1. The Valley of the Tears (The VOTT) – Gran Canaria
Now this is a tough climb. Rising from near sea level the VOTT climbs for 12.4km at an average of just over 11% and wastes no time in introducing you to gradients well over 20%. After a brief baptism of fire the gradients turn and your legs can enjoy a short descent. The Valley of the Tears well justifies it’s name, however, with three more sections knocking on 25%. Approach with caution.
A popular hangout for the SKY pro cycling team, Gran Canaria sports many tough climbs and reliable early season sun.
2. White Roads of Tuscany – Italy
This isn’t just a list of big climbs to conquer, this is also about beautiful and iconic places to explore. Tuscany is a land of historic beauty; explore it’s famed white roads by bike, discover old wine estates and rejoice in the serene lack of traffic.
And whilst your here participate in the Strade Bianche, the Italian Paris-Roubaix.
3. Sa Calobra – Mallorca
‘What goes up must come down’, as they say, although in this case it is more of a case of what goes down must come up. As you descend toward the coast you are left in no doubt of the climb to come. Enjoy spectacular views at our Mallorca Cycling Academy as sweeping hairpins lead you down to Sa Calobra and then back up into the mountains.
4. The Paterberg – Belgium
Perhaps not the most difficult of the Belgian bergs, it is arguably the most iconic as this is often where decisive moves are made when the pros race the Tour of Flanders. This is a spot La Fuga like to set up camp and watch the pro race from as a result.
5. Arenberg Forest – France
Diving into The Forest of Arenberg at over 60kmph the road descends from smooth tarmac to huge cobbles as the pros race the Paris-Roubaix. This is a road to remember, or a road to forget…
‘Iconic’. ‘Epic’. ‘An absolute adventure’. ’15 minutes of Hell’. Take your pick.
6. Col de la Madone – France
Rising off the Cote d’Azur, this climb has been brought to notoriety as Lance Armstrong’s training climb of choice. With a good chance of catching sight of current pros you too can escape the hustle and bustle of civilization below and rise into the mountains. The reward is a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean far below you.
Train like the pros at our Cote d’Azur Academy.
7. Barbotto – Italy
Fancy a challenge? An absolute beast of a climb averaging 15% for a whole kilometre that features in the 2016 Nove Colli.
This is Pantani’s favourite climb. Enough said.
8. Passo dello Stelvio – Italy
This climb needs no introduction. Situated in the Italian Alps, this is the Stelvio and can be tackled from not two but three separate approaches. Take on the challenge; ride up through the tunnels and around the 48 hairpins that brought Fausto Coppi to fame. Compete amongst your friends and compatriots for the Cima Coppi of your tour – first to the top! See you there!
9. Trollstigen – Norway
Norway has taken off as a cycling destination in a big way. This climb has been described as the Norwiegan Stelvio. A new destination for La Fuga in 2016 this scenery has to be seen to be believed. Off the beaten track. Breathtakingly beautiful. Welcome to the Trollstigen
10. Côte de Domancy – France
Featuring in stage 18 this will be a highlights of the Tour de France 2016. The Côte de Domancy was brought to fame by Bernard Hinault’s win in the 1980 World Championship.
11. Alpe d’Huez – France
Another climb that is among the most famous is cycling. Each of the 21 hairpins boast the name(s) of champions that have conquered on this climb at the Tour de France. An icon of the Alps. A bucket list climb. Tick it off your list
12. Col du Soulor – France
A hidden gem of the Pyrenees. Situated close to the Tourmalet this climb epitomises the spirit of the Pyrenees. Expect to see a lot more wildlife and a lot less traffic: an absolute favourite among La Fuga’s tour guides and one we are very pleased is featuring in the Haute Route Pyrenees in 2016
13. Cormet de Roselend – France
Rising from Beaufort to Bourg St Maurice, the Roselend is one of the most beautiful climbs of the Alps and is likely to be a highlight for many of the riders taking on the Haute Route Alps in 2016. Cruising past Lac de Roselend, this is a long and winding climb without the brutal gradients. Enjoy a last stop for coffee by the side of the lake before a final kick and then on, further into the heart Alps.
14. Passo Giau – Italy
A giant of the Dolomites, save at least half your days reserves for this monster. The last 10kms average a full 10% when approaching from Cortina. This is the sixth and steepest of the climbs featured in the Maratona dles Dolomites, but found lurking in the Haute Route Dolomites too. Not to be underestimated.
15. Muro de Ca’ del Poggio – Italy
The rolling terrain of the Prosecco hills is a place to kick back and just enjoy cycling. Recommended terrain for a late season jaunt away from high mountains, ride the Gran Fondo Prosecco and take it as hard, or as easy, as you want to take it. The toughest section of the course, the Muro de Ca’ del Poggio is the pinnacle of the Prosecco fields, beautiful and rewarding. Look forward to a grand finale of ice baths full of Prosecco bottles.
16. Colle del Ghisallo – Italy
The Madonna del Ghisallo is a chapel dedicated to cycling, it can be found at the top of the Ghisallo. With both Bartali and Coppi’s bikes amongst others housed there this is a true shrine to cycling. Featured in the Giro di Lombardia, the Colle del Ghisallo itself climbs from the shore of Lake Como and rises in two leg sapping sections, the first of which quickly ramps up above 10% within the first few kilometres, before settling into a ‘steady’ 9%. After a brief let up the final couple of kilometres rise again to 9% before delivering you to the Chapel at the summit, and the end of La Fuga’s top 16 roads to ride in 2016.
