Coins Cachés: Cambridge
Cambridge might not be well-known as a cycling hotspot, but most people will be familiar with the prestigious University of Cambridge. A city of history, culture and world-changing discoveries, Cambridge is home to more Nobel Prize Winners than any other city. Cambridge has a great network of cycle paths in and around the city, along with riverside parks, grassy commons and cool meadows.
Cambridge's elegant centre is framed by architectural triumphs, such as King’s College with its towering Gothic chapel. Sitting on the River Cam in the east of England, it is a compact city which is easy to enjoy on foot, as well as by the river – punting on the River Cam isn’t to be missed.
Whilst it may not be as spectacular as les Alpes, or Le géant de Provence, this area is one of the driest in the UK and the route possibilities are endless. It’s here in the flat landscape of northern Cambridgeshire where you can ride exposed sections and experience the Fenland winds, just like Ghent-Wevelgem.
Towards the east of Cambridge, the rolling landscape is more challenging, with short, punchy climbs along unspoilt backcountry roads, with a number of descents and sharp technical turns. This is your mini-Ronde van Vlaanderen, albeit minus the pave.
The diversity of routes really does offer cycling for every rider’s taste. From scenic style rides on backcountry roads with a coffee stop on deckchairs at The Orchard in Granchester, to conquering three counties in one day, weaving through quiet country lanes and talking in picturesque churches and charming villages.
Pro tip: if you run short of water, every village or Town in the UK has a church and most have outside taps from which you can top up your bidon.