Road cycling spots
From climbs that made Tour de France history to lesser-known but equally spectacular ascents, this selection gathers road rides worth the trip. Each guide details the real climb profile, the best time to go, and where to stay once you're at the top.
Albulapass: Graubünden's balcony climb above the UNESCO railway
Climbing Albulapass from Tiefencastel: 22.5 km, 1,360 m of elevation gain, 6.1% average to 2,312 m — an ascent running alongside the UNESCO-listed Albula railway line.
FranceAlpe d'Huez: the 21 hairpins of the Tour's most famous climb
Climbing Alpe d'Huez from Le Bourg-d'Oisans: profile, the 21 numbered hairpins, difficulty and tips for this legendary ascent.
Alto de Abantos: the Madrid summit above the Escorial monastery
Climbing Alto de Abantos from San Lorenzo de El Escorial: 14.2 km, 803 m of elevation gain, a Vuelta classic overlooking the royal monastery.
Alto de Aitana: the Costa Blanca's highest, hardest climb
Climbing Alto de Aitana from Alcoleja: 22.3 km, 1,260 m of elevation gain, 5.8% average — the Vuelta a España's toughest Costa Blanca summit finish.
Alto de la Farrapona: the wild climb to the Somiedo lakes
Climbing Alto de la Farrapona from Pola de Somiedo: 18.6 km, 1,100 m of elevation gain — a remote Vuelta a España climb in Somiedo Natural Park.
Alto de Velefique: the Vuelta's arid, wild climb in the Sierra de los Filabres
Climbing the Alto de Velefique from the village of Velefique: profile, hairpins, difficulty and tips for this harsh, demanding Vuelta a España climb.
Alto del Fito: the Asturian viewpoint above the Picos de Europa
Climbing the Alto del Fito from Arriondas: 7.8 km, 580 m of elevation gain, a Vuelta a España climb with views over the Picos de Europa.
Alto del Naranco: Oviedo's landmark urban climb
Climbing Alto del Naranco from Oviedo: 6.8 km, 422 m of elevation gain, 6.2% average — a Vuelta a España classic starting right in the city centre.
Ax 3 Domaines: Ariège's relentless Tour de France ramp
Climbing Ax 3 Domaines from Ax-les-Thermes: 8.6 km, 663 m of elevation gain, a gradient that barely dips below 7-8% all the way to the resort.
Bealach na Ba, the UK's highest road climb
Climbing the Bealach na Ba from Tornapress in the Scottish Highlands: the UK's highest road, hairpins and 20% gradients, all the way to Applecross.
CroatiaBiokovo, from the Adriatic Sea to the Sveti Jure summit
Climbing Biokovo from Makarska to Sveti Jure: profile, a climb from sea level, difficulty and practical tips.
Blockhaus: the legendary Apennine climb that launched Eddy Merckx
Climbing the Blockhaus from Roccamorice: 13.6 km at 8.4% average, Eddy Merckx's first Giro d'Italia stage win, in the heart of the Maiella massif.
Bola del Mundo: the Vuelta's hardest final ramp from Navacerrada
Climbing Bola del Mundo from Navacerrada: 12.3 km, 1,058 m of elevation gain, 8.6% average — up to 23% on the final concrete access road.
United KingdomBox Hill, the Olympic climb on London's doorstep
Climbing Box Hill via the Zig Zag Road from Dorking: profile, the London 2012 Olympics circuit, difficulty and practical tips.
Buttertubs Pass: the 2014 Tour de France Grand Départ climb in the Yorkshire Dales
Climbing Buttertubs Pass from Hawes: 4.6 km, 250 m of elevation gain, 5.4% average — the first categorised climb of the 2014 Tour de France in Yorkshire.
Bwlch y Groes: the Welsh wall known as 'Hellfire Pass' from Llanymawddwy
Climbing Bwlch y Groes from Llanymawddwy: 3.4 km, 387 m of elevation gain, 11.3% average, up to 24% in places, on the edge of Snowdonia.
Cairnwell Pass: Britain's highest main road
Climbing Cairnwell Pass from Spittal of Glenshee: 8.4 km, 352 m of elevation gain, 4.2% average — Britain's highest A-road.
Campo Imperatore: the giant Gran Sasso climb
Climbing Campo Imperatore from L'Aquila: 40.2 km, 1,660 m of elevation gain, 4.1% average — the Giro d'Italia's high plateau finish in the Abruzzo Apennines.
SpainCap de Formentor, Mallorca's cliffside ride to the lighthouse
Cycling to Cap de Formentor from Port de Pollença: profile, the cliffside road to the lighthouse, difficulty, summer restrictions and practical tips.
United KingdomCat and Fiddle: the legendary road of the Peak District
Climbing Cat and Fiddle from Macclesfield: profile, England's second-highest pub, difficulty and practical tips.
Cauterets - Pont d'Espagne: a Pyrenean classic with a wall in the middle
Climbing to Pont d'Espagne from below Cauterets: 18 km, 981 m of elevation gain, 5.4% average — including the steep 'Mur de Cauterets' hairpins.
Chamrousse: the forgotten Tour climb from Saint-Martin-d'Uriage
Climbing Chamrousse from Saint-Martin-d'Uriage: 19.2 km, 1,383 m of elevation gain, hors catégorie, between Armstrong's legendary time trial and Nibali's win.
Col d'Agnès: Ariège's wide-open pass
Climbing Col d'Agnès from Aulus-les-Bains: 10.2 km, 826 m of elevation gain, 8.1% average — an Ariège col exposed to sweeping Pyrenean views.
Col d'Allos: the historic pass on the Route des Grandes Alpes
Climbing Col d'Allos from Barcelonnette: 16.9 km, 1,105 m of elevation gain, 6.5% average — a Tour de France classic since 1911 in the Ubaye valley.
FranceCol d'Aspin: the gentlest pass between the Tourmalet and Arreau
Climbing the Col d'Aspin from Sainte-Marie-de-Campan: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this Tour de France classic.
FranceCol d'Aubisque: the great Pyrenean ride by bike
Climbing the Col d'Aubisque from Laruns: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this legendary Pyrenean ascent.
Col d'Èze: the legendary Paris-Nice final time trial climb
Climbing the Col d'Èze from Nice: profile, the history of Paris-Nice's final time trial, difficulty and tips for this pro training climb on the Riviera.
FranceCol d'Ispéguy: the green passes of the Basque Country
Climbing the Col d'Ispéguy from Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this Basque border pass.
FranceCol d'Izoard: the Casse Déserte and the legends of the Tour
Climbing the Col d'Izoard from Briançon via Cervières: profile, the Casse Déserte, difficulty and tips for this legendary Hautes-Alpes pass.
Col d'Ornon: the quiet gateway to the Oisans from Bourg-d'Oisans
Climbing Col d'Ornon from Bourg-d'Oisans: 11.6 km, 643 m of elevation gain, 5.8% average — a pastoral pass with a Tour de France past.
FranceCol de Bavella: highland Corsica by bike
Climbing the Col de Bavella from Zonza: profile, difficulty, the Bavella needles and tips for this spectacular Corsican pass.
Col de Braus: the historic hairpins of the Nice hinterland from Sospel
Climbing Col de Braus from Sospel: 10.3 km, 700 m of elevation gain, 6.8% average — a celebrated switchback road in the Nice hinterland.
FranceCol de l'Iseran: one of the highest paved passes in Europe
Climbing the Col de l'Iseran from Val-d'Isère: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this Haute-Maurienne giant.
FranceCol de la Bonette: Europe's highest through-road
Climbing the Col de la Bonette from Jausiers: profile, the 2,802 m Cime de la Bonette loop, difficulty and tips for this legendary road.
Col de la Cayolle: the wild crossing between the Var and the Ubaye
Climbing the Col de la Cayolle from Saint-Martin-d'Entraunes: 20.3 km, 1,282 m of elevation gain, 6.3% average — a border pass at 2,326 m.
FranceCol de la Colombière: the great Tour de France classic above Le Grand-Bornand
Climbing the Col de la Colombière from Le Grand-Bornand: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this iconic Tour de France pass.
Col de la Core: Ariège's Pyrenean crossroads
Climbing Col de la Core from Seix: 13.8 km, 885 m of elevation gain, 6.4% average — a recurring Tour de France col deep in the Ariège Pyrenees.
FranceCol de la Croix de Fer: the Maurienne giant
Climbing the Col de la Croix de Fer from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne: profile, views of the Aiguilles d'Arves, difficulty and tips for this legendary climb.
Col de la Croix Fry: the Aravis companion between Manigod and La Clusaz
Climbing Col de la Croix Fry from Manigod: 11 km, 800 m of elevation gain, an uneven ascent at the heart of the Aravis massif.
FranceCol de la Croix Morand: the Sancy massif by bike from Le Mont-Dore
Climbing the Col de la Croix Morand from Le Mont-Dore: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this Sancy massif pass.
Col de la Forclaz (Valais): the Swiss gateway to Chamonix
Climbing Col de la Forclaz from Martigny: 13 km, over 1,000 m of elevation gain, 7.9% average — a sustained Alpine pass seen in the Tour de France.
Col de la Loze: the highest cycling path ever built for the Tour
Climbing the Col de la Loze from Brides-les-Bains: 21.5 km, ramps up to 24%, the highest road ever used by the Tour de France, at 2,304 m altitude.
Col de la Machine: the road carved into the Combe Laval cliff face
Climbing Col de la Machine via Combe Laval from Saint-Jean-en-Royans: 12 km, 745 m of elevation gain, a vertiginous cliffside road in the Vercors.
FranceCol de la Madeleine: the giant linking Maurienne and Tarentaise
Climbing the Col de la Madeleine from La Chambre: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this Tour de France giant.
Col de la Madone: the pros' secret testing climb above Menton
Climbing the Col de la Madone from Menton: profile, difficulty, best season, and why this quiet pass is the pros' favourite fitness test on the Riviera.
Col de la Ramaz: Haute-Savoie's understated giant
Climbing Col de la Ramaz from Mieussy: 14 km, 982 m of elevation gain, 7% average — a recurring Tour de France climb above the Giffre valley.
Col de la Schlucht: the historic crossing of the Vosges from Munster
Climbing Col de la Schlucht from Munster: 15.3 km, 690 m of elevation gain, a former Franco-German border high in the Vosges mountains.
Col de Larche: the Alpine gateway to Italy
Climbing Col de Larche from Barcelonnette: 23.5 km, 775 m of elevation gain, 3.5% average — a long border pass into Italy's Stura valley.
Col de Marie-Blanque: the short, sharp Pyrenean wall from Escot
Climbing the Col de Marie-Blanque from Escot: 9.1 km, 705 m of elevation gain, 7.75% average — one of the most uneven climbs in the Pyrenees.
Col de Menté: Ocaña's storm
Climbing Col de Menté from Saint-Béat: 9.2 km, 801 m of elevation gain, 8.7% average — the col where Ocaña's 1971 crash changed the Tour de France.
Col de Péguère: the Ariège Wall of the Tour 2012 tack incident
Climbing Col de Péguère from Massat: 9.4 km, 747 m of elevation gain, a narrow road topped by the infamous Mur de Péguère.
FranceCol de Peyresourde: the classic climb of the Luchon valley
Climbing the Col de Peyresourde from Bagnères-de-Luchon: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this legendary Tour de France pass.
Col de Portet-d'Aspet: a Pyrenean memory
Climbing Col de Portet-d'Aspet from Aspet: 14.3 km, 594 m of elevation gain, 4.2% average — a col steeped in history above the Comminges.
Col de Portet: the Pyrenees' newest hors catégorie giant
Climbing Col de Portet from Saint-Lary-Soulan: 16 km, around 1,420 m of elevation gain, 8.7% average to 2,215 m — the road that made its racing debut at the 2018 Tour de France.
Col de Romme: the feared warm-up before the Colombière
Climbing Col de Romme from Cluses: 9.3 km, 813 m of elevation gain, 8.7% average — often paired with Col de la Colombière at the Tour de France.
Col de Sarenne: the climb made famous by the Tour de France near Alpe d'Huez
Climbing Col de Sarenne from Mizoën: 12.8 km, 954 m of elevation gain, 7.5% average — a narrow, wild road in the heart of the Grandes Rousses.
Col de Turini: the legendary climb of the Monte Carlo Rally
Climbing the Col de Turini from Sospel: 24 km through the Nice hinterland, difficulty, best season and practical tips.
Col de Val Louron-Azet: the Pyrenean wall
Climbing Col de Val Louron-Azet from Génos: 7.5 km, 620 m of elevation gain, 8.3% average — ten Tour de France crossings between Saint-Lary and Peyragudes.
FranceCol de Vars: the overlooked link on the Route des Grandes Alpes
Climbing the Col de Vars from Guillestre: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this key pass on the Route des Grandes Alpes.
Col de Vence: the pros' classic training climb above Nice
Climbing the Col de Vence from Vence: 9.7 km at a 6.6% average, a Paris-Nice classic with views of the Baous cliffs and the Mediterranean.
Col des Aravis: the Tour de France classic between La Clusaz and Beaufortain
Climbing Col des Aravis from La Clusaz: 11 km, 600 m of elevation gain, a steady ascent at the heart of the Haute-Savoie Alps.
Col des Saisies: the uneven Beaufortain climb
Climbing Col des Saisies from Flumet: 14.6 km, 807 m of elevation gain, 5.5% average — a Beaufortain pass with a constantly changing gradient.
FranceCol du Galibier: the roof of the Tour de France
Climbing the Col du Galibier from Valloire: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for tackling one of the highest passes in the Alps.
FranceCol du Glandon: the Savoie giant that ends at the Croix de Fer
Climbing the Col du Glandon from Allemont: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this pass often combined with the Croix de Fer.
Col du Granon: the climb that flipped the 2022 Tour
Climbing the Col du Granon from Saint-Chaffrey: profile, brutal gradients, Vingegaard's 2022 attack, difficulty and practical tips.
Col du Lautaret: the great Alpine crossroads to the Galibier
Climbing Col du Lautaret from Briançon: 26 km, 800 m of elevation gain, 3% average — the long gateway to the Galibier and the Oisans.
Col du Mont-Cenis: the great reservoir lake above the Maurienne from Lanslebourg
Climbing the Col du Mont-Cenis from Lanslebourg: 9.9 km, 686 m of elevation gain, 6.9% average, up to the Mont-Cenis reservoir lake.
Col du Petit-Saint-Bernard: the historic crossing into Italy from Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Climbing the Col du Petit-Saint-Bernard from Bourg-Saint-Maurice: around 30 km, 1,380 m of elevation gain — a border pass between Savoie and Aosta Valley.
Col du Pillon: the long Vaud climb to Glacier 3000
Climbing Col du Pillon from Aigle: 23.4 km, 1,136 m of elevation gain, 4.8% average — a Tour de Suisse classic at the foot of Glacier 3000.
FranceCol du Tourmalet: the Pyrenean giant by bike
Climbing the Col du Tourmalet from Luz-Saint-Sauveur: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this Tour de France legend.
Coll de la Gallina: Andorra's hardest climb
Climbing Coll de la Gallina from Aixovall: 12.2 km, 1,019 m of elevation gain, regularly decisive in the Vuelta a España's Andorran stages.
SpainColl de Rates: the pro cycling classic on the Costa Blanca
Climbing the Coll de Rates from Parcent: profile, difficulty, best season and why this climb is a winter training staple for pro teams.
Coll de Sóller: the historic road through the Serra de Tramuntana
Climbing Coll de Sóller from Bunyola: 13 km, 470 m of elevation gain, a switchback ascent along Mallorca's old historic road.
ItalyColle del Nivolet: the high pass (almost) closed to cars
Climbing the Colle del Nivolet from Ceresole Reale: mountain lakes, the car-traffic quota and tips for this pass in Gran Paradiso National Park.
ItalyColle dell'Agnello: Europe's highest paved border crossing
Climbing the Colle dell'Agnello from Casteldelfino: 2,744 m summit, Giro and Tour history, difficulty and practical tips.
Colle delle Finestre: the legendary Giro climb, gravel included
Climbing the Colle delle Finestre from Susa: profile, 8 km of unpaved track, difficulty and tips for this iconic Giro d'Italia pass.
Colle di Sampeyre: the Hors Catégorie giant of the Cottian Alps
Climbing Colle di Sampeyre from Sampeyre: 15.8 km, 1,325 m of elevation gain, up to 2,284 m, rated Hors Catégorie in its Giro appearances.
Colle di Superga: Turin's cobbled-steep wall
Climbing Colle di Superga from Sassi: 4.8 km, 449 m of elevation gain, 9.3% average — a Turin ramp up to the basilica and its view of the Alps.
ItalyColle Fauniera: the overlooked giant dedicated to Marco Pantani
Climbing the Colle Fauniera from Pradleves: profile, the Pantani statue at the summit, difficulty and tips for this Piedmont pass.
Conor Pass: the highest paved pass in the Republic of Ireland
Climbing Conor Pass from Dingle: 7.1 km, roughly 400 m of elevation gain, 5.6% average — Ireland's highest paved mountain pass.
FranceCormet de Roselend: the climb beside the turquoise lake
Climbing the Cormet de Roselend from Beaufort: profile, views of the turquoise Lac de Roselend, difficulty and tips for this Tour de France classic.
DenmarkCycling Bornholm, Denmark's granite island
Cycling the island of Bornholm from Rønne: medieval round churches, the Hammershus ruins, distance and practical tips.
United KingdomCycling Cheddar Gorge: Somerset's limestone cliffs
Climb Cheddar Gorge from Cheddar village: 4.6 km at 4.2% average, between limestone cliffs and prehistoric caves.
United KingdomCycling Fleet Moss from Hawes: the highest paved road in Yorkshire
Climb Fleet Moss from Hawes: 6.2 km at 5.6% average up to 588 m, the highest road in the Yorkshire Dales.
Cycling from Litochoro to Prionia: at the foot of Greece's Mount Olympus
Climb from Litochoro to Prionia on Mount Olympus: 18 km through the Enipeas gorge to the trailhead for hikes toward Mytikas.
Cycling from Mostar to Blagaj, along the Neretva and Buna rivers
An easy 12 km ride between Mostar and Blagaj, Herzegovina: an almost flat paved road along the rivers, ending at the dervish Tekija.
SwedenCycling Gotland, from the medieval walls of Visby
Cycling the island of Gotland from Visby, a UNESCO medieval city: raukar rock formations, distance and practical tips.
CyprusCycling Governor's Beach, between white chalk cliffs and black sand
Ride the Governor's Beach coastline near Limassol: white chalk cliffs above beaches of black volcanic sand.
Cycling Holme Moss: the Peak District moor made famous by the Tour de France
Climb Holme Moss from Holmbridge: 4.7 km at 7.3% average, the Yorkshire ascent made famous by the Tour de France's 2014 Grand Départ.
Cycling Kakopetria: a loop to the Troodos painted churches
A loop ride through the Solea Valley from Kakopetria, between a preserved village and UNESCO-listed Byzantine churches.
Cycling Lake Saimaa, from Savonlinna's castle
Cycling around Lake Saimaa from Savonlinna: the Punkaharju ridge, the endemic ringed seal, distance and practical tips.
Cycling Meteora, between perched monasteries and rock pillars
Cycling around Meteora from Kastraki: UNESCO-listed monasteries atop rock pillars, distance and practical tips.
Cycling Monte Grappa from Romano d'Ezzelino: a Veneto giant
Climb Monte Grappa from Romano d'Ezzelino: 26.4 km at 5.9% average, an hors-catégorie ascent with a WWI memorial at the summit.
Cycling Mount Olympus (Chionistra): Cyprus's rooftop from Platres
Climb Mount Olympus by bike from Platres, Cyprus's highest point at 1,952 m: black pine forest, radomes, winter skiing.
Cycling Mount Trebević from Sarajevo: up to the abandoned Olympic bobsled track
Climb Mount Trebević from Sarajevo: around 10 km up to the abandoned bobsled track from the 1984 Winter Olympics.
NorwayCycling the Aurlandsfjellet from Aurland: Norway's Snow Road
Climb the Aurlandsfjellet, the Snow Road, from Aurland: 16.2 km at 7.7% average up to over 1,300 m elevation.
FranceCycling the Ballon d'Alsace: the very first Tour de France mountain pass
Climb the Ballon d'Alsace from Saint-Maurice-sur-Moselle: 9 km at 6.9% average, the first mountain pass ever tackled by the Tour de France in 1905.
FranceCycling the Col de Joux Plane from Morzine: the climb that has shaped the Tour de France
Climb the Col de Joux Plane from Morzine: 10.7 km at 7% average, a cult Tour de France pass between the Chablais and Faucigny.
FranceCycling the Col de la Faucille: the Jura facing Mont Blanc
Climb the Col de la Faucille from Gex: 10 km at 6.5% average, with a summit view over Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc.
FranceCycling the Col du Soulor from Ferrières: the great Pyrenean balcony
Climb the Col du Soulor from Ferrières: 12 km at 7.5% average, with panoramic views over the Cirque du Litor and the high Pyrenean peaks.
MaltaCycling the Dingli Cliffs from Mdina: Malta's highest point above the sea
Ride to the Dingli Cliffs from Mdina: around 10 km across Malta's limestone highlands, with views of the islet of Filfla.
FranceCycling the loop around the Gorges du Verdon: Corniche Sublime and Route des Crêtes
Cycling a full loop around the Gorges du Verdon from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: the Corniche Sublime and Route des Crêtes route, profile and tips.
Cycling the Madonna del Ghisallo from Bellagio: cycling's own shrine
Climb to the Madonna del Ghisallo from Bellagio on Lake Como: 10.6 km at 5.2% average, with a chapel and cycling museum at the top.
Cycling the Nufenenpass from Ulrichen: one of Switzerland's highest paved passes
Climb the Nufenenpass from Ulrichen: 13.7 km at 8.3% average up to 2,478 m, between the Valais and Ticino.
ItalyCycling the Passo di Costalunga (Karerpass) from Vigo di Fassa: the Dolomites' gentle pass
Climb the Passo di Costalunga from Vigo di Fassa: 9.3 km at 4.7% average, between the Val di Fassa and Lake Carezza.
Cycling the Puerto de la Ragua from La Calahorra: Andalusia's great pass
Climb the Puerto de la Ragua from La Calahorra: 13.4 km at 6.3% average, a 2,041 m pass between Granada and Almería.
Cycling the Wallberg from Rottach-Egern: Bavaria's wall above Lake Tegernsee
Climb the Wallberg from Rottach-Egern: 4 km at nearly 10% average, a toll road for cars but free to ride for cyclists.
Cycling to Kykkos Monastery and Cedar Valley, home of the Cyprus cedar
Ride from Pedoulas to Kykkos Monastery through the Troodos forest, with an optional detour to Cedar Valley.
Cycling to Malbun from Vaduz: Liechtenstein's one great climb
Climb to Malbun from Vaduz: 14.6 km at 8.8% average, Liechtenstein's only mountain road, up to 1,600 m.
Cycling to Popova Šapka from Tetovo: climbing into the Šar Mountains
Climb to Popova Šapka from Tetovo: 18.3 km at 6.8% average through the Šar Mountains in North Macedonia.
Cycling to Prodromos: climbing to Cyprus's highest village
A loop ride between Pedoulas and Prodromos, Cyprus's highest village at 1,400 m, through the Troodos cherry orchards.
Cycling to San Marino from Dogana: climbing to the summit of a thousand-year-old republic
Climb to the City of San Marino from Dogana: 9 km at 5.5% average up Monte Titano, a historic Giro d'Italia stage climb.
Dalsnibba: the road viewpoint above the Geirangerfjord
Climbing to Dalsnibba from Geiranger: about 20 km up to 1,500 m of elevation, the highest road viewpoint over a Norwegian fjord.
Ditchling Beacon: the legendary climb of the London to Brighton
Climbing Ditchling Beacon from Brighton: 1.45 km, 143 m of elevation gain, the highest point in East Sussex and highlight of the London to Brighton Bike Ride.
GermanyFeldberg by bike, the roof of the Black Forest
Climbing the Feldberg from Titisee-Neustadt: the Black Forest's highest point, profile, difficulty and tips for this German ascent.
Flüelapass: Graubünden's wild valley from Davos
Climbing the Flüelapass from Davos: 12.8 km, 824 m of elevation gain, 6.4% average — a steady climb through an unspoilt Graubünden valley.
Fóia: the roof of the Algarve favoured for winter training camps
Climbing Fóia from Monchique: 8 km, 600 m of elevation gain, the highest point in the Algarve popular with pro teams in winter.
North MacedoniaGaličica Pass, between Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa
Climbing Galičica Pass from Ohrid: 15 km through the national park, with a simultaneous view of Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa from the top.
Gospel Pass: the highest road in Wales
Climbing Gospel Pass from Hay-on-Wye: 8.5 km, 464 m of elevation gain, up to the highest paved road in Wales through the Black Mountains.
FranceGrand Colombier from Culoz: the hardest climb in the Bugey
Climbing the Grand Colombier from Culoz: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for one of the hardest climbs in France.
Great Dun Fell: England's highest road, in the Pennines
Climbing Great Dun Fell from Knock: 7.4 km, 631 m of elevation gain, 8.6% average — up to the highest paved road in England.
Great St Bernard Pass: one of the oldest alpine crossings, from Bourg-Saint-Pierre
Climbing the Great St Bernard Pass from Bourg-Saint-Pierre: 12.4 km, 850 m of elevation gain, 6.9% average — a pass crossed since Roman times.
Hardknott Pass, England's steepest road
Climbing Hardknott Pass from Eskdale, in the Lake District: profile, gradients over 30%, a Roman fort, difficulty and practical tips.
Hautacam: the summit finish that has shaped the Tour de France
Climbing Hautacam from Argelès-Gazost: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this legendary Tour de France summit finish.
Honister Pass: the steepest ramp in the Lake District
Climbing Honister Pass between Borrowdale and Buttermere: 2.5 km, 190 m of elevation gain, the steepest ascent in England's Lake District.
Horseshoe Pass: the classic Welsh climb from Llangollen
Climbing Horseshoe Pass from Llangollen, Wales: 7 km, 365 m of elevation gain, 5.2% average — a Tour of Britain classic.
Hourquette d'Ancizan: the understated Hautes-Pyrénées pass
Climbing Hourquette d'Ancizan from Guchen: 10.4 km, 788 m of elevation gain, 7.6% average — a recent Tour de France regular between the Aure and Campan valleys.
SwitzerlandJulierpass: the Roman road across the Grisons high plateau
Climbing Julierpass from Tiefencastel: 35.7 km, around 1,500 m of elevation gain, 4.2% average to 2,284 m — an ancient crossing linking the Engadin to central Graubünden.
Kaunertal Glacier Road: one of Austria's highest paved climbs
Climbing the Kaunertal Glacier Road from Feichten: 25.9 km, 1,469 m of elevation gain — a toll glacier road up to 2,750 m in the Tyrolean Alps.
Kesselberg: the legendary Bavarian pass between Kochel and Walchensee
Climbing the Kesselberg from Kochel am See: 4.5 km, 330 m of elevation gain, a short, steep ascent toward Lake Walchensee.
Kirkstone Pass (The Struggle): the Lake District's brutal wall
Climbing Kirkstone Pass from Ambleside via The Struggle: 4.5 km, 385 m of elevation gain, 8.5% average — England's highest road pass open to traffic.
Kitzbüheler Horn: Austria's steepest ramp
Climbing the Kitzbüheler Horn from Kitzbühel: profile, gradients, best season and tips for tackling one of the steepest paved climbs in Europe.
Klausenpass: the great crossing between Uri and Glarus
Climbing the Klausenpass from Linthal: profile, the historic hillclimb race, difficulty and practical tips for this Swiss pass.
Kopaonik from Jošanička Banja, southern Serbia's great climb
Climbing Kopaonik from Jošanička Banja: 25.4 km at an average of 4.6% and 1,173 m of elevation gain, up to Serbia's main ski resort massif.
La Camperona: the Cantabrian Mountains' vicious late finish
Climbing La Camperona from Sabero: 8.8 km, 570 m of elevation gain, 6.5% average with a 15% finish — a Vuelta a España finish decided three times.
La Pierre-Saint-Martin: the Pyrenean giant that crowned Chris Froome
Climbing La Pierre-Saint-Martin from Arette: 24.7 km, 1,427 m of elevation gain, 5.8% average — the Hors Catégorie climb of Froome's decisive 2015 Tour de France stage.
La Plagne: Savoie's legendary Tour de France climb
Climbing La Plagne from Aime: 19.6 km, 1,430 m of elevation gain, 7.3% average — a Hors Catégorie Tour de France summit finish in the Tarentaise.
La Planche des Belles Filles: the Vosges ramp that reshaped the Tour de France
Climbing La Planche des Belles Filles: 6 km, 494 m of elevation gain, 8.2% average, the Vosges summit finish that has decided the Tour de France six times since 2012.
La Redoute: the legendary wall of Liège-Bastogne-Liège
Climbing the Côte de la Redoute in Remouchamps: profile, 20% gradient, the history of this legendary Liège-Bastogne-Liège wall and tips for the climb.
La Toussuire: the Tour de France ski-station finish in the Maurienne
Climbing to La Toussuire from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne: 18 km, 1150 m of elevation gain, a steady stage-finish climb at the heart of the Maurienne valley.
Lacets de Montvernier: 18 hairpins carved into the cliff toward Col du Chaussy
Climbing the Lacets de Montvernier and Col du Chaussy from Pontamafrey: 18 numbered hairpins, profile, difficulty and tips for this Maurienne ascent.
Lagos de Covadonga: the legendary Vuelta a España finish
Climbing the Alto de los Lagos de Covadonga from the sanctuary, in the Picos de Europa: profile, difficulty and tips for this legendary climb.
Le Markstein: the gentle Vosges climb from the Tour de France
Climbing Le Markstein from Oderen: 20.5 km, 720 m of elevation gain, 3.5% average — a Tour de France finish town on the high Vosges ridge road.
Le Semnoz: the Tour de France summit above Lake Annecy
Climbing Le Semnoz from Annecy: 15.9 km, 1,280 m of elevation gain, 8.1% average — a Tour de France 2013 stage finish overlooking Lake Annecy.
Llogara Pass, the great climb of the Albanian Riviera
Climbing Llogara Pass from Dukat: 13.7 km at an average of 6.3% with 12+ hairpins, through pine forest with drop-away views of the Ionian Sea.
Long Mynd: Shropshire's steepest hillclimb via the Burway
Climbing the Long Mynd from Church Stretton via the Burway: 4 km, 288 m of elevation gain, 7.2% average, with ramps near 20% on a single-track lane.
Los Machucos: Cantabria's inhuman ramps
Climbing Los Machucos from Bustablado: 6.8 km, 625 m of elevation gain, 9.2% average — one of the Vuelta's most feared climbs, with ramps up to 26%.
Luz Ardiden: the legendary Tour climb in the Pyrenees
Climbing Luz Ardiden from Luz-Saint-Sauveur: profile, around thirty hairpins, difficulty and tips for this iconic Tour de France climb.
Lysevegen: 27 hairpins climbing out of the Lysefjord
Climbing Lysevegen from Lysebotn: 8.9 km, roughly 930 m of elevation gain, 10% average — 27 hairpins and a hairpin tunnel up to Kjerag.
Maloja Pass: the dizzying hairpins into the Engadine
Climbing the Maloja Pass from Casaccia: about ten tight hairpins in under 5 km to reach the Engadine and the Bregaglia valley.
Mangart: Slovenia's highest paved road
Climbing the Mangart road from Bovec: 16.5 km, 1,407 m of elevation gain, ramps up to 22% — Slovenia's highest paved road at 2,055 m.
Mont du Chat: Savoie's fiercest climb above Lac du Bourget
Climbing Mont du Chat from Le Bourget-du-Lac: 8.7 km, 905 m of elevation gain, 10.3% average — one of the steepest hors catégorie climbs ever tackled by the Tour de France.
Mont Faron: Toulon's historic hairpin climb
Climbing Mont Faron from Toulon: 6 km, 435 m of elevation gain, 7.3% average — a Paris-Nice classic above the harbour, tight switchback after switchback.
Mont Poupet: a Jura climb from Arbois
Climbing Mont Poupet from Arbois: profile, difficulty, the view over the reculée and tips for this short, demanding Jura climb.
Mont Salève: the Balcony of Geneva from Collonges-sous-Salève
Climbing Mont Salève via Col de la Croisette from Collonges-sous-Salève: 7.5 km, 680 m of elevation gain, 9% average, views over Geneva and Mont Blanc.
FranceMont Ventoux: climbing Provence's Giant by bike
Complete guide to climbing Mont Ventoux from Bédoin: profile, difficulty, water stops and where to stay at the foot of the Giant of Provence.
Montagne de Lure: Ventoux's quieter sibling
Climbing Montagne de Lure from Saint-Étienne-les-Orgues: 17.5 km, 1025 m of elevation gain, 5.8% average — a Provençal giant far calmer than neighbouring Ventoux.
Monte Bondone: Charly Gaul's legendary ride through the 1956 snowstorm
Climbing Monte Bondone from Trento: 17.3 km at 8.2% average, site of the legendary 1956 Giro stage won by Charly Gaul in a snowstorm.
Monte Faito: the brutal climb above Castellammare di Stabia
Climbing Monte Faito from Castellammare di Stabia: 19.1 km, 1,244 m of elevation gain, 6.5% average — a steep Giro d'Italia climb above the Bay of Naples.
Montevergine di Mercogliano: Campania's cycling sanctuary climb
Climbing to the Montevergine sanctuary from Mercogliano: 17.1 km, 855 m of elevation gain, 5% average — a Giro d'Italia regular finish above Avellino since 1962.
Montserrat by bike, Catalonia's sacred mountain
Climbing to Montserrat from Monistrol de Montserrat: Benedictine monastery, jagged peaks, profile, difficulty and practical tips.
ItalyMount Etna by bike: climbing Europe's largest active volcano
Climbing Mount Etna from Nicolosi to the Rifugio Sapienza: profile, volcanic landscape, difficulty and tips for this Sicilian ascent.
Nockalmstrasse: the scenic toll road through Austria's Nock Mountains, from Innerkrems
Climbing the Nockalmstrasse from Innerkrems: 34 km, 1,300 m of cumulative elevation gain, a toll mountain road crossing Austria's Nock Mountains.
Oberalppass: the Glacier Express route between Andermatt and Sedrun
Climbing Oberalppass from Andermatt: 10 km, 610 m of elevation gain, a steady ascent running alongside the Glacier Express railway.
Ordino-Arcalís: the climb that dressed Ullrich in yellow
Climbing to Ordino-Arcalís from Ordino: 17.7 km, 955 m of elevation gain, 5.4% average — a legendary Tour de France and Vuelta climb in Andorra.
Ørnevegen by bike, the Eagle Road above Geirangerfjord
Climbing the Ørnevegen from Geiranger: 11 hairpins above the UNESCO-listed fjord, profile, difficulty and practical tips in Norway.
Passo del Lucomagno: the long, steady crossing between Ticino and Graubünden
Climbing the Passo del Lucomagno from Olivone: 17.6 km, 932 m of elevation gain, 5.3% average — a steady Alpine pass between Ticino and Graubünden.
Passo del Mortirolo: one of the hardest climbs in the world
Climbing the Passo del Mortirolo from Mazzo di Valtellina: profile, the Pantani memorial, difficulty and tips for this extreme Lombardy climb.
Passo del San Bernardino: the great pass of Graubünden
Climbing the Passo del San Bernardino from Lostallo: long, steady profile, difficulty and practical tips for this Swiss pass.
Passo del Turchino: the historic pass of Milan-Sanremo
Climbing Passo del Turchino from Mele: 9.5 km, roughly 480 m of elevation gain, 5.1% average — the gateway between Piedmont and the Ligurian coast.
Passo del Vivione: the forgotten military road of the Orobie Alps
Climbing Passo del Vivione from Schilpario: 19.8 km, 1,369 m of elevation gain, a narrow road built in 1917, used by the Giro only twice.
Passo della Furka: the alpine pass above the Rhône Glacier
Climbing the Passo della Furka from Gletsch: profile, views over the Rhône Glacier, difficulty and practical tips for this Swiss pass.
Passo delle Erbe: the Dolomites' quiet giant above Val di Funes
Climbing the Passo delle Erbe (Würzjoch) from Bressanone: 27 km, 1,528 m of elevation gain, 5.7% average — Hors Catégorie views of the Odle peaks.
Passo dello Stelvio: the giant of the Italian Alps
Climbing the Passo dello Stelvio from Prato allo Stelvio: profile, 48 numbered hairpins, difficulty and tips for this legendary South Tyrol pass.
Passo dello Zoncolan: "il Kaiser", one of the hardest climbs in the world
Climbing the Passo dello Zoncolan from Ovaro: profile, extreme gradients, difficulty and tips for this legendary Friuli climb.
Passo di Foscagno: the high-altitude road between Bormio and Livigno
Climbing Passo di Foscagno from Bormio: 23.8 km, 1,095 m of elevation gain, 4.6% average — the road that leads to Livigno through the Valtellina.
Passo di Gavia: the pass of the 1988 snowstorm
Climbing the Passo di Gavia from Ponte di Legno: profile, the narrow road, difficulty and tips for this legendary pass in the Lombard Alps.
Passo di Monte Giovo: the Jaufenpass and its Giro legends
Climbing the Passo di Monte Giovo (Jaufenpass) from San Leonardo in Passiria: 19.5 km, 1,410 m of elevation gain, 7.2% average — a Giro d'Italia classic.
Passo di Pennes: the direct, demanding link between Sarntal and Wipptal
Climbing the Passo di Pennes from Vipiteno: 15.5 km, 1,272 m of elevation gain, 8.2% average — up to the Penser Joch at 2,211 m in South Tyrol.
Passo di San Boldo: the staircase to the Dolomites
Climbing the Passo di San Boldo from Tovena: five spiral galleries carved into the rock, 18 hairpins, profile and tips for this unique Veneto pass.
Passo Duran: the quiet pass between Civetta and Schiara
Climbing Passo Duran from Agordo: 12.1 km, 994 m of elevation gain, 8.2% average — a genuine Dolomites Giro climb with a quiet reputation.
Passo Falzarego: the historic Giro pass from Cortina d'Ampezzo
Climbing Passo Falzarego from Cortina d'Ampezzo: 15.9 km, 908 m of elevation gain, 5.7% average — a pass used 5 times by the Giro d'Italia.
Passo Fedaia: the north face of the Marmolada
Climbing the Passo Fedaia from Malga Ciapela: profile, a final wall near 18%, difficulty and tips for this pass beneath the Marmolada glacier.
Passo Giau: the most beautiful climb in the Dolomites
Climbing the Passo Giau from Selva di Cadore: profile, 29 hairpins, difficulty and tips for this iconic pass in the Venetian Dolomites.
Passo Manghen: the wild Lagorai giant between Fiemme and Valsugana
Climbing Passo Manghen from Borgo Valsugana: 22.9 km at a 7.2% average, a Giro d'Italia climb through the wild Lagorai, far from the Sella Ronda crowds.
Passo Monte Croce di Comelico: the quiet Dolomites border
Climbing the Passo Monte Croce di Comelico from Padola: 6.5 km, 230 m of elevation gain, a quiet pass between Veneto and South Tyrol.
Passo Pordoi: the legendary Dolomites pass
Climbing the Passo Pordoi from Canazei: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this Giro d'Italia classic in the heart of the Dolomites.
Passo Rolle from Predazzo: the Giro's first Dolomite pass
Climbing the Passo Rolle from Predazzo: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this historic Dolomites pass.
Passo San Marco: the old Venetian road through the Orobie Alps
Climbing Passo San Marco from Olmo al Brembo: 19.2 km, 1,436 m of elevation gain, 7.5% average — a historic pass rated hors catégorie at the Giro.
Passo San Pellegrino: the Dolomites' gentler giant between Moena and Falcade
Climbing Passo San Pellegrino from Moena: 11.4 km, 778 m of elevation gain, 6.8% average to 1,918 m — a Giro d'Italia classic linking the Fassa and Biois valleys.
Passo Sella: the queen face of the Sella Ronda from Canazei
Climbing Passo Sella from Canazei: 11.2 km, 794 m of elevation gain, 7.1% average — the hardest face of the Sella Ronda loop in the Dolomites.
Passo Tonale: the open-air museum pass between Trentino and Lombardy
Climbing Passo Tonale from Ponte di Legno: 13 km, 630 m of elevation gain, a steady ascent lined with First World War relics.
Passo Valparola: the Dolomites fortress pass between Corvara and Cortina
Climbing Passo Valparola from Corvara: 13.6 km, 760 m of elevation gain, an ascent to a pass steeped in military history at the heart of the Dolomites.
Peña Cabarga: Cantabria's brutal balcony above Santander
Climbing Peña Cabarga from Heras: 5.9 km, 543 m of elevation gain, 9.4% average with pitches to 19% — a short, savage Vuelta a España finish above Santander.
Peyragudes: the finish on the altiport runway
Climbing Peyragudes from Loudenvielle: profile, a final wall on the altiport runway at 16%, difficulty and tips for this Tour de France finish.
Pico Veleta: the highest paved climb in Europe
Climbing Pico Veleta from Granada: about 46 km, over 1,800 m of elevation gain up to Europe's highest paved road.
Pla d'Adet: the resort-summit finish of the Tour de France's great duels
Climbing Pla d'Adet from Vignec, above Saint-Lary-Soulan: 10.7 km, 861 m of elevation gain, a classic Pyrenean mountaintop finish.
Plateau de Beille: the relentless wall of the Ariège
Climbing the Plateau de Beille from Les Cabannes: profile, hors catégorie difficulty, best season and tips for this Tour de France climb.
ItalyPoggio di Sanremo: the decisive climb of Milan-Sanremo on the Italian Riviera
Climbing the Poggio from San Lorenzo al Mare: 3.7 km, 149 m of elevation gain — the small bump that decides Milan-Sanremo every year.
Porlock Hill: England's steepest A-road
Climbing Porlock Hill from Porlock: 3.9 km, 366 m of elevation gain, ramps up to 25% — reputedly England's steepest A-road.
Port d'Envalira: the highest paved pass in the Pyrenees
Climbing the Port d'Envalira from Andorra la Vella: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this 2,408 m summit.
Port de Balès: the Pyrenean pass of the Contador-Schleck incident, from Luchon
Climbing Port de Balès from Bagnères-de-Luchon: 19.1 km, 1,177 m of elevation gain, 6.2% average — famous for the 2010 Tour de France incident.
Puerto de Ancares: the Cantabrian balcony of stone-and-thatch villages
Climbing Puerto de Ancares from Tejedo de Ancares: 7.6 km, 679 m of elevation gain, a 14% final ramp inside a biosphere reserve.
Puerto de Cotos: the steady climb of the Sierra de Guadarrama
Climbing Puerto de Cotos from Rascafría: 15 km, 710 m of elevation gain, a steady ascent at the heart of the Guadarrama, a Vuelta classic.
Puerto de la Morcuera: the classic climb for Madrid's cyclists
Climbing the Puerto de la Morcuera from Rascafría: 13.1 km, 659 m of elevation gain, 5% average — an accessible pass in the Sierra de Guadarrama.
Puerto de Navacerrada, the classic ride for Madrid cyclists
Climbing the Puerto de Navacerrada from Cercedilla, in the Sierra de Guadarrama: profile, difficulty and tips for this pass close to Madrid.
Puerto de Pajares: the historic border between Asturias and Castile
Climbing Puerto de Pajares from Campomanes: 13 km, 912 m of elevation gain, 7.1% average — a historic Vuelta a España climb since 1945.
Puerto de Somiedo: a gentle giant in bear country
Climbing Puerto de Somiedo from La Riera: 19.4 km, 992 m of elevation gain, 5.1% average — a scenic Asturian pass through a UNESCO biosphere reserve.
Puerto de Tudons: the gateway to Aitana, the roof of the Costa Blanca
Climbing the Puerto de Tudons from Sella: 11.8 km at 5.4% average, the classic pro winter-training road on the Costa Blanca, below Alto de Aitana.
Puerto del Pico: the switchbacked Roman road through the Sierra de Gredos from Ramacastañas
Climbing the Puerto del Pico from Ramacastañas: 15.1 km, 864 m of elevation gain, 5.7% average — a pass famous for its paved Roman switchbacks.
Puig Major from Sóller: Mallorca's great pro training climb
Climbing the Puig Major from Sóller: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this legendary Mallorcan cycling climb.
FrancePuy Mary: Cantal's volcanoes by bike
Climbing to the Pas de Peyrol from Mandailles-Saint-Julien: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this Cantal volcanic pass.
Qafa e Thorës from Theth, a wild pass in the Albanian Alps
Climbing Qafa e Thorës from Theth: 16.1 km at an average of 5.8% and up to 15% in places, deep in the remote Albanian Alps.
Rest and Be Thankful: the historic Highlands pass from Cairndow
Climbing Rest and Be Thankful from Cairndow: around 5 km, 238 m of elevation gain — an evocatively named Scottish pass in the Arrochar Alps.
Rettenbachferner: the highest glacier road in the Ötztal
Climbing the Rettenbach glacier road from Sölden: 12.5 km, 1,385 m of elevation gain, up to 2,829 m on a toll road with almost no let-up.
Risoul: the Queyras climb made famous by Rafał Majka
Climbing Risoul from Guillestre: 14 km, 850 m of elevation gain, 6.1% average — the Tour de France summit finish of Rafał Majka's first pro win.
Rosedale Chimney Bank: the steepest road in the North York Moors
Climbing Rosedale Chimney Bank from Rosedale Abbey: 1.3 km, 173 m of elevation gain, up to 33% gradient — one of England's steepest roads.
Sa Calobra: Mallorca's most photographed climb
Climbing Sa Calobra from the cove, in the Serra de Tramuntana: profile, the famous tie-knot hairpin, difficulty and tips for this legendary climb.
Sally Gap: crossing the Wicklow peat bogs
Climbing to Sally Gap from Laragh: 10 km across the peat bogs of the Wicklow Mountains, an isolated crossroads at the heart of Ireland.
Sedlo Pass: Montenegro's highest road, deep in the Durmitor
Climbing Sedlo Pass from Žabljak: 13 km up to 1,907 m altitude, Montenegro's highest paved road, inside Durmitor National Park.
Serra do Marão: the long, wooded crossing of the Douro
Climbing the Serra do Marão from Amarante: 37.5 km, 1,424 m of elevation gain, 3.8% average — one of northern Portugal's longest climbs.
Sestriere: the first mountaintop finish in Tour de France history
Climbing to Sestriere from Cesana Torinese: 8.6 km, 420 m of elevation gain — the Piedmont resort where the Tour de France staged its first summit finish.
Shipka Pass: a legendary climb through the Bulgarian Balkans
Climbing Shipka Pass from Gabrovo: 14.1 km at an average of 4.7% through the Stara Planina, up to Bulgaria's Freedom Monument.
Sierra de la Pandera: Andalusia's decisive Vuelta a España wall
Climbing the Sierra de la Pandera from Valdepeñas de Jaén: 13.5 km at 7.3% average, one of the most feared climbs of the Vuelta a España.
Sierra Nevada from Granada, up to Europe's highest road
Climbing the Sierra Nevada from Granada to Pradollano: profile, access to Europe's highest paved road, difficulty and tips.
Silvretta Hochalpenstrasse: Vorarlberg's toll road with 32 hairpins
Climbing the Silvretta Hochalpenstrasse from Partenen: 15.1 km, 999 m of elevation gain, 6.6% average — 32 hairpins up to the Bielerhöhe at 2,032 m.
Simplonpass: the great historic route between Valais and Piedmont from Brig
Climbing the Simplonpass from Brig: 20.8 km, 1,331 m of elevation gain, 6.4% average — one of the great historic passes between Switzerland and Italy.
Skagen and the Grenen headland, where two seas meet
Riding to Grenen from Skagen, at Denmark's northern tip: where the Skagerrak meets the Kattegat, distance and practical tips.
Snake Pass: the iconic Peak District road between Sheffield and Manchester
Climbing Snake Pass from Glossop: 8.5 km, 340 m of elevation gain, 4% average — a classic scenic road across England's Peak District.
Sognefjellet: Northern Europe's highest scenic road
Climbing Sognefjellet from Lom: around 32 km to Northern Europe's highest paved point at 1,434 m, deep in Norway's Jotunheimen mountains.
Splügen Pass: the historic hairpin-laced border between Switzerland and Italy
Climbing the Splügen Pass from the village of Splügen: 8.8 km at 7.4% average, a historic Graubünden pass at 2,115 m altitude, on the doorstep of Italy.
Štrbské Pleso, the glacial lake of the High Tatras
Climbing to Štrbské Pleso from Štrba, in Slovakia: a high-altitude glacial lake, a historic railway, difficulty and tips.
Superbagnères: the resort overlooking the Luchon valley
Climbing Superbagnères from Bagnères-de-Luchon: profile, panoramic views over the Pyrenees, difficulty and tips for this Tour climb.
ItalyThe Amalfi Coast by bike, between cliffs and clifftop villages
Riding the Amalfi Coast road from Sorrento to Amalfi: profile, tourist traffic, difficulty and practical tips.
SpainThe Angliru: the hardest climb in professional cycling
Climbing the Alto de l'Angliru from Riosa in Asturias: profile, the Cueña les Cabres ramp above 23%, difficulty and tips.
NetherlandsThe Cauberg, the legendary hill of the Amstel Gold Race
Climbing the Cauberg from Valkenburg, in Dutch Limburg: profile, Amstel Gold Race history, difficulty and practical tips.
The Cipressa: the trap before the Poggio on Milan-Sanremo
Climbing the Cipressa from San Lorenzo al Mare, in Liguria: profile, decisive role in Milan-Sanremo, difficulty and practical tips.
The climb to Rila Monastery, Bulgaria's UNESCO gem by bike
Climbing up to Rila Monastery: 19.6 km at an average of 3.1% through the Rila Mountains, a gentle ride to one of Bulgaria's most visited sites.
FranceThe Côte d'Albâtre by bike, from Étretat
Road cycling loop on the Côte d'Albâtre between Étretat and Fécamp: chalk cliffs, dry valleys, distance and practical tips.
HungaryThe Danube Bend by bike, from Szentendre to Esztergom
Riding along the Danube between Szentendre, Visegrád and Esztergom: a royal citadel, a riverside path, practical tips.
The Douro road, between Peso da Régua and Pinhão
Riding the N222 along the Douro, voted the world's best road by Top Gear: profile, terraced vineyards, difficulty and tips.
SerbiaThe Fruška Gora monastery loop, near Novi Sad
Riding through Fruška Gora from Iriški Venac: a 33 km rolling loop linking several 15th-century Serbian Orthodox monasteries.
The Golfo di Orosei coastal road, in Sardinia
Riding the Golfo di Orosei coastal road from Dorgali to Baunei, in Sardinia: profile, cliffs above the sea, difficulty and practical tips.
The Gotthard via the Tremola: the historic cobbled road
Climbing the Gotthard Pass via the Tremola from Airolo: profile, the historic cobbled road's 24 hairpins, difficulty and tips.
FranceThe Grand Ballon: the roof of the Vosges by bike
Climbing the Grand Ballon from Willer-sur-Thur: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this legendary Vosges summit.
The Grimselpass, between dams and the Rhône glacier
Climbing the Grimselpass from Innertkirchen, in the Bernese Oberland: profile, hydroelectric dams, difficulty and practical tips.
The Grossglockner Hochalpenstraße, Austria's most famous alpine road
Climbing the Grossglockner Hochalpenstraße from Fusch to the Hochtor: profile, free access for cyclists, difficulty and practical tips.
The Kapelmuur, Geraardsbergen's legendary cobbled climb of the Tour of Flanders
Climbing the Kapelmuur (Muur van Geraardsbergen) in Geraardsbergen: cobbles, gradients up to 19.8%, Tour of Flanders history, difficulty and practical tips.
The Keutenberg, the steepest wall of the Amstel Gold Race
Climbing the Keutenberg from Schin op Geul, in Dutch Limburg: profile, 22% gradient, decisive role in the Amstel Gold Race, tips.
The Kotor Serpentine: the old royal road to Njeguši
Climbing the historic switchbacks above Kotor up to Njeguši: sweeping bay views, profile, difficulty and tips for riding it in Montenegro.
The Mavrovo Lake loop, a family ride through the national park
Riding around Lake Mavrovo: a 33 km rolling loop around North Macedonia's largest artificial lake, set in a mountain landscape.
The Monts de Flandre by bike, from Cassel
Road cycling loop through the Monts de Flandre from Cassel: Mont Cassel, Mont des Cats, short climbs and practical tips.
The Moravian Wine Trail, around Mikulov and the Pálava hills
Riding the Moravian wine trail from Mikulov: the limestone hills of Pálava, a marked cycle network, practical tips.
The Mur de Huy: La Flèche Wallonne's judge of peace
Climbing the Mur de Huy (Chemin des Chapelles) in Wallonia: profile, a 26% pitch, difficulty and tips for this legendary Belgian wall.
The Muro di Sormano: the Lario's most brutal wall
Climbing the Muro di Sormano from Nesso, above Lake Como: profile, a 25% wall, difficulty and tips for this legendary cycling climb.
The Otepää hills: cycling Estonia's "winter capital"
Cycling the Otepää hills from Lake Pühajärv: moraine terrain, summer-repurposed ski trails, practical tips.
The Puy de Dôme by bike, Auvergne's legendary volcano
Climbing the Puy de Dôme from Col de Ceyssat: profile, cyclist-access days, difficulty and tips for this iconic summit.
The road to Morskie Oko, the Tatras' iconic lake
Climbing to Lake Morskie Oko in the Tatra Mountains, Poland: a road closed to private cars, difficulty and practical tips.
The Sancerre vineyards by bike
Road cycling loop through the Sancerre vineyards: hills, wine villages, views over the Loire, distance and practical tips.
The Schauinsland, Freiburg's historic hillclimb
Climbing the Schauinsland from Horben, in the Black Forest: profile, a century-old hillclimb race, difficulty and practical tips.
The Sellaronda: the loop of 4 Dolomite passes
The Sellaronda four-pass loop from Corvara: Pordoi, Sella, Gardena and Campolongo, profile, difficulty and practical tips.
The Serra da Estrela, the roof of mainland Portugal
Climbing the Serra da Estrela from Manteigas to the Torre: profile, the glacial Zêzere valley, difficulty and practical tips.
GreeceThe Sfakia descent, in Crete, down to the Libyan Sea
Climbing to Askifou then descending to Chora Sfakion, in Crete: vertiginous hairpins, the White Mountains, difficulty and practical tips.
The Skellig Ring, the cyclist's alternative to the Ring of Kerry
Riding the Skellig Ring from Cahersiveen, in County Kerry: views of Skellig Michael, a quieter coastal route, practical tips.
The Small Carpathian Wine Route, on Bratislava's doorstep
Riding the Malokarpatská vínna cesta from Modra: vineyards, a hand-painted ceramics tradition, distance and practical tips.
The Snæfellsnes peninsula by bike, Iceland in miniature
Riding around the Snæfellsnes peninsula from Stykkishólmur: glacier volcano, black lava beaches, distances and practical tips.
The Sustenpass, between a glacier and a road carved into rock
Climbing the Sustenpass from Wassen, in central Switzerland: profile, views of the Stein Glacier, difficulty and tips for this classic Alpine pass.
The Tokaj Wine Route, a UNESCO-listed vineyard
Cycling the Tokaj vineyards from the town of the same name: a UNESCO-listed wine landscape, volcanic terroir, distance and practical tips.
The Tour of Flanders bergs from Oudenaarde, cobbles and climbs
Riding the legendary Tour of Flanders bergs from Oudenaarde: Kwaremont, Paterberg, Koppenberg, profile, difficulty and practical tips.
The Transfăgărășan, Romania's most legendary high-mountain road
Climbing the Transfăgărășan (DN7C) from Curtea de Argeș to Bâlea Lac: profile, altitude, seasonal closure and practical tips.
NetherlandsThe tulip fields ride through the Bollenstreek
Cycling through the tulip fields of the Bollenstreek from Lisse: profile, bloom season, Keukenhof gardens, practical tips.
SloveniaThe Vršič Pass, the giant of the Julian Alps
Climbing the Vršič Pass from Kranjska Gora: profile, 24 numbered hairpins, a Russian chapel, difficulty and tips for this legendary Slovenian pass.
The Zlatibor family loop, western Serbia's green plateau
Riding around Zlatibor and Čajetina: a 25 km rolling loop with 389 m of elevation gain, a family-friendly ride on Serbia's favourite plateau.
Timmelsjoch: the highest paved crossing between Austria and Italy
Climbing Timmelsjoch from Sölden: 22.1 km, 1,259 m of elevation gain, 5.7% average to 2,474 m — the high alpine pass linking the Ötztal to South Tyrol across the border.
Transalpina: the King's Road across the Carpathians
Climbing the Transalpina (DN67C) from Novaci to Urdele Pass: Romania's highest paved road, profile, difficulty and practical tips.
Tre Cime di Lavaredo: climbing to the foot of the Dolomites' iconic towers
Climbing to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo from Misurina: profile, toll, difficulty and tips for this iconic Dolomites ascent.
Trollstigen, the road of 11 hairpins in Romsdalen
Climbing Trollstigen from Åndalsnes: profile, 11 vertiginous hairpins, the Stigfossen waterfall, difficulty and practical tips.
Trough of Bowland: the wild crossing of Lancashire
Riding the Trough of Bowland: 9 km through a protected Lancashire moorland, a rolling road used by the Tour of Britain.
Turracher Höhe: Austria's steepest paved pass
Climbing Turracher Höhe from Predlitz: 9 km, 600 m of elevation gain, Austria's steepest paved road with sections over 20%.
Učka, the training climb for pro teams in Istria
Climbing Učka to the Poklon pass from Lovran, in Istria: profile, a winter training ground for pro teams, difficulty and tips.
Umbrail Pass: Switzerland's highest paved pass, from Santa Maria Val Müstair
Climbing the Umbrail Pass from Santa Maria Val Müstair: 13.4 km, 1,126 m of elevation gain, 8.4% average — Switzerland's highest paved road pass.
Val Thorens: climbing to the highest finish in Tour de France history
The Val Thorens climb from Moûtiers: 33.5 km, 2,000 m of elevation gain up to 2,300 m, the highest stage finish ever organised by the Tour de France.
Vitosha to Aleko: Sofia's great urban climb
Climbing Mount Vitosha from Sofia to Aleko: 15.3 km at an average of 7%, 1,068 m of elevation gain, the Bulgarian capital's most iconic ascent.
Wicklow Gap: the selective climb of the Rás Tailteann
Climbing Wicklow Gap from Laragh: 9.9 km, 530 m of elevation gain, 5.4% average — a classic Wicklow Mountains and Rás Tailteann climb.
Winnats Pass, the legendary limestone gorge of English hill-climbing
Climbing Winnats Pass from Castleton: 1.9 km at up to 20% through a dramatic limestone gorge, historic home of the British hill climb championship.
Wrynose Pass, Hardknott's explosive companion
Climbing Wrynose Pass from Little Langdale, in the Lake District: profile, gradients over 20%, difficulty and practical tips.
Xorret de Catí: the Vuelta's legendary wall
Climbing Xorret de Catí from Castalla: 3.8 km, 444 m of elevation gain, 11.6% average — one of Spanish cycling's steepest Vuelta a España climbs.
Þingvellir to Laugarvatn by bike, on Iceland's Golden Circle
Cycling from the Þingvellir UNESCO site to the thermal village of Laugarvatn, Iceland: paved road, volcanic scenery, wind you should plan around.