Long road bike events: Marathon dates
Granfondo Vosges 19 May
Even in May, the Vosges are free of snow and offer mountains that are not too steep. 3500 metres in altitude can be covered on the 185-kilometre route. Those who want a gentler start to the season can choose from two shorter routes. The two longer routes are part of the UCI Granfondo series and offer the chance to qualify for the Granfondo World Championships.
Imster Cycle Marathon 12 May
The Imster Cycle Marathon is one of the smaller events in the race calendar - but the challenge is still great. Burning legs are guaranteed due to the 2,200 metres of altitude difference as well as the nasty climb to the Ochsengarten.
La Stelvio Santini 2 June
Even though the Stelvio Pass gives the route its name, the Mortirolo is the more brutal obstacle on the route. 4,270 metres in altitude spread over just 130 kilometres underline the steepness of the road. The finish is at the top of the Stelvio Pass.
Dolomites bike tour 9 June
For over 70 years, the Dolomites Cycling Tour has been offering a cycle tour around the Lienz Dolomites. The route, which covers 112 kilometres and 1,870 metres in altitude, is also suitable for racing cyclists with less climbing ability. Because the Plöcken Pass is closed after a rockfall, the much longer "SuperGiroDolomiti" is cancelled this year. The ascent to Monte Zoncolan (see cover photo) can already be pencilled in for 2025.
Alpine Challenge Lenzerheide 23 June
The Albula and Splügen passes are two scenic passes on the 191-kilometre route of the Alpenchallenge. The race offers a total of 4,500 metres in altitude. If you don't feel in shape, you can still turn off in Silvaplana onto the 117-kilometre route.
Alb Extreme 30 June
The 300-kilometre "Traufkönig" route offers an incredible 6,000 metres of elevation gain. The Alb Extreme celebrates its 40th edition and offers a wide variety of routes with significantly less extreme parameters.
Marmotte Granfondo Alpes 30 June
The legendary Galibier and Alpe d'Huez climbs attract starters from all over Europe to the Marmotte Granfondo Alpes. Around 5,000 metres in altitude are on offer on the 177-kilometre route. The finale on the 21 short kilometres up to Alpe d'Huez promises to use up all your energy.
Short road bike events: hill climbs and mountain time trials
Glockner King 2 June
1,815 metres in altitude have to be covered as quickly as possible in order to be the first to reach the finish line on the Edelweißspitze at 2,571 m above sea level. The Route is only 29 kilometres long, which makes it clear: the road is steep! The classic version is also 1,672 metres in altitude over 27 kilometres.
Grimpée du Galibier 2 June
The Galibier from Saint Michel de Maurienne offers 2,100 metres of climbing in one go. The 35-kilometre route leads over the Col du Télégraphe - after this intermediate destination, there is a very short descent. Remnants of snow next to the road are not uncommon in early June and promise "epic photos".
M2-Bike Trophy 29 June
A short bike race up the Jaufen Pass promises a lot of lactate for a small entry fee. The 15-kilometre route offers 1,146 metres of altitude difference for a price of 35 euros.
Note: Don't forget medical confirmation of fitness for sport in France and Italy
Kristian Bauer
Editor
