Another Tour - Morzine, July '22. The Tour is life. From the northern cobblestones to the Alps, the Pyrénées to the Champs Élysées. Every dog has its day. The highs and lows, the mountains and the valleys, on and on they race. Punctures, flares, agony and ecstasy. The devil and the deep blue sky. Every year they try, the raging peloton, slogging it out again and again. Friends and foes, solo escapes, chasing teams, searing heat. Here today, gone in a flash. The Tour won’t last forever, will it? Enjoy it while you can.

Le Tour du Vin Every July, millions tune in to see the grandest cycling event in the world. But it’s not just the bike tournament itself that enchants us: the architecture, sunflowers, mountains and TV helicopters, all of it makes for the summer’s best sporting show. And alongside the Tour, which one thing is synonymous with France? Wine, of course. From the vineyards of Alsace to the caves of Bordeaux, from Asterix’s barrel to Gérard Depardieu’s cellar, wine is the cultural blood of the country, with its history reaching back to the Roman Empire (santé, Caesar!). And wine isn’t simply about quenching your thirst and getting merry, it’s about the land – the terroir. Each region has its own distinctive soil, climate and, of course, grape varieties. Once those grapes become wine, it can be the ultimate expression of the land from which it’s grown. The main wine regions are traditionally listed as Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhône, Alsace, Champagne, Loire, Languedoc and Provence. And using the Grand Boucle as a virtual wine tour is the perfect way to discover each. This year’s route takes a clockwise ‘loop’, heading from Calais down to the Alps, and then southwest to cross the Pyrenees, and finally back up to Paris. So, rather than give you a rundown of each stage of the race, here instead is a general classification of grand crus and world champion vintages that come from the fertile soils of France. Stages 1 – 4 : Start with water and bread The Grand Départ of this year’s edition takes place in bike-centric Denmark. So, with the upmost respect to our Nordic friends, we’ll skip those and use these first three stages as a palate cleanser. After a rest/transfer day the peloton arrives in France proper for a sprinter’s stage between Calais and Dunkerque. Not known for wine, apart from the duty free. Stages 5 and 6 : Champagne A mini-spring-classics is on the cards in the French northeast, with cobbled sectors and a detour into the Ardennes. This is undoubtedly where the race will really begin to fizz. So, as we’re not a million miles away, let’s begin our wine odyssey with the finest (most expensive) bubbles known to humanity. Champagne vintages are commonly made blending Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay, but the more elegant ‘blanc de blancs’ are 100% Chardonnay. Vinification involves a secondary fermentation (adding more yeast and sugar to produce carbon dioxide) to create those celebratory bubbles. There’s a lot to discover here beyond the big dogs like Krug, Cristal and Dom Pérignon, and single estate wines such as Billecart Salmon are highly regarded. Other more affordable makers, such as G. Tribaut, and family-run Piot Sévillano, are just a cork-pop away. Or, perhaps, you’ll seek out Castelnau’s cuvée Véloce, the Tour’s official VIP Champagne (apparently). Food pairing : Oysters Stage 7 : Alsace The first stage with a summit finish, the route runs parallel with the region of Alsace. Most notable for its white wines (although they do Pinot Noir well), the area’s proximity to Germany and its curvaceous landscape have made it one of the best places for Rieslings and Gewürztraminer wines, alongside Pinot Gris and Muscat. There are 51 ‘Grand Crus’ (top-end vineyards) in the vicinity, with a variety of soil types promoting fresh and formidable profiles. We recommend one of the region’s dry and bright Rieslings. Famed Alsace vignerons include Humbrecht, Hugel, Cave de Turckheim and Rolly Gassmann. Expect zesty attacks and a distinctive finish. Food pairing : Tarte Flambée Stage 8 : Burgundy Moving swiftly on, we’re veering slightly west of the stage and dipping our noses into world-renowned Burgundy. Arguably the place for the most romantic, and some of the most expensive, vintages; the Côte d’Or, a patch of vineyards just south of Dijon, is where you’ll find the world’s best examples of single variety Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The Beaujolais made further south of here offers better value for money, with crus such as Cote de Brouilly and Fleurie. Created with Gamay grapes, Beaujolais is best served slightly chilled. Food Pairing : 24-month-aged Comté (cheese) Stages 9 – 11 : Rhône Valley We’re into the Alps now, and there’s a lot to discover. It’s a very diverse region where you could try a dry full-bodied white from the Jura or a spicy red from the Savoie. Châteauneuf-du-Pape is typically known as the pinnacle of Rhône vintages, the Col du Galibier of red wine (although they do produce a few whites in this appellation too). Some Châteauneuf-du-Pape vintages are so good even beings from outer space are believed to have to been spotted hovering over the vineyards. Outstanding Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines include those from Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe, Chateau Rayas and Guigal. More affordable but often great reds come from the Rhône villages of Cairanne, Sablet and Lirac. Apparently, some grape varieties from the Rhône date back to the Greeks; cuvées made with Grenache and Syrah or whites using Viognier are fail-safe. Food pairing : Tartiflette Stage 13 : Provence The Tour isn’t visiting Provence this year, but we had to include Café du Cycliste’s home region. For something that sings of summer in southern France, a bottle of Provençal rosé will really quench the thirst, especially after a sprint finish, or alongside the world-famous fish stew, Bouillabaisse. Rosé is made with red grape varieties but macerated with minimal skin contact, and so colour and character depends on the grapes and vinification method. One of the most revered rosé producers is the Domaine Tempier estate in Bandol, their rosé is made using Mourvèdre, Grenache and Cinsault grapes. For wines local to Nice, Chateau de Bellet’s floral whites go perfectly with seafood. Stage 14 – 18 : Languedoc–Rousillon and Sud Ouest Moving west towards the Pyrenees, the Languedoc is home to some essential appellations including the ever-popular Picpoul de Pinet whites. The south-west wine region is vast and made up of disparate wine-making pockets. And as the race itself undoubtedly reaches its climax, you’ll find some very intense reds to enjoy. Côtes-de-Bergerac is full bodied and complex and made to extremely strict harvesting conditions. Cahors is a Dordogne wine which is even more robust, and perfect for a mountaintop finish. Wines made with native Tannat grapes are also rather punchy. Sweet wines can also be found in the mountains, such as Jurançon-sec and whites using Petit Manseng are outstanding. Cheese pairing : Rocamadour Stage 19 – 20 : Bordeaux You can’t do a tour of French wine without at least a whiff of the world’s best known winemaking region. Wine classification began here in 1855 and cuvées of thick-skinned Cabernet Sauvignon (left-bank) and Merlot (right-bank) create both powerful and smooth vintages. There are also sweet Sauternes produced here, in the sub-region of Graves, which is also where ‘Claret’ (as Bordeaux wine was referred to in the UK) was originally exported to England from. The most expensive wines here are from the left bank, known by some as ‘millionaire’s vinegar’, and offer more length and robustness than an uphill time trial. The First Growth wines of Châteaus Lafite Rothschild and Margaux will not be for everyone, so look for smaller producers from appellations such as St. Emilion, Pauillac and Médoc. Food pairing : Steak frites Stage 21 : Loire Valley The final stage is of course traditionally about a glass of Champagne (see above) for the rider in the yellow jersey, but you might wish to visit the Loire further west of Paris. Cremant from the Loire is made in the Champagne method using Chenin Blanc grapes and the south-facing slopes of the region also produce excellent whites with Sauvignon Blanc and Sancerre. The red wines of the Loire using Cabernet Franc are worth investigating, such as producers in Saumur Champigny and Bourgeil. These wines are best served lightly chilled. As American Francophile and food writer Richard Olney said it’s ‘difficult to touch with words the soul of a wine.’ Therefore, we suggest the best way to discover the wines of France is to saddle up, and head for the vineyards (or wine shop). Don’t forget the corkscrew. Further Riding The best Gnocchi in the world Found in the Cottian Alps, shared with old friends and served by new friends in a mountain retreat that momentarily mutes the volume on modern life. VIEW MORE The best socca in the world Can only come from Nissa la Bella. A niche local speciality, best enjoyed after a starter of Cols Eze and Madone, it's more niçois than Nice itself. VIEW MORE The best crêpe in the world Found in France. Obviously. A specific part of France, the place where it was invented. The rugged, coastal and rural Bretagne. VIEW MORE The best pizza in the world Not from Italy - though it is made not far from the Italian border, in the French Alpes Maritimes. VIEW MORE

The Repair-Café with Alexia Barrier When Alexia Barrier, world-class sailor and Caravan athlete, suggested the idea of organizing a Repair-Café to us, we jumped at the idea. After all, we are both now committed to working together to improve environmental cohesion, sustainability and education. As of last month, Café du Cycliste is donating 1% of revenue to Ms. Barrier’s 4myplanet initiative. So let us explain a bit more about her Repair Café. The Repair-café concept is simple: Many bicycles sit idly in the back of a garage, only because a tyre is flat, or the brakes don’t work. The Repair Café teaches people how to correct such minor issues, how to do it themselves. If you were thinking of dropping off your bike to your trusted (or slightly untrusted) local bike shop and pick it up two hours (or maybe days) later, ready to roll, go your way. However, if saving a few euros (or equivalent currency) and getting your hands dirty sounds more your cup of tea, then take the self-sufficient, planet-friendly and mentally rewarding option. The advantage is that at the end of this workshop you will be able to get tough on the simplest repairs: disassembling a wheel and putting a patch on an inner tube, adjusting brakes, gears, and mending broken chains. The principle: fix things, don’t chuck them away and replace them if unnecessary. The Repair Café welcomes old and young and is an opportunity to bring together a disparate group of people around the same virtuous project. Held worldwide, Repair Cafés offer opportunities to learn and preserve. Zero waste, maximum satisfaction. The operation was brilliantly orchestrated by the eco-warriors of Université Côte d'Azur who have held such events previously on its campuses. The team from the University came to offer expert knowledge and helped to draw the crowds into the Café du Cycliste. Students and youngsters turned out in large numbers for this first experience at the port. The workshop was an experience and an education for everyone, expertly hosted by Cyclotrope, a non-profit association. Their presenters set the tempo, involving everyone from more advanced repair workers to those who were struggling a little in their plan to bring their old bike back to life. Nice à Vélo were also there, a social scheme that informs and raises awareness among the public of Nice about the use of bicycles in the city. The Repair Café is most certainly set to return, with requests flying into us at the Café du Cycliste. The bicycle virus continues to spread. Further Riding Alexia Barrier 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. VIEW MORE The Life Cycle Cycling as a lifestyle empowers people physically and mentally and allows us to connect with nature – a key force for changing behaviours and reducing carbon emissions. VIEW MORE Our Community Join our global community by sharing your rides, adventures and discoveries. Follow us on Instagram @cafeducycliste. VIEW MORE 1% for the Planet We spoke to Alexia Barrier about her 4myplanet enterprise and how Café du Cycliste will be contributing to her future projects through 1% for the Planet. VIEW MORE

1% for the planet We spoke to our Caravan ambassador and professional sailor Alexia Barrier about her 4myplanet enterprise and how Café du Cycliste will be contributing to her future projects through 1% for the Planet. Can you introduce us to 4myplanet? 4myplanet is a charitable association that I created 12 years ago. My goal was to preserve my playground, the ocean. We carry out two main actions which revolve around education and science. We create educational kits for children and carry out practical lessons with them. In addition, my racing boats are equipped with sensors to report data to oceanographic researchers around the world, which helps monitoring changes and patterns in marine biology. With 4myplanet I want to be able to give meaning to my sailing and my competitions. Success in competition is not my only goal. I love it when we continue to learn and progress together collectively. Today we have hundreds of thousands of children who follow us in France, South Africa, Brazil, and the United States through schools, associations of disadvantaged children, and with the National Union School Sport (UNSS). I hope that by the end of next year we will reach one million children. We are also a UNESCO ambassador for ocean research and observation. We can be proud of all that I believe. Can you explain one of these educational workshops to us? We are currently investigating the resources of the ocean because we often forget that ultimately the resources of the ocean are an integral part of our daily lives. Algae, for example, which we use in food, which we use for their bioluminescence in x-rays, have great gelling properties for pastries, for example. We are currently doing workshops with the kids in schools, we have them test all the properties of seaweed and they love it. How does competition and participation in the biggest races contribute to the cause of 4myplanet? Sail-racing is all the same a little selfish, even if we make people dream a lot. In general, we go there to win and have fun. That's why I need to give meaning to my races. We associate the actions of 4myplanet with every navigation, every time we set sail. I see us as players in raising awareness because we give visibility on the water and then globally. We give an important voice to the cause of the preservation of the environment and more particularly of the ocean, thanks to the races, and the media interest we get. Alongside this the Café du Cycliste as a sponsor will allow us to accelerate and amplify our actions in favour of children and the preservation of the environment. We share common values; I am really delighted and proud of this collaboration. What’s upcoming with 4myplanet? It’s all about the new sensors on my racing boats that’s got me excited right now. With these we will take data from under the water whereas before it was from the surface, hopefully providing some valuable data. I'm also going to change mounts and sail in a trimaran. These boats really fly. For the educational part, we will develop a virtual reality program for children to learn about the environment. For children who don't have access to the sea, I think virtual reality is great for giving them this experience and bringing them closer to nature. We are also going to bring young people together at our Repair Café that we will soon be organizing in the port of Nice at the Café du Cycliste. This will be an opportunity to learn how to repair your bike so you can get to and from school by bike. And in terms of sailing, what are your next projects? As for racing, I am attempting the Jules Verne trophy – a crewed, round the world, non-stop journey. I’ve assembled a 100% female crew; it's been 25 years since there has been a female team competing for this trophy. So, we're really going to try to be a model for women who want to achieve big things in sailing and life in general. If we can be this driving force, it will be even more beautiful than winning the record. I think we will succeed in involving as many people as possible in our adventure. Soon I will set off on the Route du Rhum, on a 32-meter multihull. This will also be a world first because there are no women on this type of boat. The program is quite ambitious, it's going to be super interesting. The cause for women is close to your heart, you have a personal commitment to the most vulnerable? Yes, 4myplanet dedicates actions to disadvantaged women, women who are experiencing difficulties in their professional and family life. We are committed to an association called Parcours de Femmes in Cannes. We take them sailing and I invite my coaches and we organize for them wellness workshops, yoga, learning to breathe, freediving experiences, learning to relax. What they are going through can happen to any of us. How will 4myplanet use the annual €30,000 that Café du Cycliste will allocate to it as part of its 1% for the Planet policy? €30,000 per year for the association is a huge boost that allows us to trigger actions that are waiting to be activated. A few thousand euros were missing for it to exist. Typically, the virtual reality program we couldn't do because we didn't have the budget. We will be able to launch this, and in September 2022 at the start of the school year, classes will have access to the sea thanks to sponsorship from the Café du Cycliste. Café du Cycliste is a member of 1% for the Planet®, donating 1% of our turnover to nonprofit environmental groups and charities. FURTHER RIDING NO GAS FULL GAS Sometimes it is all about fast. Clock ticking, legs screaming, heart pumping, tank emptying fast. Against a pack jostling for position or in search of a personal best. VIEW MORE Our Community Join our global community by sharing your rides, adventures and discoveries. Follow us on Instagram @cafeducycliste. VIEW MORE The Life Cycle Cycling as a lifestyle empowers people physically and mentally and allows us to connect with nature – a key force for changing behaviours and reducing carbon emissions. VIEW MORE Shorts Stories : Marinette Our ‘flagship’ in the bib shorts fleet, they’ve ridden across continents, up to the highest peaks, and down low on the hottest highways. And then they’ve ridden some more. VIEW MORE

Ride of the Month : Provence Markets There are two things which fuel the cyclist. One is food and water, the other is the topography and scenery. Both are necessary rewards for the miles spent pushing and panting. In Provence, the home of Café du Cycliste, we are spoilt with an abundance of beautiful ingredients, a world-renowned cuisine, and thousands of miles of mountains, trails and incredible rolling roads. Campagne et gastronomie de la Côte d’Azur. May is the season of the markets in Provence, where a cornucopia of open air stalls appear each week in most towns and villages. We often like to go grunting and gathering, like the little Lycra-clad piggies we are, on our bikes to such markets – a great excuse to sample some saucisson, uncover archictectural gems and enjoy a coffee or three. We depart our Provencal promenade, of course, from the Café du Cycliste shop in the port of Nice. A cappuccino, a black Americano and an espresso for our photographer. We smile at the sun gods, blessing us yet again with golden rays and the effervescence of springtime. First we ride an easy tempo to the Basse Corniche, beginning to perspire as we reach Villefranche sur Mer with its stunning viewpoint over the sea, dinghies and yachts casting their shadows on the water. Somewhere in this vicinity was discovered the remnants of Stone Age tools. It’s fascinating to imagine prehistoric humans stalking beaches around here and lighting fires within their primitive huts. Then imagine them trying to logon to the WiFi or even zip-up their Café du Cycliste jerseys. Mind-boggling. Our carbon fibre and alloy machinery brings us to Beaulieu-sur-mer and its Art Deco Grand Casino. Feeling lucky? We keep moving. We then take the obligatory race positions on the smooth blacktop into Monaco, bellies towards our top tubes alongside the F1 circuit to Menton. Riding by the lapping waves of the turquoise sea, with the smell of sun cream in the air, brings a sense of holiday time. Some people below are even having a little dip in the chilly May water too, brave. This summer vibe – 35km into the ride – makes us want to stop for another coffee, before starting the toughest leg of the trip so we make our stop at a cute café, with a terrasse right by the sea. After having ordered our next round of cappuccino and Americano (water for the photographer this time), we sit at a table in the shade of a parasol. Maybe gelato would be better today. No matter, the stimulating aromas are rewarding. Sipping our coffee, admiring the views, this really is a taste of la dolce vita. Safety first of course. Back on the bike, taking it easy, spinning the legs until we cross the limits of Menton. Then a sudden right angle turn into a narrow road at the bottom of the Mortola climb which can take us over into Italy. But not today. As we begin to climb this narrow road we see more of Menton below, offering a view of the old town with its colourful facades of reds and yellows, the church and the port. Flashing blue water comforts our eyes once more. Following this tiny road, our route takes us up to Castellar offering beautiful views of the mountains between greenery and rocks. After Castellar, we join the road towards Castillon and Sospel but instead of going up, we take a left and turn back down toward Menton. Soon after, we reach the bottom of the famous Col de la Madone that we’ll only use for 3km before taking another left and a smooth climb that leads to Gorbio, a pretty typical perched village with quiet cobbled streets and medieval passages. Then along a pine-tree-lined road we roll back down seawards to another perched idyll, the old town of Roquebrune Cap Martin. Here we finally reach our market, in the central square with a big olive tree. We hear it before we see it. Today, market day, the tree is surrounded by stalls – from market gardener, fishmonger, to cheese monger and charcuterie. We take a quick browse, sample some Tomme à l'Ancienne, inhale the smells and adore the scenery. A quick tour of the old town (dismounting our bikes) through tiny narrow streets with cool, fresh air bouncing off the stonework. A sleeping cat, the smell of lunch being prepared. We finish off the day by riding up to La Turbie via La Moyenne. It is a gentle climb above Monaco and leads us to out third and final coffee stop. Espresso all round, single shot. From La Turbie, a true cycling crossroad of the French Riviera, it is all the way down to Nice with a plunging view over the bay and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, always good for tired legs. Further Riding March In the world of cycle racing, Milan–San Remo is one of the most prestigious events of the season. To win this trophy is to have your name chiseled into history. But only if you’re a man. VIEW MORE January Exiting Nice from the north side, this ride provides a healthy mélange of architectural and natural landmarks, with a side of local legend. VIEW MORE December In Provence, Christmas lasts 40 days. In the small village of Luceram, nativity scenes have become a sacred tradition for its inhabitants. VIEW MORE November A ride that goes further than the normal nourishing experience, climbing the iconic Col d’Eze en route to Monaco in search of a model turned urban gardener. VIEW MORE

No Gas Full Gas Facts Civilisation began 12,000 years ago. For 10,000 of those rotations of the sun, the planet’s climate has provided the stability for humanity to develop. But since the mid-twentieth century the rate at which we’ve produced energy has raised the earth’s temperature to dangerous levels. Fossil fuel consumption is a major part of this crisis. We must reduce the damage. Fast. 1. Carbon dioxide (CO2) from human activity is increasing more than 250 times faster than it did from natural sources after the last ice age. 2. Renewable energy needs maximum investment. The uptake in low-carbon energy sources can help economies to grow without increasing emissions. 3. The biggest producers of CO2 are China, the USA, India and Russia. 4. We need to fix things now. Rebalance by recapturing billions of tonnes of carbon. And stop emitting carbon on a daily basis. 5. Wind power currently fuels about 5% of the world’s electricity, which is a 2% increase since 2012. Denmark leads the way with 36% of its output produced via wind turbines. 6. The bicycle’s contribution to a greener culture is undeniable. Unsurprisingly it is the Netherlands who have the most bicycle use per capita. 99% of the population cycle, compared to 32% in the USA. 7. The combustion engine needs to be abolished for life to continue. But it’s not that simple. We need alternatives which are available and affordable. 8. To move forwards we need to be mindful of how we behave. From the choices we make every day. 10. The wheel is humanity’s greatest technological breakthrough, but now it must be used for the greater, greener good. Quick solution? Ride a push bike. 9. Scrap the car, take the train, the boat or best of all, the bicycle. 11. Café du Cycliste are forever outsiders, and we want future generations to follow us. Further Riding The Life Cycle Cycling as a lifestyle empowers people physically and mentally and allows us to connect with nature – a key force for changing behaviours and reducing carbon emissions. VIEW MORE Shorts Stories : Marinette Our ‘flagship’ in the bib shorts fleet, they’ve ridden across continents, up to the highest peaks, and down low on the hottest highways. And then they’ve ridden some more. VIEW MORE No Gas Full Gas Sometimes it is all about fast. Clock ticking, legs screaming, heart pumping, tank emptying fast. Against a pack jostling for position or in search of a personal best. VIEW MORE Our Community Join our global community by sharing your rides, adventures and discoveries. Follow us on Instagram @cafeducycliste. VIEW MORE

Nissa La Bella: Float down to the Carnival Held officially since 1873 (although reports suggest the Count of Provence held carnivals in the late 13th century), the Nice Carnival is one of the world’s most celebrated parades. A truly international festival, the fortnight-long show celebrates the city’s history and culture, hailing the start of Lent and the passing of winter. Millions of people flock to the city each year and it is yet another reason for us to celebrate our home – Nissa La Bella. A psychedelic spectacle, particularly at night, the carnival caravan consists of papier-mâché sculptures and effigies, costumed dancers and musicians, flagpoles, and dazzling illuminations. One of the most distinctive elements is the flowers featuring on the floats, and the flower battles that occur along the Promenade des Anglais. The theme of the 2022 edition was ‘King of the Animals’, and saw artists build some gargantuan representations of wild and wonderful creatures. Our Eglantine jersey is badged in honour of our hometown and available for both men and women in two colours for SS22. 1. Fierce reputation : one of the world’s longest-running parades, the carnival has been held since 1873. 2. Petal power : Flowers feature prominently every year, with ‘flower battles’ taking place along the Promenade des Anglais. 3. Capture the moment : over a million people flock to Nice during the two-week festival. 4. The paper trail : papier-mâché effigies ands cultures feature heavily, with months of preparation 5. Wild side : each year a special theme is chosen. 2022 was ‘King of the Animals’. 6. Mouse-party : all kinds of crazy costumes to be seen, and that’s just the spectators 7. Party-goers : the carnival attracts people of all ages, fun for all the family 8. Floating fun : an unhappy face at carnival is rarer than a unicorn’s tail 10. Thumbs up : See you next year young lady. 9. Sneak peek : even the locals going about their daily business can’t help but take a look at the festivities 11. Naked attraction : Nissa La Bella, what a place to be.

Étienne Hubert: Paris by Night Adventure is around every corner on a bike, even in Paris in winter. And so, I took two old kayaking veterans with me to cross the capital at night. I encouraged them with the promise of over a hundred kilometres, lots of climbing and plenty of paths that many would never normally cross in daytime Paris. The pair both held the title of world kayaking champion in past years and spent hours, summer and winter, in the cold water of rivers, in sometimes daunting conditions and have long been fans of big efforts and heavy training loads. Adventure is their bread and butter. Despite their advanced age, I know that they still have fire under their feet and that they just have to sit on a saddle for the desire to fight to burn bright. Departure at 8pm and heading south-east of Paris. At the rate at which we ride the first 15kms, the loop will quickly be completed. There is no escaping this ritual at the start of a ride, a little tester to judge each other’s form. But the fast food slows the pace before entering the forest of Notre Dame Sucy en Brie. We all left work without eating, putting us at that well-known risk of eating anything when we're hungry, and that's exactly what we do: Hamburger, fries, coke. But the next kilometres eliminate all that. Usually in this forest, the single-track is fun, the small bumps a formality, the descents playful. But with nightfall and the rain that has poured over Paris in recent days, the scenario turns out to be very different. Quickly mud gets lodged everywhere, loading the cranks and tyres, rendering us almost useless. You must push, unclog, try to get back on for a few metres further, and stop to unclog again. Our feet are now soaked in mud, I hear them cursing me. It's 11 p.m. and our speedometers show just 25kms. The night will be long. Returning towards Paris central via the Château de Vincennes, I suggest a quick stop with my friend Bertrand (Judo Olympic medallist in Barcelona) at the Olympe Sports Café to fill bidons... “We are not lingering; we still have a long way to go.” The trap is pointing its nose as I leave the bar, pints of beer have replaced bidons of water. The trap finally closes in on us when the boss serves us three shots of rum... “Now there will be a moment of euphoria, then a drop in speed…” At this time of the evening, around midnight, normal people would gladly go to bed. We are not normal people, however, especially this eve. There are still more than 50 km to go but the visit of classic Parisian spots is not negotiable: Baltard, Château de Vincennes, Pigalle, Montmartre, Madeleine, Champs Élysée, Place de l'Etoile. Even with wheels full of mud, at night, on a bike, everything takes on a new dimension, a more mythical quality. Contrasting with the daytime Paris that we know off by heart, this darker quieter city is fascinating. "You’re closed? You don't have enough left to make us three kebabs?" I have just negotiated the supply of a delicacy which will see us to the end of our ride. We get back on track, the crossing of the Bois de Boulogne is done at high speed, wheel to wheel. Roads and streets belong to us at this time of night. The coast of St Cloud will allow us to check what energy we have left 30 km from the finish. What awaits us next is a frantic return with the wind at our backs, along the banks of the Seine. Most people don't want to hang around anymore, we let ourselves be carried away by the speed and the noise of our big tyres on the macadam. The Eiffel Tower and the waterways in the heart of Paris make us however spontaneously reduce the pace, we feel privileged to taste these places at an undue hour. We linger around the Louvre Pyramid. It is 3am when we reach our quarters. The call of the bed is the strongest, we will take care of the bikes tomorrow. But it's already tomorrow... in four short hours the alarm clock will ring to bring us back to reality, our aching legs will then be able to remind us that this crossing of Paris was neither a dream, nor a nightmare, but something altogether different. Further Riding Étienne Hubert: an introduction Étienne Hubert 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 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 a Gravel tour of Mont Blanc for so long, so this seemed like the perfect time. VIEW MORE Farewell to Winter It is said that the ride should be about the journey, not the destination. However, for Anton Krupicka and Hailey Moore, a recent trip in the Colorado mountains proved it’s about both. 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. Last year, we bikepacked through the Alps and this year we tackled the Pyrenees. VIEW MORE

Caravan: When Guillaume Néry dived into the Café It took five magical minutes to understand the dimension of the athlete and the level of requirement of his freediving discipline. Café du Cycliste on the port of Nice is packed with people this Monday evening in March. Click here to watch the full event. Guillaume Néry the world champion free-diver walks on stage and, saying nothing, settles in his chair with relaxed eyes, clips his pince-nez to his nose, takes deep breaths, stores air again and again as if to occupy every every cell in his body and for 5 minutes that seem to last years, Guillaume holds his breath. Time is suspended. As he sits, occasionally opening his eyes to check the elapsed time, the audience watch clips of this motionless man’s extreme endeavours under the sea. This performance is the preamble to a discussive journey with him, taking us 126 meters below sea level to explain how his body and, more precisely his brain, withstand the constraints and pressures of free-diving. For a long time scientists thought that a human could not descend below 50 meters without oxygen. Athletes of Guillaume's calibre have defied all predictions, pushed the limits beyond the imaginable, undermining all scholarly doctrines. There is this moment when the body falls into the depths, drawn to the deepest point possible. At less than 126 metres the organs take 12 times the normal pressure, the body literally crushed under the weight of the ocean. And then you must start the ascent, paddling with power to defy gravity. And the further you go, the more oxygen is lacking. But finally, returning to the surface, the lungs are filled with air, and the body is reborn. For nearly two hours, Guillaume Néry, our Caravan athlete, thrilled the public at the Port of Nice. Relive this extraordinary experience here. More from the Caravan 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, some of my great passions in life. 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 Anton Krupicka: Farwell to Winter. It is said that the ride should be about the journey, not the destination. However, for Anton Krupicka and Hailey Moore, a recent trip in the Colorado mountains proved it’s about both. VIEW MORE

Anton Krupicka: Farewell to Winter According to the popular adage, the ride should be about the journey not the destination. However, with traces of winter snowfall still blanketing Boulder’s iconic Flatirons and still more signs of the lingering winter season holding onto the high peaks, a recent overnight trip to a local hot spring proved to be about both the journey and the destination too. For my partner, Anton Krupicka, and myself, the journey provided two longer days of riding to season our legs for the forthcoming demands of Spring and Summer rides. Split across the weekend, our 145-mile (233km) round-trip route clocked in plenty of climbing (16,000ft/5,000m) and took us from our doorstep in Boulder, Colorado to the state’s original gold rush town of Idaho Springs. Our destination – a small hot spring at a quaint historic hotel – provided ample motivation to brave higher elevations and enforce two consecutive full-days on the bike. The route opened with bucolic miles out of Boulder with the accessibility of low-traffic gravel routes being one of the area’s greatest gifts to cyclists. The foothills that border Boulder to the west and compose the Front Range are riven with canyons of varying grades and, even though it is the longest continuous local climb, Lefthand Canyon offers one of the more modest grades, averaging around 4% for the full 18-miles required to reach the Peak-to-Peak Highway. True to the forecast, we were greeted by a stiff western breeze, which then turned to punctuated gusts low down in the canyon. Fortunately, the close canyon walls soon acted as a shelter, rather than a funnel, and we were heartened by our progress as we soon found ourselves on the final steep pitches through the small community of Ward, without much worry paid to the wind. The climb took us to the Peak-to-Peak Highway – an iconic, undulating bi-way that boasts sweeping corners and impressive views of the Indian Peaks range. In warmer seasons, you’d be hard pressed to pass any stretch of this classic road without spotting other riders, but today in late winter, we covered the 12 miles (19km) into Nederland without seeing any moving vehicles. Nederland sits at 8,200ft (2500m), versus Boulder’s temperate 5,300-foot (1600m) and we were glad to stop at cafe Salto for hot sandwiches, soup, and coffee. We rode out the 20 remaining miles to reach Central City with our heads mostly down due to a fierce wind. We took the descents much slower than usual, and I spied Anton unclip a foot on a couple of the corners, lest a powerful gust initiate a spill. The sun was already obscured by the surrounding peaks as we reached Central City and the last climb of the day. An 1,800-foot rise took us out of town, from pavement back to gravel, and to the aptly named descent down Oh My God Road which, with its slinking s-curves and unobstructed views of Mount Evans, is indeed divine. Once the sun had disappeared, though, we could have cared less about the divinity of the OMG descent as we reached our hard-earned destination of Idaho Springs. Teeth near-chattering, we hit the first gas station in town and immediately downed a hot chocolate, while holding our hands over the hot dog roller. In short order, we made it to the hotel, had a pizza delivered, and were soon pruned-skinned and thoroughly warmed by our stint in the tub—a luxurious end to an invigorating day on the bike. We started day two with an incredible breakfast at the Main Street Restaurant, a lowkey diner that serves up eye-popping plates, such as our three-egg omelets, slab of hash browns, and two slices of banana bread (which we pocketed for later). Well-fueled, we started up Little Bear Creek Rd— an addition to our route which would add a 3,500ft (1,050m) climb and earn us views of the high mountains strung along the Continental Divide enchainment. Ice-crusted roads turned to clean snowpack higher up and we cruised the serpentine corners talking casually while enjoying the muffled crunch of our tires on the surface beneath. Rolling at around 11,200ft (3,400m), we had reached the literal and psycho-emotional high point of the trip, where we pointed out the familiar profiles of known peaks—Evans being the closest, of course, and then, in the receding distance, Grays, the pyramidal Torres, James and Arapahoe Peaks, and furthest still Longs Peak, perhaps the most iconic of the Front Range and—at 40 miles from Boulder—our “local” mountain. At Echo Lake, we turned back northeast for the 15-mile (25km) return descent to Idaho Springs. While the wind so far had been non-existent and the sun was shining high, the sub-freezing air temperature made the downhill into town painful. Being nearly nauseous with the cold, we opted for a second round of coffees at the Frothy Cup. Afterall, if you can’t stop for a second cup in Winter, when can you? Fortunately, the rest of the day was warm, and our spirits high. Our return ride included much of the same roads we had taken to arrive. A sweat-inducing climb up Oh My God Rd brought us back to Central City and from here we opted for an unsealed shortcut back to the Peak-to-Peak Highway. Whilst this stretch had a hefty grade, it was low traffic and offered a backroads feel that we both appreciated. A blustery western cross breeze characterized the next 12-mile stretch until we eagerly turned east, making our foe a friend in the form of a tail wind through the rollers of the downward-trending Magnolia Road. Aside from some unexpected slush lingering on Magnolia’s shaded, infamously-steep corners, the rest of the ride passed without incident. Rolling back into town in the early evening, it felt like we had pulled one over on Old Man Winter by sneaking up to 11k’ and were thereby gifted the motivational lift that summer would be here before we knew it. Further Riding Caravan: Anton Krupicka I enjoy the adventure of cycling, especially bike packing. For me though, it’s just being in the outdoors, seeing beautiful landscapes and using your body. VIEW MORE Coins Cachés: Boulder, Colorado Nestled on the eastern aspect of the foothills of the Colorado Rockies, Boulder is a unique and idyllic hub for outdoor recreation—including cycling. 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. This year we tackled the Pyrenees. VIEW MORE A Mont-Blanc Gravel Tour 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

Ride of the Month: Searching for La Primavera The joy of the new season is difficult to put into words, patiently waiting through winter for spring weather, its arrival signals a kind of revolution. The Italians have, unsurprisingly, a beautiful name for springtime – La Primavera. In the world of cycle racing, La Primavera may also refer to Milan–San Remo, the ‘spring classic’ and one of the most prestigious events of the season. Known as the longest (almost 300kms) and arguably most beautiful of the one-day monuments, to win this trophy is to have your name chiseled into history. But only if you’re a man. Female road racers still only get to watch Milan-San Remo on the screen, or perhaps wearily cheer their male counterparts from the roadside. There was, for a few years in the early 2000s, something called the Primavera Rosa, a shortened version for the ladies which ran before the gentlemen’s event; Trixi Worrack was the last woman to win that race, in 2005. Currently the women have the Trofeo Alfredo Binda in Lombardia (Binda is a celebrated male racer who won Milan-San Remo twice, funnily enough) on the same weekend as Milan–San Remo, and it is always hotly contested, with the masterful Marianne Vos having won there four times. But it's no ‘Classicisima’, it cannot compare to the spectacle of racing from the confines of industrial Milan out to the beauty of the Ligurian coast. Now, in 2022, with the women’s peloton having their own version of some of the biggest races on the calendar like Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders, they want to see Milan-San Remo on their schedule too. Of course, that’s not to say the women’s sport cannot or should not have their own specific events, but to achieve parity, things must be equally distributed; opportunities open to all. Whilst the governing body of world cycling, the UCI, and race-organizers, RCS, get their act together, the roads are still free for us to explore the route in question. ‘The growth in women’s cycling justifies adding bigger races to the calendar. There should be equal chances. With such a strong number of Italian females at the top of the sport now, Milan-San Remo would be a beautiful addition. Nothing is too long or too tough, women are capable of competing on the same parcours as the men, which was demonstrated back in October at Paris-Roubaix. Everybody wants to see more of those thrilling occasions.’ – Stefanie And so it was, in early March, four of us, in Café du Cycliste colours, took off in search of the elusive Primavera, passing over three borders, beginning in Nice, across to Monaco, and up into Italy. We weren’t looking to ride all 298 km of Milan-San Remo, but instead rode along the coast as a sort of pilgrimage up to the two famous climbs of the race – the Cipressa and the Poggio. We rode as a happy unit and chatted about how great it would be to one day share stories of female racers battling to victory again on these roads. Instead, as we crossed the border into Italy from Menton we talk about riders like Vincenzo Nibali and Julian Alaphilippe, men who have had the honour to race up the Poggio di San Remo. We take the cycle path in Ospedaletti and on towards San Remo itself – riding eastwards from Nice we must first pass through San Remo before arriving at our intended targets of first the Cipressa climb, and then back to the Poggio. With views of the sea always at our side, we each in turn suffer but camaraderie and the promise of spring gives us the energy to punch our way up. As we each arrive we see the famous phone box marking the top of the climb. We all take in the view and share a photo before the famous twisting descent back into San Remo. Further Riding THE TOUR DES ALPES MARITIMES The Tour des Alpes Maritimes is an early test for hill racers. But we ourselves are not here to race. We’re here to discover what the Riviera has to offer the amateur cyclist. VIEW MORE LE SAUT DES FRANÇAIS Exiting Nice from the north side, this ride provides a healthy mélange of architectural and natural landmarks, with a side of local legend. VIEW MORE CHRISTMAS IN PROVENCE In Provence, Christmas lasts 40 days. In the small village of Luceram, nativity scenes have become a sacred tradition for its inhabitants. VIEW MORE URBAN GARDENING IN MONACO A ride that goes further than the normal nourishing experience, climbing the iconic Col d’Eze en route to Monaco in search of a model turned urban gardener. VIEW MORE 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. VIEW MORE

Ride of the Month: The Tour des Alpes Maritimes The Tour of the Haut Var, or to give it its official title the Tour des Alpes Maritimes et du Var, has been running since 1969. The winner of the inaugural race was none other than Raymond Poulidor, icon of French cycling in the 1960s and 70s. ‘Pou-Pou’, as he was affectionately known, had other success at the spring races, winning one day prizes Milan-San Remo in Italy, Flèche Wallonne in Belgium and stage race Paris-Nice, twice. The Tour du Var is seen as a warm-up to the more prestigious Paris-Nice, known by some as the ‘Race to the Sun’ (or a ‘roll to the beach’ for others). This race in the Var is an early test for punchy hill climbers and mountain goats, with its three voluptuous stages telling you who has been training well during the off-season, or not. More recent winners of the event are Colombian Nairo Quintana and Thibaut Pinot, Burgundy’s top grimpeur. But let us slow down the pace for now, we ourselves are not here to race. We are here to ride and discover precisely what the Riviera has to offer the amateur road cyclist – beauty in abundance. For this month’s ride we take the route of stage three of this year’s Tour des Alpes Maritimes (won by Quintana last Sunday) – from Villefranche-sur-mer to Blausasc. It’s a testing parcours, 113 kilometres with 2300 metres of climbing – so it’s no stroll on the promenade. It’s a beautiful crisp spring morning, and with legs and arms fully covered, and sunglasses firmly on, we set off from Villefranche’s old town. Rolling with the steady, mellow pace of a coastal breeze, the heart-rates of our riders soon crescendo as we reach the mythical, lung-busting Col d’Èze. If you can reach the top in under half an hour, you’re either in fine form or your eyes are deceiving you. The Col’s apex rewards with views of the ocean and the Cap-Ferrat peninsula; and a refreshing recovery on the descent, gulping in the fragrant Mediterranean air. La Turbie is the crossroads that every Riviera rider stops at to refill bidons. Its iconic fountain is just one piece of a mosaic of cobbled streets, olive trees and tranquil hillside buildings. Villages such as Peille perch cosily, and you can see snow on top of the mountains beyond. You may also spot the idyllic training ground of French Ligue 1 club AS Monaco, former employers of Thierry Henry and Kylian Mbappé. The green turf happily hugs the hillside above the sea. We are challenged by switchbacks on the descent from Peille, swooping through olive tree groves, and riding past Blausasc, the location of the finish line and home to yet another picturesque hillside church. Rolling on we take in the rock forms and azure blue that gives the coast its name, punctuated by the yellow fire of the mimosa. And then another climb, Col de Nice, 17km, with an average of 2.3%, with a couple of 9% steep sections. But the col brings us to another beautiful commune, Berre-les-Alpes, where the olive trees are replaced by chestnuts. A chilly descent down to Contes, and maybe a stop at Boulangerie Lefebvre to refuel – we still have the toughest part of the route to come. The Col Saint Roch isn’t the most famous climb in the Alpes Maritimes, but it is devilishly hard. It’s dual personality – with a smooth easier first section, and then a steeper and tougher second part – can catch you off guard. The first half ends at Coaraze, possibly one of the most beautiful of all the hillside villages in the Côte d’Azur and infamous for being a place where the villagers once caught Satan by gluing his tail to the flagstones. Once you leave Coaraze, you may feel your own tail is being dragged to the tarmac, with 12% gradients testing energy and resolve now with roughly 80km in the legs. Reaching the top at 2000m above the sea, our intrepid riders think about continuing the ride up to Col de Turini, for another 15km of alpinism. But the choice was made to turn left down towards L’Escarene, enjoying switchbacks of the Monaco Rally before heading at speed into the valley and down to Blausasc for coffee and pastries. Ride of the Month LE SAUT DES FRANÇAIS Exiting Nice from the north side, this ride provides a healthy mélange of architectural and natural landmarks, with a side of local legend. VIEW MORE CHRISTMAS IN PROVENCE In Provence, Christmas lasts 40 days. In the small village of Luceram, nativity scenes have become a sacred tradition for its inhabitants. VIEW MORE URBAN GARDENING IN MONACO A ride that goes further than the normal nourishing experience, climbing the iconic Col d’Eze en route to Monaco in search of a model turned urban gardener. VIEW MORE 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. VIEW MORE

ANTON KRUPICKA My introduction to running was racing on the track at school. I went to university here in Colorado, and moved to the town Boulder, in the mountains, and that’s when I became interested in racing ultra-marathon. In 2006 I did the Leadville Trail 100 and was fortunate to win there and that launched my career as a professional ultra-runner. I've been lucky enough to race all over the world over the past fifteen years. The Leadville Trail, The Western State 100 here in North America, then internationally, I've been to Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc twice, then Lavaredo in Italy, which I won. I've been all over the world doing races – Australia, South America, and South Africa. But I still love racing at home here in Colorado. A race I did in Gran Canaria sticks in the memory, you traverse the entire island and there was a full moon during that race. We spent all night running across the island – it was a magical experience. I ride my bike more than I run now. Cycling is nice because it doesn’t injure my body and you can cover distances that aren’t possible on foot. I prefer gravel cycling. When you have wide tyres it opens up the options, more trails to explore. It's good to go on the road to connect trails or segments but in general I like to stay off the road. Obviously the nice thing about running is that it’s simple, there’s no mechanical devices to hold – it's just a pair of shoes, a pair of shorts. But I do enjoy the adventure of cycling, especially bike packing, the multi-day trips. For me though it’s just being in the outdoors, seeing beautiful landscapes and using your body. I think a love for the outdoors is something that develops as you go through life but for me I think the origins of it, growing up in a farm in Nebraska where I had a lot of land to explore, I certainly gained an intuition for being in nature. At the moment, I'm riding four or five days a week. Sometimes I run and ride in the same day but generally I run three or four days a week and ride my bike five days a week. Climbing is another activity I like. Right now it’s winter in Colorado but generally I climb a couple of times a week. It's just another way of being outside – you highly engage with your surroundings. instagram @antonkrupicka strava Anton Krupicka “ Where I Ride? Whilst competing internationally I’ve had the chance to bike around Chamonix, a little bit in Italy and also in South America. But I love the riding here in Colorado. One day I’d like to do some kind of international bike tour. ” “ What I Ride? I prefer gravel cycling. When you have wide tyres it opens up the options, more trails to explore. It's good to go on the road to connect trails or segments but in general I like to stay off the road. ” “ Why I Ride? I enjoy the adventure of cycling, especially bike packing, the multi-day trips. Cycling doesn’t injure my body like running and you can cover distances that aren’t possible on foot. ” Related Stories Coins Cachés: Boulder, Colorado Nestled in the foothills of the Colorado Rockies, Boulder is an idyllic hub for outdoor recreation—including cycling. VIEW MORE Farwell to Winter It is said that the ride should be about the journey, not the destination. However, for Anton Krupicka and Hailey Moore, a recent trip in the Colorado mountains proved it’s about both. VIEW MORE Mount Blue Sky Mount Blue Sky sits at an elevation of 14,265 feet (4,348m) above sea level. The road to the summit happens to be the highest paved road in North America and presents a pretty compelling opportunity to cyclists. VIEW MORE BACK TO THE CARAVAN

Ride of the month: “Le Saut des Français” Exiting Nice from the north side, this ride provides a healthy mélange of architectural and natural landmarks, with a side of local legend. The route leads up into the mountains without any particularly challenging climbs, before wrapping things up with a peaceful descent back down to Nice. Highlights include an artificial waterfall overlooking the bay and an infamous cliff hugging the side of the Vesubie valley. After navigating the way up through Nice Nord, pass under the motorway to find yourself at the foot of the mountains. The first port of call on the winding road is the Cascade de Gairaut, an artificial waterfall built in the 19th century to mark the introduction of the Vesubie canal. The waterfall was designed to oxygenate the drinking water that passes down into the city, or into your bidon. With the smooth sound of cascading water in your ears, enjoy the splendid view of the “ Baie des Anges”. The route then flows up towards the eccentric abode of a local favourite. Ben Vautier, known simply as Ben, is a Nice-based artist whose signature handwriting can be seen scrawled across tram stations and even public toilets all over Nice. He is most famous for his scrawlings, often brief meditations on life such as ‘Il faut manger. Il faut dormir.’ His main residence does not disappoint. Standing proudly against the rolling green hills, it resembles a giant haywire papier-mâché. A mishmash of hundreds of colourful pieces are plastered across the front of his house, featuring lone bike wheels, various handwritten slogans, and other sculptural curiosities. Leaving the chaotic beauty of modern art behind, snake around the foot of Mont Chauve, passing a constant stream of houses nestled into the side of the mountain. Follow the road until you reach Aspremont. Ruins are all that is left of the château that once defended this village. However, the view from them over the Var towards Antibes is magnificent. Continue along the meandering mountain road until you approach the medieval village of Levens. The number of cars will begin to thin out significantly, allowing you to ascend the gentle climb without any great difficulty. The village itself features a charming bell tower sitting atop a rocky outcrop, overlooking both the Var and Vesubie river valleys. The traditional homes and cobblestone streets that wind down from the top of the hill are waiting to be explored and provide the perfect backdrop for a quick coffee or ice cream break. Picking up again and heading further into the mountains, you will pass through Duranus. Upon leaving the village, you will find yourself on the side of a spectacular cliff, now the subject of a local legend. In 1792, Nice was not yet French. Faced with French republican troops trying to flee the region, local resistance fighters from the County of Nice formed a militia named the Barbets. Captured prisoners were made to jump over 200m to their deaths into the Vesubie valley. The cliff has since taken on the eerie name the Saut des Français. This section is best tackled in the afternoon when the route, etched into the steep rocky face, is bathed in sunlight. Once you hit Béringuier, take a left and begin the smooth descent towards the Var. Returning to civilisation, a bike lane allows you to spin south at pace, providing the wind is on your side. Once you hit Saint-Laurent du Var, follow the cycle lane along the water’s edge and take the Promenade des Anglais as your victory lap as you return to the centre of Nice. Further Riding CHRISTMAS IN PROVENCE In Provence, Christmas lasts 40 days. In the small village of Luceram, nativity scenes have become a sacred tradition for its inhabitants. VIEW MORE URBAN GARDENING ON THE ROOFTOPS OF MONACO A ride that goes further than the normal nourishing experience, climbing the iconic Col d’Eze en route to Monaco in search of a model turned urban gardener. VIEW MORE 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 retur VIEW 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. VIEW MORE

Nissa La Bella Through the Seasons A city by the sea but not only. A place in the sun but not just. Nice is like no other and riding is in its soul. The hills and highs, the cols and climbs. The back country that spreads out in three directions and goes up, up and up. It is a cycling paradise twelve months a year and always, always, worth a visit. Three hundred and sixty five day fun. 1. Nice - Quai Lunel - Pointe de Rauba-Capeu; January 2. Sospel; February 3A. Mont Ventoux; March 3B. La Bonette; March 4A. Esterel; April 4B. Nice - Mont Boron; April 5. Nice - Vieux Nice - Cour Jacques Chirac; May 6A. NICE - Promenade des Anglais; June 6B. Gordolasque; July 7. Nice - Promenade des Anglais; September 9. Roubion - Col de la Couillole; November 8. Galibier; October 10. Galibier; December

Christmas in Provence: The Nativity Scenes in the Village of Luceram In Provence, Christmas lasts 40 days. Starting on the day of Sainte-Barbe, on the 4th of December, and lasting until Candlemas day on February the 3rd. During this festive period, many local traditions and customs take place. These include planting “Christmas wheat” in three cups on the day of Sainte-Barbe, the Christmas “big supper”, which is a special dinner, with thirteen desserts, eaten before going to midnight mass on Christmas Eve as well as Christmas markets. One of the most beautiful traditions, in which Provençals have become famous over the years, is nativity scenes and Les Santons (“little saints”), which remain more popular in the villages than in the cities. A few kilometres from Nice, on one of the roads leading to the Turrini Pass, is the small village of Luceram, strategically located on a mountain outcrop and where the tradition of nativity scenes has become a wonderful tradition for its inhabitants. This is our “Ride of the Month” destination for December. Leaving the Café at the Port in Nice on this first day of winter, Marie and Audrey look up at the uninviting sky. Rain and snow could both make an appearance today, with the snow-capped peaks visible from afar on the Mercantour side. Their route will take in the Saint Roch pass and up through the Paillon valley to reach Bendejun and Coaraze, which is the last village before the Col. From the Port of Nice, this will involve an ascent of almost 1000 metres before descending on the drops to the medieval village of Lucéram, which is very crowded this time of year and for a good reason. After Bendejun, the “route du soleil” takes cyclists through many varied landscapes. Shortly after leaving the coast, the temperature becomes much cooler and humid as the bikes reach the banks of the river and the rich forest undergrowth in between Contes and Bendejun. The atmosphere then becomes much more Mediterranean in the final 10 kilometres, where the imposing trees have disappeared and are replaced by a rocky landscape with much drier and sparser vegetation. At a few hundred metres before the pass, it’s always satisfying to glance back and admire the tight switchbacks that have been conquered magnificently. This route is yet another wonder in the cyclist paradise that the remote countryside of Nice offers. There is what sounds like an ever-increasing commotion as you approach the tiny village of Lucéram. The laughter and children’s games echoing from the narrow streets confirm the rumour: the Lucéram Christmas nativity scenes trail (“Circuit des Crèches”) is teaming with visitors. This is a unique and magical spectacle with no less than 450 Christmas nativity scenes of all different shapes and sizes, made by the locals, in every nook and cranny of the village. The place is unique because the entire population seems to have devoted themselves to individual expressions of creativity. The tradition of Christmas nativity scenes that first used les santons seems to have been established in the 13th Century by Saint Francis of Assisi, who in 1223, before celebrating Christmas mass, organised a live Nativity scene in a village in Italy. It’s about recreating the birth of Jesus over two thousand millennia ago in a stable in Bethlehem, a small town 10 kilometres from Jerusalem. This biblical story is about Mary and Joseph, the parents of Jesus, who couldn’t find a room to stay in, so took refuge in a stable, at which point Mary gave birth to Jesus in a manger, which the crib represents. This remarkable historical story features shepherds and three wise men who came to worship the newborn child. But here in Provence, you see a different nativity scene with small, handcrafted figurines (les santons) of the village baker, beekeeper, fisherman and more of the region’s villagers used in nativity scenes to depict Provençal life. As a result, Les Santons have become the Provençal symbol for the Christmas season. These miniature clay figurines are handcrafted by local artists, with fairs and markets entirely devoted to them as the Christmas holidays approach. In the narrow cobblestone streets and medieval archways of Lucéram, Christmas nativity scenes are everywhere. Audrey and Marie decide to get off their bikes and walk deeper into the village to take a better look. There are nativity scenes in every nook and corner of the village - on windowsills, fountains, porches and sometimes entire cellars, chapels, and even the communal oven. The smallest could fit inside a hazelnut shell or oyster shell, and the largest are several metres long and can fill an entire room or even the village square. This is an out of the ordinary, magical show of collective celebration, friendly and inventive. With the smell of mulled wine and stewed gnocchi floating around in the air, it’s time to return to Nice. The generous portions of wine and gnocchi served here are a good omen for this rather unusual descent. But, unfortunately, the bitter cold has started to set in, so Marie and Audrey must ride home fast to Nice. Further Riding URBAN GARDENING ON THE ROOFTOPS OF MONACO A ride that goes further than the normal nourishing experience, climbing the iconic Col d’Eze en route to Monaco in search of a model turned urban gardener. VIEW MORE 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. VIEW 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. VIEW MORE 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. VIEW MORE

Alba de Silvestro I was a downhill skier but I moved to alpinism because I was looking for something more. I was running for training during the summer and I was doing well competing in local races. A friend said Skimo was perfect for me, combining skiing and running. I tried just for fun and fell in love with this sport - it’s a beautiful way to explore the mountains. Now I compete in the World Cup, an international Skimo circuit, in which there are three different stages. The first one is sprint. The second one is vertical, it's 20 minutes only uphill - you have to push very hard. Last is the individual race over varied terrain which is my favourite. I have never won the World Cup as I am not a sprinter, and the sprint races are very important. But I have won several stages, with my first victory being three years ago in Andorra. The best part of skimo is that you don’t need the lifts or the slopes, you can go whenever you want, to places which no-one else can reach in the mountains. For me, it is not just about the racing for me but a love of nature and the outdoors. Now I live in Albesaggio and train in San Giuseppe but I grew up in the Dolomites near Cortina which is my favorite place to ski. San Giuseppe is good for skimo, but nothing can compare to the beauty of the Dolomites. If I had to summarise skimo in three words they would be beautiful, freedom and mountains. The similarities with cycling are endless. The uphills and downhills, the fun, the endless opportunities to explore so many different roads and routes. The feeling of satisfaction when you reach the top of the climb and get ready for the descent. For me there’s only one difference between cycling and skiing, it’s just the season – one is for winter and the other is for summer. instagram @albadesilvestro strava Alba De Silvestro “ Where I Ride? I usually ride around Albessagio as there are a lot of good climbs like in Valmalenco and Chiareggio, also Di Gera e Di Campomoro which was in the Giro d’Italia for women. I also love training in Corvara, where we can climb Passo Pordoi, Valparola, Passo Gavia - I think it’s the best place for cycling in the world. ” “ What I Ride? I really like road cycling and I am riding three or four days a week during the summer. I also like MTB but I'm definitely lacking a bit of technique so it can be quite unnerving. ” “ Why I Ride? For me, I feel you can really explore with a bike. I don’t cycle with the intensity that I ski or run with so it is much less stressful. Sometimes I push hard in some climbs to see where I can go, but that’s all. It’s my passion. ” Related Stories 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. VIEW MORE SUMMIT SYMPHONY What better way to finish the winter season on the Côte d'Azur than by combining hours in the saddle with a day in the snow on two skis. VIEW MORE 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. VIEW MORE BACK TO THE CARAVAN

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