight, sitting there just to the north, right above the city, but nevertheless it is hidden. The best time to come, perhaps, is early in the morning, to watch the sun rise over Italy; on clear days, from the fort, Corsica can be seen on the horizon. A hidden gem. KEY INFO Altitude: 703m Length: 5.2km Ascent: 411m Average Gradient 7.9% Max Gradient 11.0%   Read more COL DE LA COLMIANE The name Colmiane originates from the alpine occitan dialect version - la Cuòla miana - and translates into ‘medium mountain’. But the Col de la Colmiane is no average climb. There is a ski station at the top, high peaks all around and the western side measures 16.3km in length. It is a proper mountain. KEY INFO Altitude: 1,500m Length: 16.3km Ascent: 970m Average Gradient 6.0% Max Gradient 9.4%   Read more BADGES FOR COLS We've created a collection of badges in celebration of iconic climbs near and far. All you have to do is ride the col and claim your free badge. VIEW MORE MONTAGNES DU MONDE Explore some of the most celebrated cycling climbs globally. And a few less celebrated but no less good. VIEW MORE BADGES FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Not sure how to get started on your badge collection? Having trouble uploading rides? Our FAQ page has got you covered. VIEW MORE BADGES HIGH FIVE Kick start your badge collection. Claiming five cols in one ride means lots of distance and plenty of elevation, but when you're riding in the Alpes Maritimes you wouldn't want it any other way. VIEW MORE

SHAKE IT UP #2 « 1heure - 5 kilomètres » Usually, spring officially starts the season of evening rides: more daylight means finishing off a day at work, putting on my bib shorts, sliding into a jersey and hopping on my bike to ride a 50km loop into the sunset. A feeling of bliss I especially love. But with this damned curfew, it seems everything gets twisted. It’s been a year now that days have a different pace, a different taste. Riding a bike was taken away from us for a while, and now riding your bike is like the sweet memory reminding us that freedom still is around the corner. These days, we have to take this breather, this moment of freedom around midday; and most days, it is undoubtedly the “Short and Sharp” moment of the day. They told me about a little climb which is worth a visit… I’m spinning along on the Basse Corniche, the less tedious road of those leading to Monaco. My legs are happily tingling, my pace is good, sharp. I simply can’t get enough of seeing the sea sparkling on the side of the road, I feel the excitement building up inside me. As I enter Beaulieu, the slandered silhouettes of the Casino palm trees transform my ride into a majestic journey, as if my bike smoothly transformed into a fairytale carriage. I’m getting carried away… I’m suddenly transported on a 2km climb to reach the Moyenne Corniche. Nothing in comparison to what is actually awaiting me next. Riding on the Moyenne Corniche, I’m just surprised how many cars are actually on the road. A few hundred meters away, I turn right on a small road and leave traffic behind. As they said, the route goes through houses, it is a tiny little road where you wouldn’t even imagine seeing two cars passing at the same time. It’s been 18km into the ride as my bike computer tells, and it is only starting,I can see some serious business coming up : the gradient is ghastly : over 100 meters only, it goes from 14% to an unbelievable 21%. I am giving this everything I have, I am dreaming I’ve got one more gear, I try to shift, but no, no more possibility to make it easier. Cadence drops dramatically as my heart is pounding like it never did before. It is so steep that my bike wants to rear, I’m just zig-zagging from side to side for a few meters. I reach some recess as the road “flattens” out with what feels like a nice and gentle 13% gradient. And I let my thoughts build up on the belief that it will remain just like that up to the Grande Corniche. I lift my head up. Instantly this hope vanishes into thin air. The grande finale is a 19% wall, short enough to be less hard than the first one, long enough to remind me not to count meters of elevation before they are climbed. I need a whole kilometre to come back to my senses. For sure, I can’t imagine that the guy who just passed me with a slight grin on his face was coming from the same road. At least I hope so ! There is a nice chill in the air to announce a beautiful riding moment descending back down. Adrenaline rocketed high just as needed. I put my hands on the drops and flow downhill on these roads I know by heart. Back on the port, some divers are unloading their boat, we wave and share a “Bonjour”. There is no need to say more, passionate people understand each another without words. Further Riding Shake it up #1 One hour, five kilometres from home. The palette may be restricted but the colours are as bright as ever. Plenty of hurt from plenty of height and all within sixty minutes. Nice riding lockdown style. VIEW MORE Ride of The Month: March Paris-Nice didn't end as it should this year but the roads not ridden are still there. A local classic that says spring has arrived. VIEW MORE Riding With Purpose #2 Cycling the empty streets of Paris to deliver food to those in need, Sophie Gateau documents the capital city during the lockdown. See Sophie’s view from the saddle whilst riding with purpose, 'Pour Eux'. VIEW MORE Riding With Purpose #1 Delivering medical supplies to the vulnerable and the isolated, Kong Fufu’s bike has returned to a tool of ultimate function, and one that is helping in it’s own small way. VIEW MORE Coins Cachés Ariège Explore more, find hidden corners and lesser known places. The Ariège rests on the border with Spain and Andorra and is a region rich in history which remains one of the most unspoilt areas of France. VIEW MORE