This is every cyclist's bucket list - to be able to climb Europe's grandest cycling destinations. The locations are in no particular order and Michael Blann cites the reason why such venues made it to the list.
1. Sa Calobra, Spain
Located north of Majorca, at the bottom of the mountain range of Tramuntana is a small fishing village called Sa Calobra which means "The Serpent". The same name is used to describe the daunting corkscrew viaduct and hairpin turns that comprise the 2000 feet ascent.
The mountain range is a go-to destination for pro and amateur riders to gauge their climb tenacity since the Balearic Island is known for mild weather and good roads. Designed by Italian engineer, Antonio Parietti, the second toughest slope in the island coils down to the sea via its limestone bedrock called "Coll del Reis".
The same destination is frequented by tourists for the stunning beach vistas at the base. So, the road is clogged with both bikes and vehicles traversing this dead-end road.
2. Col d'Aubisque, France
This one is a picturesque mountain that forms as a natural border for France and Spain. Those who reach the peak are rewarded with views only Pyrenees can offer. Found also at the summit are three gigantic bike statues and a respectable café' that can fuel the wanting to reach the top.
The place is considered the model for Tour de France since 1910. A route that earned the name "the Circle of Death", starting from Col de Peyesourde, Col d' Aspin. Col du Tourmalet, Col du Soulor and then the final climb Col d'Aubisque. Cyclists classify this course "Hors Category", a cyclist lingo that means it's one of the highest (1709 m).
3. Gotthard Pass, Switzerland
While some mountains have historical value, others have varying levels of climb sternness, and some boasts of the celebrated sprints that took place on them, this alp is the most scenic of them all.
Located in the Swiss Alps and near the boundaries of Italy, the Flemish road is every photographer's delight. The 1830, hand-crafted, interlocking granite cobble road presents cyclists a different feel that are neither easy to ascend or descend.
As most cyclist maneuver through it, tourists often would rather stare and marvel at the engineering feat. The hoary and erratic stone shape highlights the abodes one will pass by.
4. Passo Gavia, Italy
This historic mountain is not a walk in the park. It is the tenth highest paved road in the Italian Alps with various climbs of severity.
A familiar stage for the Giro D' Italia or Tour of Italy aka Corsa Rosa that started in 1909. But for cycling enthusiasts its defining moment was during the 1988 race that pro peloton considered the harshest day it ever endured on a bike, "the day strong men cried". This is so when the race passed through it during a snowstorm.
The snow covered the cyclist's hair and chest, yet their objective is finish the course. Some riders got their limbs frozen while some tried to heat up their frozen finger with pee. The numbness also extended to their bikes making it difficult to steer. And yet they conquered the pass.
That event gave the mountain its dire place in the annals of cycling history. When you enter the steep and difficult climbs of Passo Gavia you'll sense a hint of its past.
5. Mont Ventoux, France
The "Beast of Provence", "Bald Mountain", by the name alone an amateur cyclist will take every pre-caution when touring this alp. The highland is synonymous to England's beloved cyclist, Tommy Simpson's death in 1967 due to fatigue.
Cycling aficionados says this mount is incomparable to any other climb. Don't be hushed with the lower wooden slopes as it will disappear upon reaching Chalet Renard. The stony limestones replace the trees and vegetation and reflects back the intense summer heat. Climbs during winter drops down to extreme double negatives. The ultimate challenge for cyclists.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
