Lookbook Centifolia SS21 Bloom town. Grasse and the surrounding area are places of petals and perfume. At the right time of year a riot for the senses, a burst of colour and a symphony of light and shades. Thank you to the Musée international de la Parfumerie. 1. Women's Floriane Centifolia Jersey,  Freesia 2. 3. Women's Floriane Centifolia Jersey,  Petunia 4. Men's Petra Superlight Gilet, Begonia  ; Men's Floriane Centifolia Jersey, Begonia  ; Men's Capucine Pattern Bib Shorts, Begonia  5 & 6. Men's Floriane Centifolia Jersey,  Freesia 7. 8 & 9.   Women's Petra Superlight Gilet, Begonia ; Women's Floriane Centifolia Jersey, Begonia ;  Men's Petra Superlight Gilet, Begonia ; Men's Floriane Centifolia Jersey, Begonia 10. Women's Floriane Centifolia Jersey,  Petunia ; Men's Floriane Centifolia Jersey,  Petunia 12. 11. Men's Floriane Centifolia Jersey,  Groseille 13. Women's Petra Superlight Gilet, Begonia  ; Women's Floriane Centifolia Jersey,  Begonia

Lookbook Namibia South and south again. On rough roads and under blue skies, a collection shot against backdrops which inspire and astound in equal measure. The sheer majesty, the natural wonder, the true beauty. This is Namibia. The bikes featured are supplied by J.Laverack. 1. Christelle Ultralight Jersey,  Black ; Charline Atelier Bib Shorts, Leopard  2. 3. Charline Atelier Bib Shorts, Leopard  4. Women's Christelle Ultralight Jersey, Black  ; Women's Alice All Seasons Bib Shorts, Black Twill  5. Fleurette Superlight Jersey, Orangeade ; Cycling Socks Skate Stripes, White & White 6. Women's Fleurette Superlight Jersey, Orangeade  ;  Women's Celine Cycling Shorts, Navy 7.Women's Beatrice Gravel Jersey, Navy & White ; Classic Casquette, Orange 8. Women's Floriane Centifolia Jersey, Begonia ;  Women's Capucine Pattern Bib Shorts, Begonia 9. Petra Superlight Gilet, Begonia ; Capucine Pattern Bib Shorts, Begonia 10. Women's Magalie Gravel Jersey, White  ; Women's Marinette Colour Bib Shorts, Anthracite 12. Mickaela Gravel Shorts, Navy & White 11. Betty Gravel Jersey, Navy & White ; Agathe Gravel Bib Shorts, Navy

Lookbook SS21 Atelier Cycling clothing like no other. The atelier collection is designed with more freedom and produced without constraints. Fabrics, textures, details and more elevate the limited edition pieces beyond the normal. Available now for men and women. 1. Charline Atelier Bib Shorts, Leopard ; Women's Charline Atelier Bib Shorts, Leopard 2. Women's Charline Atelier Bib Shorts, Leopard ; Romane Seersucker Shirt, Khaki 3. Laurie Atelier Jersey, Yellow-Denim ; Velvet Cycling Cap, Blue 4. Melina Atelier Jersey, Navy 5. Women's Melina Atelier Jersey, Navy ; Women's Celine Cycling Shorts, Navy 6. Laurie Atelier Jersey, Yellow-Denim 7. Charline Atelier Bib Shorts, Leopard ; Christelle Ultralight Jersey, Black 8. Laurie Atelier Jersey, Yellow-Denim  9. Charline Atelier Bib Shorts, Leopard ; Christelle Ultralight Jersey, Black 9. Melina Atelier Jersey, Navy  ; Mathilde Audax Bib Shorts, Navy 11. Melina Atelier Jersey, Navy  10. Laurie Atelier Jersey, Yellow-Denim ; Velvet Cycling Cap, Blue 12. Men's Atelier Collection ;  Women's Atelier Collection

The Swimwear Collection RIDING AND THE RIVIERA The Côte d'Azur stretches from the celebrated Saint Tropez in the west to the pretty town of Menton on the Italian border, a slice of the coast as well known for its lifestyle as its real life. Our home town of Nice is at its heart. First-time visitors may land on the beaches that front the city but for locals and those who return regularly, the way to the water has many different paths. From hidden coves to rocky outcrops, quiet cliffs to mountain streams and buzzing beaches to ice-cold pools. If anything comes close to the riding on the riviera, it is the blue skies and azur waters that gave it its name. Amandine VIEW MORE Olivia VIEW MORE Amandine VIEW MORE Clara VIEW MORE Amandine VIEW MORE Ariel VIEW MORE Towel VIEW MORE COOL POOLS ON HOT RIDES TAKE ME TO THE RIVER Our local Col de Braus can be climbed by road or by gravel and, if you know what you're looking for, there's a reward once the hard work is done. On the west side of the mountain the Ruisseau de Redebraus cascades its way down the gorge towards L'Escarène. READ MORE FIND YOUR WAY Riding in the Fournaise, the furnace of French Riviera summers can be hard work. Our Nice riding guide not only shows the best routes but also more places to cool off when the heat gets too much. ARRIERE PAYS MEN Encompassing a collection of t-shirts, sweatshirts, shorts, shirts and swimming trunks, all of our arrière pays summer pieces blend a love of out there, somewhere with a touch of French Riviera style. ARRIERE PAYS WOMEN From classic t-shirts to those celebrating the cols we ride, our Women's Arrière Pays pieces also include two swimsuits and accessories. It's French summer style for warm days and balmy nights.

R. x Centifolia 2021 PETAL TO THE METAL Inspired by the scents of summer in the south, a new collection of jerseys, bib shorts and gilets for men and women that found their form nestled in the hills away from the sea. In the sun and the soil that nurtures the flowers and makes the town of Grasse the perfume capital of the world. There is a familiarity about the confluence of natural conditions and the combination of elements to make a whole. Each piece we make combines the performance needed to handle the roads we ride with signature design fed by the enduring beauty of the Alpes-Maritimes. Floriane, Capucine and Petra are no exception. R X Centifolia for Summer 2021. Women's Floriane Groseille VIEW MORE Floriane Freesia VIEW MORE Women's Floriane Begonia VIEW MORE Floriane Petunia VIEW MORE Floriane Groseille VIEW MORE Women's Floriane Freesia VIEW MORE Floriane Begonia VIEW MORE Women's Floriane Petunia VIEW MORE Petra Begonia VIEW MORE Women's Petra Begonia VIEW MORE Petra Begonia VIEW MORE Women's Petra Begonia VIEW MORE Capucine Begonia VIEW MORE Women's Capucine Begonia VIEW MORE A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME A TOWN & A FLOWER Grasse is perched on what we call a ‘colline’, a small hill. Behind are the higher mountains of the Park National Préalpes d’Azur. Around the town, riders will find many rollers, some longer hills but no hors category climbing. One of the most famous flowers for its scent is the rose. And at the top of the rose tree is the centifolia variety. It’s also known as the Provence Rose, no prizes for guessing why. Hermès, Chanel, and Dior, all source their roses here. READ MORE CAPUCINE Featuring a premium chamois and grippers integrated into the main fabric, the bib shorts feature a deep print begonia pattern leg section, a technique only compatible with premium textile fibres. VIEW MORE Petra Jacket A super lightweight race cut jacket, featuring a fully windproof and water repellent core section which covers the front and shoulder areas. Available in begonia for men and women. VIEW MORE

Gravel Collection SS21 ROADS LESS RIDDEN Wider, deeper, further, for longer. A collection of pieces not so much about what is beneath the tyres but more about what is up ahead. Encompassing a selection of jerseys, shorts, bib shorts and accessories, gravel for Spring Summer 21 is inspired by a spirit, constructed to perform and features our Flying Fish motif. Laureline Red Panther VIEW MORE Laureline Leopard VIEW MORE Laureline Tiger VIEW MORE Magalie Khaki VIEW MORE Magalie Bordeaux VIEW MORE Magalie Sage Green VIEW MORE Magalie White VIEW MORE Barbara White & Black VIEW MORE Beatrice Navy & White VIEW MORE Angèle Grey Black VIEW MORE Solenne Acajou VIEW MORE Solenne Black VIEW MORE Pauline Marinière VIEW MORE Pauline Marinière VIEW MORE Agathe Navy VIEW MORE Chloé Navy VIEW MORE Chloé Black VIEW MORE Mickaela Navy White VIEW MORE Mickaela Khaki Olive VIEW MORE Mickaela Cocoa Sand VIEW MORE Mickaela Strom Blue VIEW MORE Mickaela Sage Green VIEW MORE Renée Anthracite VIEW MORE Virginie Black VIEW MORE BOOM TIME WHAT IS GRAVEL ? A simple question to ask but a more complicated one to answer. Most would agree the definition of gravel cycling is wide. As wide as an individual wants to make it because ultimately, like so much in life, it can be what you want it to be. READ MORE NOT JUST GRAVEL Part of a whole if you like, where the whole is a world of infinite possibilities. Be it bikepacking, adventure cycling, Audax, Brevet or Randonnée. If there is no umbrella term that covers every variation of exploring by bicycle, there is a consistency of spirit. A sense of being a pionnier. Barbara Gravel jersey styled for roads less ridden. With a lightweight and fully breathable construction, Barbara is built for adventure in warmer weather. VIEW MORE Margaux For true grit and hard grind, our women's Margaux is built to survive long days on lesser roads. Full of pionnier sprit in vanilla shake colours. VIEW MORE

Spring Classics The world is different but the seasons remain the same. Signature styles shot in the south, including new designs, new colours and new hopes for the year ahead. In times of trouble, the group will out. In times of tension, the spirit stays strong. 1. Fleurette Superlight Jersey, Lemonade 2. Fleurette Superlight Jersey, Guimauve Pink 3. Fleurette Superlight Jersey, Infinite Green 4. Janis Superlight Jersey, Red Panther 5 & 6. Mona Superlight Audax Jersey, Parasol Bleu Rouge ; Mona Superlight Audax Jersey, Parasol Bleu Jaune Vert 7. Janis Superlight Jersey, Red Panther 8 & 9. Micheline Ultralight Jersey, Blue 10. Floriane Centifolia Jersey, Petunia 12. Floriane Centifolia Jersey, Begonia 11. Floriane Centifolia Jersey, Freesia 13. Floriane Centifolia Jersey, Groseille

Shorts Stories: Renée The Pyrénées is a fascinating mountain range. A thin line of jagged peaks stretching 500 kilometres between two immense seas; they form a natural border between France and Spain. Dotted along the ridge are a number of mountain passes. Natural gateways or doors (Port) between the two countries, they are remote, at high altitude and in the past have been used by many as a path to freedom and a better life. Tales of escape over such forgotten and remote passes as people fled from Spain during the Spanish Civil War and later France in the Second World War remind us of a darker side to the mountains. Nestled near the mighty Mont Valier, the region's third highest mountain, Port d’Aula stands at a touch over 2,200 metres and is accessed by an 18km long gravel track from the small town of Couflens, via the Col de Pause. The climb to the Col de Pause is split in two. The first half has smooth tarmac and it takes you out of the valley floor up into high pasture. The second half is double track gravel and it snakes around a natural amphitheatre before pushing on to the top. No wind, no noise, the world was ours and it felt fantastic. With the sky an inky black we decided to turn in for the night. The next morning we slowly rose to the sound of silence and the view of a pink mountain resting gracefully across the valley. No time for breakfast, we had a ride to start. A section of eight or nine hairpin bends propped up like a ladder against the eastern valley wall. It was spectacular and we finally caught sight of Port d’Aula. We couldn’t help but imagine the emotions of those who used it as a route to freedom: the immense risk taken to get there and the significance of crossing over to the other side. We opened the gate and walked into Spain. Made for adventure, Renée gravel shorts use cutting edge fabric technology and are perfect for roads less travelled. SHORTS OR LONG What is Gravel? It’s off-road and on-road. It’s riding and not riding. It’s racing and not racing. It’s everywhere and nowhere. VIEW MORE Shorts Stories Josephine Le Mille du Sud winds its way for a 1000 km through Provence and the Southern Alps, taking a different route each year. VIEW MORE TRUE GRIT #2 I escape with just the basics: a bottle, a survival kit, something to snack on, and then we’re off on the wild roads. VIEW MORE ON THE INCA TRAIL In the shadows of the Tramnuntana, Inca is Mallorca’s third-largest town and is situated nearly in the middle of the Island. VIEW MORE

Absolute Rose Café du Cycliste and Grasse have history. Before the first stitch was sown on the first jersey ever made, the coffee shop that was the original Café du Cycliste was situated just outside the main town, in a suburb called Châteaunuef-de-Grasse. It was whilst turning pedals on the roads surrounding the famous perfume town that our co-founders bounced their ideas, and the good ones became the seeds of something bigger. Grasse is, of course, better known as the perfume capital of the world. An industry whose scents come from the flowers grown in the surrounding landscape. One of the most famous for its scent is the rose. And at the top of the rose tree is the centifolia variety. It’s also known as the Provence Rose, no prizes for guessing why. Hermès, Chanel, and Dior, all source their roses here. To this day in Grasse, the start of the process that ends in those bottles of concentrated fragrance is one of hand-picking in the fields at the end of April and beginning of May. It’s a métier, a tradition and a testament of what the terroir gives as gifts. The same terroir that we cycle across on a weekly basis. Grasse is situated away from the coast so the flowers are protected from the sea breeze. Like so many of its neighbours the town is perched on what we call a ‘colline’, a small hill. Behind are the higher mountains of the Park National Préalpes d’Azur. Around the town, riders will find many rollers, some longer hills but no hors category climbing. The famous Route Naploeon runs through here and heads north towards Castellane and the Gorges du Verdon. Going north is the best way to get into the more open spaces, after passing through the many elaborate villas that were built following the birth of the perfume industry. Celebrate the queen of flowers itself and acknowledge this gift from the terroir that is the base of French life and, more particularly for us, French cycling. The summer Capsule Collection of Floriane jerseys, Capucine bib shorts and Petra gilets does likewise. Floriane Begonia VIEW MORE Groseille VIEW MORE Freesia VIEW MORE Petunia VIEW MORE Groseille VIEW MORE Begonia VIEW MORE Petunia VIEW MORE Freesia VIEW MORE

Shorts Stories: Josephine One thousand kilometres, some fifteen thousand metres of gain in elevation, riding day and night, completely unsupported, to be completed in under seventy-five hours. Each of us taking part, like each of us anywhere, have our own particular motivation that drive us on. For myself, it felt somewhere between love and hate. Love because I've been passionate about cycling forever, in all its forms. Hate because I understand that there are certain moments ahead of me. My pedal strokes will have turned from light and euphoric to heavy and laborious. The process will be mirrored in my mind. Doubts will enter my head. How am I doing, will I make it in time, will I even finish at all? But when they come during the second night, I'm ready for them. Not welcomed exactly but expected and I know how to respond. Long-distance riding has certain requirements and I've prepared well. Preparation in all it's forms. Physical, mental, spiritual even. And in return are the rewards. The ever changing landscapes, the nights under the stars, the people along the way, the explosions of the senses. Finally reaching the summit of the Col de la Coyolle at 3 o’clock in the morning after climbing completely alone, guided only by the beam of my single light. So many feelings I'll never forget. En général nous sommes coursiers ou randonneurs mais rarement les deux. Le Mille du Sud winds its way for a 1000 km through Provence and the Southern Alps, taking a different route each year. Our Josephine classic bib shorts are ideal for long, or short, rides. SHORTS OR LONG Shorts Stories Renée You know which country you are in if you know on which side of the ridge you are. Discovering a forgotten frontier in the Pyrénées. VIEW MORE Week-end Prolongé Add an extra day (or two). Get up, kit on, ride out, kind of trips. Père & Fils. VIEW MORE The Best Socca A niche local speciality, best enjoyed after a starter of Cols Eze and Madone, it's more niçois than Nice itself. VIEW MORE European Divide Trail Finding a new route across Europe in between civilization. Andy Cox explains the concept behind the European Trail Divide. VIEW MORE

Gravel Collection AW20/21 ROADS LESS RIDDEN Wider, deeper, further, for longer. A collection of pieces not so much about what is beneath the tyres but more about what is up ahead. Encompassing a selection of jerseys, shorts, bib shorts and accessories, gravel for fall winter 20/21 is inspired by a spirit, constructed to perform and features our Flying Fish motif. SOLENNE Light Grey VIEW MORE SALOMÉ Cinnamon VIEW MORE ALIZÉE Orange VIEW MORE SOLANGE Crème VIEW MORE SOLENE Blue VIEW MORE SOLANGE Red VIEW MORE SANDRA Mesange Bleue VIEW MORE ALBA Navy VIEW MORE HELENE Sunflower VIEW MORE VIRGINIE Navy VIEW MORE VIRGINIE Alpine Green VIEW MORE RENÉE Navy VIEW MORE BOOM TIME WHAT IS GRAVEL ? A simple question to ask but a more complicated one to answer. Most would agree the definition of gravel cycling is wide. As wide as an individual wants to make it because ultimately, like so much in life, it can be what you want it to be. READ MORE NOT JUST GRAVEL Part of a whole if you like, where the whole is a world of infinite possibilities. Be it bikepacking, adventure cycling, Audax, Brevet or Randonnée. If there is no umbrella term that covers every variation of exploring by bicycle, there is a consistency of spirit. A sense of being a pionnier. SOLANGE Solange matches signature style with high-performance fleece fabric. Off road, on road, all road. VIEW MORE VIRGINIE Constructed for deconstructed riding, Virginie feature innovative design with full freedom of spirit. VIEW MORE

Lookbook Italie AW20 Doppio, Gelato and rides to live for. Our hometown of Nice was once part of the House of Savoy and so the connections runs deep. We slipped over the border as is often our want and made the most of what Italy has to offer. 1. Marguerite Merino Jersey, Orange ; Petra Superlight Gilet, Peacock Blue;  Marie Winter Tights, Navy 2. Viviane Long Sleeve Jersey, Ice Blue ; Adrienne 3/4 Thermal Bib Shorts, Navy 3. Women's Viviane Jersey, 80's Green ; Classic Cycling Cap, Navy 4. 5 & 6. Clemence Autumn Jersey, Yellow ; Adèle Thermal Bib Shorts, Navy 7. Nadine Hooded Top, Navy ; Adèle Thermal Bib Shorts, Alpine Green 8 & 9. Leonie Insulated Jacket, Orange ; Women's Marie Winter Tights, Navy 10. Irma Audax Jersey, Navy ; Marie Winter Tights, Alpine Green 12. Henriette Wool Track Pants, Navy ;  Cycling Cap Velvet, Gold 11. Women's Leonie Insulated Jacket, Yellow ; Women's Marie Winter Tights, Navy 13. Colle del Nivolet

Iceland Lookbook AW20 Continents collide to form volcanic views. It's enough to draw energy from the soil itself. This is Iceland. Roads that connect the past to the future. Launching from the edge of a volcano. 1. Leonie Insulated Jacket, Burgundy ; Marie Winter Tights, Black 2. Marguerite Merino Jersey, Orange ; Marie Winter Tights, Navy, 3. Anais Down Jacket, Orange ; Cycling Gloves Leather, Mustard 4. Womens Leonie, Isulated Jacket, Cyan ; Womens Marie Winter Tights, Navy 5. Irma Audax Jersey, Grey & Navy ; Marie Winter Tights, Navy   6. Viviane Jersey, Ice Blue & Navy ; Women's Viviane Jersey, 80's Green 7. Womens Albertine Thermal Jacket, Green Duotone ; Womens Thérèsa Cycling Tights, Navy 8 & 9. Petra Gilet, Cream ; Marie Thermal Bib Tights, Navy 10. Leonie Insulated Jacket, Orange ; Women's Leonie Insulated Jacket, Yellow 12. Womens Laetitia Gravel Tights, Navy ; Women's Sylvie Gravel Jersey, Grey 11. 13.

IN THE DEEP MID WINTER As the temperature falls, the need for warmth rises. Layers which protect with fabrics that still breath, designs which insulate with construction that traps heat. From jackets and jerseys to tights, gloves, warmers and hats. When the cold comes, our AW20 collection has it covered. 1.Zélie Audax Jacket, Silver Pine, Marie Winter Tights, Navy, Winter Cycling Gloves, Black. 2. Albertine Thermal Jacket, Green Duotone, Marie Winter Tights, Black. 3. Anais Down Jacket, Black,  Gravel Leather Cycling Gloves, Mustard. 4. Ondine Fleece Top, Crème. 5. & 6. Albertine Thermal Jacket, Green Duotone, Marie Winter Tights, Black, Winter Cycling Gloves, Black. 7.Anais Down Jacket, Black, Loulou Merino Neck Warmer, Navy Stripes, Women's Marie Winter Tights, Navy. 8. 9.  Ingrid Audax Jersey, Navy, Elise Deep Winter Tights, Black, Gravel Leather Cycling Gloves, Mustard. 10. Amélie Down Jacket, French Navy, Winter Flahute Hat Belgian Cap, Grey. 12. Women's Laëtitia Gravel Tights, Navy, Women's Cosette Base Layer, Elephant Skin, Loulou Merino Neck Warmer, Red. 11. Albertine Thermal Jacket, Burnt Gold, Marie Winter Tights, Black, Winter Cycling Gloves, Black. 13. Anais Down Jacket, Orange.

Lookbook AW20 Atelier Fewer restrictions, more freedom, less pull, more push. Atelier celebrates a design philosophy outside of the normal parameters. A selection of pieces in limited numbers, using heritage colours and ultra-modern fabrics. 1. Atelier Collection 2.Women's Viviane Atelier Jersey, 80's Green ; Women's Juliette Active Trousers, Black 3. Noemie Summer Shorts, Desert ; Women's Viviane Atelier Jersey, 80's Green 4. Estelle Atelier Gilet, Sand ; Henriette Wool Track Pants, Navy 5. Estelle Atelier Gilet, Sand ; Gravel Cycling Cap, White Grey Wine  6. Nadine Hooded Top, Navy 7. Viviane Atelier Jersey, Ice Blue 8. Viviane Atelier Jersey, Ice Blue ; Diane Merino Beanie, Red 9. Clementine Sweatshirt, Navy 10. Atelier Collection 12.Viviane Atelier Jersey, Ice Blue ; Noemie Summer Shorts, Desert 11. Women's Laëtitia Gravel Tights, Navy ; Cycling Socks Block Colour, Navy 13.Estelle Atelier Gilet, Sand ; Diane Merino Beanie, Navy

Arrière Pays Lookbook AW20 A time and a place and a piece. Each item in our Arrière Pays Collection reflects the valleys, peaks and landscapes of the back country Niçois. A world of natural beauty, a space of hidden treasures, a backdrop of changing seasons. From autumn through winter and into the first shoots of spring. 1. Clementine Sweatshirt, Grey 2. Lisette Outdoor Vest, Alpine Green ; Nicole Merino Roll Neck, Black 3. Amélie Down Jacket, Emerald Green 4. Clementine Sweatshirt, Tangerine 5 & 6. Ondine Fleece Top, Crème 7. Amélie Down Jacket, Emerald Green ; Clementine Sweatshirt, Grey 8 & 9.  T-Shirt Col Series, Alpe d'Huez ; Henriette Track Pants, Navy 10. Amélie Down Jacket, Navy ; Clementine Sweatshirt, Tangerine 12. Clementine Sweatshirt, Navy ; Socks Textured, Red Navy 11.Amélie Down Jacket, Navy ; Nicole Merino Roll Neck, Grey 13. Lisette Outdoor Vest, Alpine Green

LOOKBOOK GRAVEL AW20 We travelled north. A land of lakes and rougher routes. A place of peace, pionnier spirit and flying fish. A selection of pieces for roads less travelled, suitable for conditions less benign. 1. Solange Gravel Jersey, Creme ; Virginie Gravel Shorts, Alpine Green 2. Women's Solange Gravel Jersey, Red 3. Virginie Gravel Shorts, Alpine Green 4.  Virginie Gravel Shorts, Alpine Green ; Gravel Cycling Gloves, Navy 5 & 6. Solange Gravel Jersey, Red ; Renée Gravel Shorts, Navy ; Solange Gravel Jersey, Creme 6. Women's Solange Gravel Jersey, Red 7. Solenne Gravel Jersey, Light Grey ; Renée Gravel Shorts, Navy 8. Women's Solange Gravel Jersey, Red 9 & 10. Solenne Gravel Jersey, Blue ; Renée Gravel Shorts, Navy 11. Virginie Gravel Shorts, Alpine Green

Colour & Air What colour is air? Air is colourless. But add some sunlight, refract it and air displays colour. From blue to yellow to red and all the fades in between. The Fleurette lightweight jerseys are also built to mix the air with the sun. Their semi-mesh construction channels the breeze to keep you cool when the sun shines its brightest. A modern take on dotted style upon striking colour designs, to stand out in the summer light.

The Best Lunch Ride In The World No-one likes to brag. But. If something is good, it is worth sharing. In this case that ‘something’ is what we regard as the best lunch ride in the world. It’s a product of the pressure of time, which has a habit of focusing the mind. A mix of studying the maps, getting lost, getting guided by MTB riders and just riding the damn thing resulted in the final route. But it’s not just the route that makes the ride. Like lunch itself, here is our list of ingredients for the midday hour of joy: 1.The right group – enough to make it fun, not enough to make an administrative burden. The right group wants the same thing and each individual can hand out the attacks, but accept with grace if beaten. 2. Mix it up – Multi-surface is multi-purpose. It’s amusing and testing at the same time. Steps that require ‘porter porter’ increase the heart rate, sharp gradients afterwards stretch the effort, tarmac in between provides recovery. And the gravel provides moments of escapism even though you've just left the city limits. 3. A little bit of magic – That stretch of road that triggers the wanderlust, and that offers a view to the mountains to spark ideas for the weekend when time allows for higher mountains, bigger loops and deeper exploration. In this case, it’s the Route Stratégique to Eze from where you can see the peaks of the Alpes-Maritimes all the way to the Italian border. Dream of Col de Tende as your next gravel riding adventure. 4. Classical climbing, with a twist – to be able to ride to Col d’Eze, a road soaked in cycling history, by gravel, in one hour from the office is the pinnacle of the best lunch ride in the world. It’s special. 5. The unexpected – Never, ever settle on the traditional route. There is more above the Col. And up there, take the single-track to the right, sharpen your bike-handling skills by dodging the big rocks and brushing the tree trunks. Everyone follows the leader, crashes ensue, reputations are both inflated and deflated in equal measure. 6. The perfect end – From 670m high, back to sea level. Drop like a stone down steep descents to the Café and a lunch of the Best Pan Bagnat in the world beside the sea. Take a quick espresso and be back in the office with enough endorphins to tide you over until the next one. Perfection.

Somewhere between the sea and the sky, the fresh air and the deep blue. The flying fish badge is placed on pieces built for riding off the beaten track.