Our Favorite Cycling Marathons

Leading cycle tours for Ciclismo Classico is a lot of fun.

But when many of us on the guide team get together in the off-season, it’s to ride a Bike Marathon and test our grit against each other. But also to enjoy the company of friends and to let off a little steam!

Oh, and to drink beer (especially when Isacco is along!).

And since each guide lives in a different part of Europe, each one of us happens to be stronger at a particular event. We often get to guide several Ciclismo Classico trips per year, allowing us to “train” for that particular bike marathon.

So here are a few of our favorite European Bike Marathons paired with their Ciclismo Classico training trip. Have a go!

Maratona dles Dolomites

What it is:

The Maratona dles Dolomites is a one-day amateur bike ride through the mountains of Northeastern Italy. There is never a better time to test your mettle against the giants of the Dolomites like the peaks of the Rondo Sella (Campolungo, Gardena, Pordoi and …) and a great ascent of the Giau. You ride through some fascinating mountains that have as rich a historical significance as they do bicycle racing past. Here, armies fought the great battles of the First and Second World Wars. Süd Tyrol uncovered Ôtzi the ice-frozen caveman, and Fausto Coppi and Gino Battali dueled on bicycles for the title of King of the Mountain.

What makes it great:

The roads are completely closed to motorized traffic for one full day. Only the Tyroleans know how to organize a race of this caliber. Ambulances and police line the roads, the safety of all participants is first priority (over 17,000 cyclists on the road on one day). But the best of all is the food: delicious apple strudel at the top of every climb (in the food tents) along with sliced bananas, water and lots of people wearing lederhosen.

Ciclismo Classico Training trip:

There is no better way to get you ready for the Dolomites than on our Majestic Dolomites departure. Keep in mind, the Maratona dles Dolomites does not take you to Passo dello Stelvio, but we do.

Le Strande Bianche

What it is:

Once upon a time cyclists used to ride on dirt roads. The Col d’Izoard, Galibier and many more alpine passes were not paved and most of the excitement was watching heroes ascend and descend on treacherous roads. Le Strade Bianche is a return to the old way of racing. Held in Tuscany every March, this bicycle race is a homage to cycling’s origins. Mostly on dirt roads (gravel bikers: this event is for you), you have two fondo options: 139 km and 86km. It’s a messy, dirty event that attracts all kinds of cyclists – and the pros race the day after the amateur event.

What makes it great:

The number of people who ride these kinds of events is mind-boggling. This isn’t just a cycling race, this is an event showcasing the best in the gravel/dirt cycle world. Artisans of wooden wheels and refurbishers of penny-farthings exhibit their talents on the sidelines. Then there is great Tuscan tagliatelle with cinghiale because wild boar is roaming through these woods at night. But luckily for you, its a day race!

Ciclismo Classico Training Trip:

There is no better place to get ready for dirt roads than on dirt roads. Ciclismo Classico combines another fabled dirt road race – L’Eroica – with five nights in a Tuscan farmhouse. Check out our Tuscany and L’Eroica trip for more information.

Ronde von Vlanderen

What it is:

Every sping the professionals take on the cobblestone classics up in northern Europe. Hedelbreke and E7 are among the lesser-known races. But the Ronde is something special.
At over 163 km long, this day race starts in Bruge or Antwerp and ends in Oudenaarde covering over 100 km of mostly cobblestone road.

But we are not talking about the professional race. The day before the pros hit the circuit, amateurs are allowed to test their mettle on the wild cobblestone roads. Giants like Oude Kwaremont, Koppenberg and Paterberg will eat bikes alive. It is a fascinating circuit (all asphalt except for the cobblestone bits which can get very steep).

What makes it great:

Beer. The Belgians are known for their fantastic brews and the race is organized perfectly. Luckily there aren’t a lot of long downhills so most of the amateur racing is on flat ground. Make sure you go with a bike that is all tuned up. If you have a rusty chain or wobbly handlebars the cobblestones will take advantage of any weakness. And then, the next day while you’re licking your wounds, you can watch the pros eat through the hills. So, see a mechanic and make sure your bike is ready to go.

Ciclismo Classico Training Trip:

Bicycle Magazine voted our Bike Across Belgium trip “One of the Coolest” of 2015. Chocolate, waffles, and the chance to practice on the legendary cobblestone streets of Flanders. Oh, did we mention the beer?

L’Etape du Tour

What it is:

The Etape du Tour is a one-day event, offering the most challenging stage of the Tour de France to the general public. Last year this “queen stage” reached the highest altitude on record of a Tour de France: 2,365 m at the top of Val Thorens. Of course, you still had to bike 135 kilometers to get there, through the famed mountains of the French Alps. Not an easy route, but so thrilling!

What makes it great:

You ride the queen stage as the Tour de France is underway. Typically the Étepe du Tour takes place when the professionals have a rest day. So you are in the middle of the electric vibe of the Tour. You also get harsh schooling into how hard and challenging these routes can be. As well as how fit the pros are to face routes like this every day for a month. Respect.

Ciclismo Classico Training Trip:

Every year the Étape changes location, but it is typically in the Pyrenees or the French Alps. Thus check out our Pyrenees Sea to Sea or our Alps to the French Riviera to get ready for the great French race.

La Haute Route

What it is:

Up to this point, we’ve only written about one-day cycling events. The Haute Route outranks all of those. It is possibly the king of all cycling marathons. Famous for multi-day cycling grandfondos, this three or seven-day cycling adventure makes professional courses available for amateurs. Be aware: you need to be in incredible athletic shape for a trip like this. The classic route from Mégeve to Nice includes days well over a hundred kilometers and a time-trial up Col d’Izoard. This is not for the faint of heart.

What makes it great:

The support. The Haute Route is so popular you get your own motorcycle escorts, local police, and some road closures. The adrenaline rush is incredibly high and the ascents and descents are breathtaking. Like all the other cycling marathons, the Haute Route has a classification system so you can compare your results. The only drawback to the Haute Route is your hotel: it’s not included. You’ll have to find lodging and dinner. You can book accommodation packages with the organization for an extra fee.

Ciclismo Classico Training Trip:

In order to get ready for the Haute Route you’ll want to look into any of our premier mountain trips. Primarily The Majestic Dolomites, Pyrenees Sea to Sea and our Alps to the Riviera departures for the experience of a lifetime.