Words: Josh Lee
In association with:
The moment you made your New Year fitness resolution likely seems a lifetime ago – so the rowing machine, the dumbbells and the treadmill are probably draining you, not only physically but mentally, too. Often, when the rhythms of the gym feel more stagnant than stimulating, we turn to alternative modes of exercise, and heading outdoors is a pretty fine way to combine fitness, scenery and a feel-good spirit.
To brighten up the January blues and woes, we’ve turned to Cervélo – the US bike builder that crafts the fastest and lightest pro designs for time trial, triathlon and road – to help us lay out some of Europe’s finest cycle routes that’ll keep your fitness plans firmly on track.
Sella Ronda Plus
A 51-mile circuit that cuts across the Dolomites, the Sella Ronda Plus has become the stuff of dreams within the cycling community, beloved for its scenery comprising otherworldly mountainsides and photogenic loops. Tackling the steep climbs and winding descents, for which the route is famous, is a job for Cervélo’s R5 climbing bike, the label’s lightest offering (130g lighter than the previous version) whose key aim is to ‘get to the top, fast.’
- Route here
French Basque Country
This route touches the border that delineates France from Spain, and it draws riders because of its storybook countryside landscape – hues of rusty yellows, browns and oranges coat the dipping hills and the blanket of clouds in view provide a heavenly quality. The mix of road surfaces makes this route ideal for the Caledonia-5, a design that focuses on long distance, high speed and comfort.
- Route here
Chianti
Chianti is admired for its medieval villages, hilly topography, and stretches of vineyards that produce the region’s famous acidic red wine – a mix of features that make for a great cycling tour. ‘The white roads of Tuscany – what is not to like about riding here?’ says Cervélo. The recommended route starts in the village of Lecchi, heads south then anti-clockwise up to La Villa, hits Vagliagli, and winds back to Lecchi. For this, the all-rounder Caledonia-5 should be the go-to.
- Route here
Want more cycling content? Here’s a guide to finding your perfect Cervélo ride…
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