4myPlanet is an organiation founded by Alexia Barrier that focuses on marine conservation and education. It leads projects that combine scientific research and raising awareness, targeting younger generations and encouraging them to become leaders in sustainability.

TOUR DE FRANCE 2024 | NICE, THE WORLD'S CYCLING CAPITAL It is almost 7 p.m. on Sunday 21 July 2024 and the three leaders of the 111th Tour de France are locked in confrontation in the final time trial. From Monaco up to the Col d’Èze, amid a rowdy crowd, the race finishes with these last men. Drones film them eating up the roads that lead to Nice, where the final finish line is located, at an infernal pace. The images, broadcast to 190 countries around the world, are breathtaking: the riders’ commitment to their sport is intense, and the mountain roads, which overlook the azure-blue Mediterranean, form a picture-perfect scene that any cyclist worth the name will henceforth put on their bucket list. Helicopter cameras capture the yellow jersey rounding the headland on Nice seafront, demolishing the final few hundred metres to the finish. The hot summer evening light caresses the coloured walls of the grand houses on the edge of the old town; further down, the sea sparkles and laps gently at the famous pebbled beach under the Promenade des Anglais – which is itself celebrating its 200th birthday. It’s a dream backdrop to a sumptuous finale. The Slovenian champion, who lives on the Côte d’Azur, knows every centimetre of the road. He’ll leave not a sliver of a chance to his rivals on this TT, just as he has been ruthless in the General Classification all race. He wins a brilliant final victory on this Tour de France 2024. Two days earlier, the riders had entered the Nice metropolitan area via the Col de la Bonette. At over 2,800 metres, it is the highest paved road in France, almost in Europe, and has only been used five times in all the history of the Tour. Snow banks on the side of the road bear witness to the altitude at which the riders battle. As thousands of spectators discover via their TV screens just how close to Nice the roads flirt with the highest Alpine cols, Pogacar takes a tight stage at Isola 2000. The following day proves that – if it heaven exists – the Alpes-Maritimes are a cyclist’s paradise. The penultimate day is one of the most difficult. The most beautiful, too: from the hairpins of the Col de Braus and the Turini, the riders finish on the Col de Couillole. Halfway up the finishing climb, thousands of fans gather at the hilltop village of Roubion to watch the show. In a fitting setting for such majestic performances, Tadej Pogačar will once again triumph over Jonas Vingegaard and Richard Carapaz. The 2024 Tour has been the scene of remarkable events, and remarkable departures. In his last ever Grande Boucle, Romain Bardet finally dons the yellow jersey for the first time, with the panache that has characterised his career. He is not able to hold back the tears when appreciating this, the end of his time in the pro peloton. And what can be said about Mark Cavendish who, at 39, takes the absolute record for the number of Tour de France stage wins? On the final TT he freewheels along so that he can – after suffering so much under the Italian sun in the race’s first stages – make the most of these final moments. An old hand, he eventually found the opening to win the sprint concluding stage five of this 2024 Tour, and he celebrates his final participation in the world’s greatest bicycle race with his family. His achievement should stay in the record books for a few years at least. Hot on his tire tracks is a certain T. Pogačar, who, by the end of the 2024 race, has notched up 17 stage victories, and so might one day join – or even surpass – him. Biniam Girmay complicated Cavendish’s job this year. The Eritrean, who rides in the colours of Intermarché–Wanty, won three sprint victories, surprising the more experienced fast men. Behind him, a country – a continent even – erupted in celebration. His cheerful supporters did not hold back behind the finishing barriers whenever the sprinters had the opportunity to shine. These same fans, loudly supporting the new prodigy, will also wait for long hours in front of the team bus to celebrate his remarkable achievement with him. It's been a celebration of cycling in Nice as the Tour de France reaches an unforgettable finale. A recognition of the famous finish of Paris–Nice, Grand Départ of the Tour in 2020. Nice is not finished with top-level cycling: the Gravel World Cup will take place on its territory in 2025. Relive the grandeur and excitement of the 2024 Tour de France and experience cycling on the Côte d’Azur to the fullest, with Café du Cycliste’s 20 best rides from Nice port.

SOUTHERN BREAKAWAY | MVC RIDE THE ÉTAPE On Saturday 6 July, thousands of cyclists descended on Nice to ride the Étape du Tour, the mass participation event that pits amateur cyclists against a stage of the current year’s Tour de France. Among their number were our friends from the City of Lights, the Montmartre Vélo Club (MVC), who descended from their hillock in the north to ride some real southern mountains near Nice. Étapes always take on mountain stages, but this, the 32nd running of the event, was a particularly challenging one, taking in many of our favourite cols – Braus, Turini, la Colmiane and Couillole – and climbing more than 4,600 metres in only 138 kilometres. Luckily, many of the MVC members had just been on a cycling boot camp in the Cévennes hills of south-central France – this was the moment for the training to pay off! As for the pros, they will be riding this parcours on 20 July with 19 previous Tour stages in their legs, including the climb to the Cime de la Bonette, the highest road in France, the previous day. 6:30 a.m. on the Promenade des Anglais: around a dozen MVC riders wait in their separate starting pens for the starting gun to go off, ready to head off into the mountains of the back country. There were no team tactics for the Étape, but a certain team spirit rules nevertheless. With all the incredible mountain roads closed specially for the event, it’s a dream riding scenario; unfortunately, the weather doesn’t entirely play ball. On the Col de Turini, undoubtedly the wettest mountain in the area, a fine drizzle causes one of our riders to crash on the descent. He is unharmed, but his bike is less lucky, and he has to withdraw. After many long hours of literal ups and downs and metaphorical highs and lows, the MVC are reunited at the finish. After a quick shower, they head for a pizza in a village close to the finish, to refuel and to savour and digest their experience deep in the cyclists' playground of the Alpes-Maritimes – telling stories and comparing notes with laughter and beer. Challenging but magnificent, it is agreed. But there’s no rest for the wicked – or at least, only a night’s good slumber before our travellers from the Montmartre Vélo Club have to get back on their bikes to ride back down to Nice. This time, everyone rides together, sharing the mountain scenery – and the slight downhill all the way – with their club mates. Because of the Étape, Café du Cycliste on the port is very busy – but not too busy for a quick coffee and a shower before heading to the nearby Place du Pin for a hearty lunch. And, at 4 p.m., a final ride to the station to catch the TGV back to their little hill in Paris, with sore legs but good memories of a southern breakaway weekend. Come and watch the Tour in our café on the port for the best atmosphere in Nice!

NATURE TRAIL | CAFÉ DU CYCLISTE AND THE UTCAM When you’re out in the mountains there are moments of great solitude, but also great encounters with like-minded souls. The runners of the UTCAM – the Ultra Trail Côte d’Azur Mercantour – are some of those people. Now in its tenth year, the event takes place in between the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains of the Mercantour National Park in the deep backcountry – the same open-air playground in which we ride, hike and explore. The 2024 edition, which takes place from 21-23 June, comprises six distances, from a ‘vertical’ 5km through 10km, a 30km Skyrace (part of the Skyrunner World Series), 50km and 75km courses and the big daddy 125km (which can be done as a relay in a team of two). The team behind the event hold similar values of exploration, community and respect for the delicate balance of the natural world that means so much to us all, which is why we’re supporting the UTCAM across all distances this year. Partnering with UTCAM is an opportunity to share our love of the mountains and enjoy the challenging trails, beautiful villages and the spectacular natural setting. It’s also an excuse to put on our Alix Technical Tank (for men and women) and our Anna Trail Shorts (Vaiana for women) and compete. Don’t forget your cap! While the 125km race starts in Monaco for an epic challenge that heads deep into the mountains, most of the shorter races start and finish in the picturesque town of Saint-Martin-Vésubie. All except the Vertical 5km, which heads straight up from Monaco to the roman ruins of La Turbie. The different events are designed to give a progressive series of challenges depending on your experience and your level. They’re all awesome challenges in their own right, taking to the crests and peaks of the Mercantour: the 30km Skyrace, for example, climbs to almost 2,700m above sea level! The Mercantour National Park is one of the wildest places in France, with strict controls on activities within its borders, and both Café du Cycliste and the UTCAM are serious about the ecological impact of our activities. As part of our 1% For The Planet commitment, we support the Trail Runner Foundation, which works to promote an eco-friendly vision of trail sports. UTCAM, meanwhile, also works with Trail Runner Foundation, and runs its events in a spirit of respect for the environment and harmony with the natural world, taking concrete steps like recycling signposting materials and organising a big trail clean-up after the race. If we all do our bit – and then some – we can hope to be forever outsiders now and in the future.Check out the UTCAM site for more info, or find out more about all our our 10 partner events for 2024.

Mountain Riders – 1% For the Planet Auron is a small ski station that sits above the Tinée valley about an hour-and-a-half north of Nice. For many Niçois, it’s the place to go for a mountain escape, and, winter or summer, it’s one of our favourite destinations: the roads and trails around the picturesque village are great to cycle or hike; then, when the snow falls we take to the pistes, or strike out into the deep backcountry for some ski-mountaineering. But thanks to climate change good snow is no longer guaranteed. And Auron, like many ski resorts, is thinking about its future. As a part of that process, it’s been working with a social enterprise called Mountain Riders. Mountain Riders, based in Chambéry, promotes sustainable development and works with young and old alike in mountain communities towards environmental awareness and a greener future "We’ve got to find a new way of thinking, so we can imagine ski resorts as a place to live and not just a site of consumption dependent on skiing,” a spokesman for Mountain Riders has said. Let’s enjoy what we have while we can, in other words, while finding a new way of being in the mountains. In 2013 Mountain Riders created a certifying process, Flocon Vert (‘Green Snowflake’), which helps mountain resorts – traditionally so dependent on skiing for their livelihood – transition towards a future in which winter sports are only one part of their offering, working to create a new paradigm for life in the mountains. Up to three Green Snowflakes are awarded to recognise progress and spur a continuing effort to live sustainably, using a framework of 20 criteria split between environmental, social and economic themes. Almost 30 of France’s 250 ski stations now have one, and plenty of others are working towards it. Mountain Riders is one of the six organisations Café du Cycliste supports as part of our 1% For The Planet commitment, and we’ve been keeping up with what’s been happening in Auron. One initiative is a new ‘rewilding’ programme on the pistes, ensuring that as the resort expands, the area of untouched forest is not diminished. Other commitments to a low-impact lifestyle include extending the possibilities for Auron’s visitors to arrive car-free, whether that’s on improved bus services from the coast, or via the cable car from the valley, as well as reducing rubbish and safeguarding local bird species. Mountain Riders encourages all local stakeholders – town councils, businesses and residents – to manage progress and confront issues together. In Auron this includes our friends Adventmount, a ski and clothing shop that is our local reseller, which is changing its own actions to conduct its business more sustainably. In November 2023 Auron gained its first Flocon – hot on the heels of Valberg, another local resort, which received its first Green Snowflake in 2018 and now has two. We’re proud of supporting local action, giving back to these mountains that we love so much, and which have given us so much in their turn.

Gravel Earth Series 2024 | A flying start at Santa Vall The Gravel Earth Series has earned a reputation as a growing international gravel circuit that continues to go from strength to strength. The 2023 edition certainly left a lasting impression. Races such as The Traka (ES), The Rift (IS), and Migration Race (KE) have become mythical. Klassmark put them together with the singular challenge of crowning the best female and male competitors across all races. The events promoted by the Gravel Earth Series have remained authentic, rooted in the DNA of gravel, embodying a universal cycling spirit that pushes each individual to the limits of personal effort amidst breathtaking landscapes. Café du Cycliste has fielded its women’s team in these races for two years now, with Annabel Fisher clinching the overall victory last year. In 2024, Café du Cycliste deemed it fitting, natural even, to become the main sponsor and will therefore be associated with this exceptional challenge throughout the season. A new season brings new ambitions for Café du Cycliste. The eight member team (four women and four men) will compete across the series, with the men making their debut at Traka in May. The women meanwhile kicked off proceedings at Santa Vall, building on the achievements of the previous two years with an almost entirely new line-up: Maria, Heura, Fanny, and Maria take up the mantle of a team that is recognised and eagerly anticipated on the circuit. Santa Vall is a three-day race with a unique format, three successive days that are anything but similar to each other. On Friday afternoon participants must tackle a 7-kilometre prologue resembling Pikes Peak leading to Ermita de Sant Grau perched atop a hill whose difficulty is not to be underestimated — some riders put on the afterburners right from the start, setting the tone. At the top, once everything is said and done, the same end-of-race atmosphere returns with the ritual of debriefs, laughter, and accolades. Day 2 sees a new format introduced by the organisers and inspired by enduro races: a 70-kilometre route with two timed sections, with a transition in between which is not timed. This allows riders to rest their bodies and also sows some confusion into strategies that are usually well-established. Will the format be retained for future races? It’s uncertain, but its originality is commendable. 70 kilometres fly by and spending the second half of the day in the streets of old Girona is rather welcome. Sunday will see a return to a more classic and longer format. On Sunday morning, the women start an hour ahead of the men. A lovely way to highlight the high level of women’s competition, making it a separate race and dispelling any doubts about the assistance that male riders could provide to certain competitors. The distances and difficulties remain the same which highlights the specificity and beauty of gravel — women and men competing in the same arena on equal terms. 115 kilometres are punctuated by two significant climbs in the heights of Girona for this final stage. Santa Vall offered a spectacle of great intensity. Not everyone was at the peak of their physical preparation just yet, but evidently the majority wanted to be present for the kickoff of the 2024 Gravel Earth Series, which promises to be highly competitive. For the Café team, this race marked the first rendezvous. An opportunity to get to know each other and ride together. Maria, Heura, Fanny, and Maria reached the finish line of all three stages without incident. The Traka is still far off; two months of preparation will be necessary to tackle this race of a whole different level of endurance, as some of the formats they opt for will be 200 km or even 360 km. The tone has been set!

Our partner events for 2024 We are extremely pleased, and indeed proud, to lend our support to a variety of exceptional events across this coming year. In a variety of ways, in a variety of formats and in a variety of places. What they all have in common is the passion behind them, a focus upon the impact they make and a desire to build and strengthen the communities that we are all invested in. From our doorstep in the Mercantour National park to the heart of the US, from following greatness to watching the flowers bloom and from watching the clock to counting the hours, we hope there’s something for everyone in the mix. For the fizz and occasional fuss, ultimately taking part on the ground is all about riding or running routes that are easy to love and being surrounded by like minded people. We appreciate it more than we can say and we look forward to meeting you out there, somewhere. EVENT CALENDAR Race Calendar 2024 16 Feb Santa Vall Spain + 13 Apr Desertus Bikus France, Spain + 30 May BeNice Spain + 21 Jun DEAD ENDS & Cake Switzerland + 21 Jun UTCAM France + 20 Jul VIA RACE France, Spain, Italy + 31 Aug Fistful of Dirt USA + 12 Sep Le Pilgrimage France + 21 Sep Superbloom USA + 12 Oct Ranxo Spain + Santa Vall OFF-ROAD The first stop on the Gravel Earth series express. An exciting multi-stage gravel event that covers the best roads in Girona over three days. Santa Vall offers an exciting experience to meet the incredible community and connect with nature. As official partners, members of our own Gravel Team will be at the starting line, ready to take on the challenge. Santa Vall transcends the typical cycling competition as teams come together away from the course and engage in weekend activities culminating in a festive evening celebration. DESERTUS BIKUS ALL-ROAD A Rally-Raid Bike event that rides faster than its shadow, pays homage to the pioneers of the 80s Paris-Dakar Rally. This year, it ventures through desert zones in Spain and Portugal, featuring the Bardenas Desert, La Siberia Extremena and Ruta de las Caras. The concept involves a 1,350 km ultra-cycling challenge with self-navigation, complete autonomy, and no assistance. With over 300 participants from 15 different nations and a cumulative altitude gain of 13,500 meters, Desertus Bikus 2024 promises an exhilarating experience. Above all, it's a human adventure designed to be friendly and warm, with main aim to be a "beneficiary" rather than just a "finisher". BeNice OFF-ROAD Nestled in the mountains bordering Teruel and Castellón, the BeNice bike camp unfolds its charm from May 30th to June 2nd this year. Set against the picturesque backdrop of stunning landscapes, participants will discover a delightful rural house and camping facilities—an ideal space to connect with fellow cyclists and embark on a variety of rides along the intricate gravel paths. In addition to the cycling adventures, BeNice offers premium quality vegan cuisine, local beverages, invigorating yoga sessions, captivating adventure talks, and soulful music. More than just an event, BeNice is a haven for forging new friendships, embracing the spirit of Pedal Together and spending time in the heart of nature. DEAD ENDS & Cake ALL-ROAD Unleash the outdoor spirit at this unique bikepacking adventure in eastern Switzerland. Starting and finishing in St. Gallen, the route takes you through remote and stunning landscapes, featuring dead-end checkpoints that are reachable by road bike as well as shorter off-road options. These unconventional routes offer unparalleled scenic beauty and solitude, embracing the challenge means being rewarded with breath taking views. At each checkpoint a delightful fresh cake awaits you to fuel your onwards journey. Whether you choose to sleep under the stars, camp by a fire, or stay in guesthouses, this gravel adventure promises a memorable experience. Ride through the night for a unique encounter with empty roads and the beauty of sunrise. UTCAM TRAIL RUNNING Organized by the New Dream Côte d’Azur association, UTCAM seamlessly blends serious sport, citizenship, and environmental commitment through trail running. Core values of environmental respect, solidarity, and connection with nature are highlighted through concrete and positive measures. The course, nestled between the sea and mountains in the stunning Côte d'Azur region, offers a remarkable experience for participants. The event, consisting of 8 diverse races, aims to become a catalyst for local associations by involving multiple partner municipalities. The variety of formats caters to every athlete, from beginners to the more seasoned, encouraging progression on this unique world-class playground. This event embodies a harmonious fusion of trail running passion, the breath taking landscapes of the Mercantour national park and sustainable commitment. Photo credit : Lionel Lecourtier Activ’images VIA RACE ROUTE The first chapter of VIA RACE follows the epic journey of Hannibal, who traversed the Pyrenees and the Alps with 38 elephants, crossing Europe from Spain to Italy. A meticulously chosen route of 4,000 km with over 40,000 meters of elevation takes cyclists through and over a classic series of mountains: the Sistema Central, Picos, Pyrenees, Massif Central, Alps, and Apennines, tracing the path of greatness. Born from a love for ultra-cycling, the event will prioritise participant well-being, environmental consciousness, and sportsmanship. It goes beyond a mere adventure or competitive challenge, aiming to foster a welcoming community for cyclists of all levels, from experienced riders to bare naked beginners. It is built on shared values and passion, with the goal of creating enduring memories and promising an experience that transcends a simple race and leaves an indelible mark on participants and spectators alike. LE PILGRIMAGE OFF-ROAD Embark on an extraordinary journey into the heart of the French Alps for the second edition of Pilgrimage. This exceptional event promises an exhilarating experience amid the breathtaking landscapes around Puy-Saint-Vincent, in the Écrins National Park. This year riders will uncover the secrets of forgotten military roads hidden within the folds of the mountains and discover incredible routes while venturing all the way to Italy. Simon Rosmolen, the cartographer of Pilgrimage, has created a journey sure to please even the most demanding fans of the unbeaten track. Sign up and get ready to be immersed in a thrilling adventure that explores the summit of the mountains while offering a unique and unforgettable cycling escapade. Photo Credits : Yorit Kluitman SUPERBLOOM OFF-ROAD Nestled among the hills of southwest Iowa, the Glenwood Superbloom promises far more than just another gravel race. Its name echoes the extraordinary natural phenomenon that occurs as a multitude of wildflowers bloom simultaneously, a happening which in many ways captures the essence of this unique competition. With a higher ratio of women cyclists than is usual and location in the heartland of the USA, this event offers a course which is both challenging and stunning in equal parts, ensuring a memorable rough route adventure. With both 50 km and 100 km distances, it provides a distinctive opportunity for gravel enthusiasts to come together and share their passion. FISTFUL OF DIRT OFF-ROAD Saddle up for the Fistful of Dirt, an exhilarating gravel riding experience set in Cody, Wyoming, and experience the thrill of the wild wild west. Cyclists can choose to navigate the untamed terrain of The Good (20 Miles), The Drifter (40 Miles), The Bad (60 Miles), or The Ugly (100 Miles) routes, encountering smooth gravel, packed dirt, single track, rocks, and a dash of sand. Hosted by The Sheriff of Fistful Of Dirt, the event promises exclusive access to iconic locations such as Yellowstone's historic highway and the Hoodoo Ranch. After crossing the finish line, riders can revel in a lively post-ride celebration with music, cold beer, and the authentic charm of Cody—a wild west weekend to remember. RANXO OFF-ROAD The last station on the Gravel Earth line 2024. The word “Ranxo” only acquires its true meaning deep in Catalonia where a series of trails has been the backbone of agricultural life for hundreds of years. Infinite tracks that connect the most remote points of Noguera and Segarra. There is no better place than Ponts to take on a steep personal challenge, pun intended, as well as decide the winners of the Earth Series. With three distances to choose from, everyone, professionals and amateurs alike, can be part of the last dance of the year. It’s gravel as we know and love it and done with two eyes on doing it in the most sustainable and responsible way possible.

The European Divide Trail in 80 Days | With Nicolas & Julien It all begins with a phone call, ideas on where to go on holiday become plans for riding adventures rather quickly. One week is good, we say, but three months better. The desire to go long grabs us without warning. The obvious choice is there on the horizon; this journey will be the two of us bikepacking in Europe, from the Northeast to the Southwest, off-road. After a few months of physical and mental preparation, it's decided that our route will follow the European Divide Trail from the top of Norway down through Finland and Sweden into Denmark, Germany, France, Spain and the southernmost tip of Portugal. We take a plane to Kirkenes in Norway. Packing the bike (and the stress that comes with it) is no small task. Upon arrival, Julien's box has been flung wide open due to rain damage, his belongings scattered all over the hold. The Norwegian staff are lovely and manage to retrieve everything. No need to panic. We head towards the easterly point of Grense Jakobselv, in Finnmark, along the border with Russia. As we ride our gaze is drawn to views of the Arctic Ocean. We appreciate the vastness of this landscape that contrasts with the cityscapes of everyday life. It's six degrees here, and from now on, we will only be going south… We quickly leave the Norwegian tundra for the Finnish lakes. We discover a marshy ecosystem; beautiful bodies of water to reflect upon whilst turning the pedals. At the same time, we encounter our first mosquitoes. We were warned, and yet, when it's time to pitch our tent, we are under much duress. Hundreds of them have formed a welcome party, all over us within seconds. We choose to keep riding and make the most of the absence of darkness provided by the ‘midnight sun’. In the end, we will knock on the door of a kind Finnish grandmother just before bedtime and ask for accommodation. This is a lucky lesson in ensuring we plan sleeping arrangements better, now knowing that every stop is a sacrifice of time (and potentially blood). The first few weeks allow us to get our bearings. Arriving in Lapland, near Lake Inari, we eat heartily. Meal management and planning are crucial because it can be up to 200km between supply points. Sometimes we feel like we're alone in the world, with no sign of human life. We encounter only reindeer, whilst keeping an eye out for bears, without actually seeing any. We are a long way from home. We ride between six to eight hours a day. The rest of the time, we tend to the basics: eating and sleeping. Added to that is the pleasure of taking photos of these unique moments we find ourselves in. Tired of battling mosquitoes, we find a shelter just before the Swedish border, where we can do some hand laundry and eat in warmth. The wood-burning stove is running at full blast, warming our toes and our hearts. This shelter turns out to be a real trap; it's not airtight, and about ten mosquitoes regularly break in. We leave the accommodation around 3am and learn that wherever we are up here, we need mosquito protection. During the first break in Jokkmokk, Sweden, we buy head mosquito nets. And then a day or two later, we'll have pizza and a burger each for lunch. We've clearly entered a new dimension of survival tactics. But this life is still full of pleasure. Every day, we make progress while enjoying the extended hours of daylight in the polar regions. But mosquitoes aren’t the only foe of the bikepacker, there's also the wind. And after the wind, there's rain. Our shoes are no longer dry, but our spirits remain high. And the rain makes the few river crossings feel more immersive. Don’t ask nature questions if you can’t handle the answers. To finish our time in Sweden, the route arrives in Gothenburg, the country’s second-largest city. This dose of civilization is good for us, and we celebrate completing this northern section of 2800 kilometres (about twenty days) with a good beer. We also toast to the end of our battle with the mosquitoes. But who won? We will remember this as the ‘Land of Gravel in an Endless Forest’, where encounters with life are rare, but beautiful. Denmark is flat, with a gorgeous segment on the northern seaboard. The Danish shelters are numerous and well-maintained, although sometimes fully booked. Friends join us for a week, and we camp, cook and have drinks by the fire. Special thanks to Max, who brought Alpine Comté sausage. In Germany, big breakfasts. This section allows us to discover cities such as Hamburg, Hamelin and Cologne. The weather improves as we reach the French-German border. The Vosges and Jura mountains are demanding, with technical sections and significant elevation. It's not uncommon to find ourselves hike-a-biking. The pace now demands three to five cokes a day. After an energy-draining ascent, we reach La Bresse ski resort and ride a few slopes before setting up a grand bivouac at Lac Blanchemer. A feast of Tipiak couscous, sausage, and Saint-Nectaire cheese that has slowly ripened in the saddlebags. Delicious. We devour it before a night of thunderstorms that offer an incredible sound and light show until dawn. After a 48-hour break in Pontarlier, where we reunite with family and friends, we enter the Jura region and embark on a journey down memory lane, returning to the terrain of our first gravel trip three years ago. An exceptional bivouac awaits us near Crêt au Merle. After setting up the tent, we realise that we're in a pasture. About fifteen cows arrive and surround the tent. The night is going to be long; listening to them eating, doing their business, and licking Julien's flip-flops that stick out from the vestibule. The next day, a special day, we tackle the Grand Colombier. We take great pleasure and enjoy yet another coke at the summit, along with a crepe. We take advantage of the mild temperatures at high altitudes because down in the Culoz basin, a heatwave is waiting. Riding under 42 degrees to Valence is a memorable moment of the journey. The sun delivers heavy blows as we reach true southern France. We hear crickets, smell pine trees and figs, and the roads are dry and the wind is warm. France has a magical and comforting aspect for us; discovering the profoundness of the Ardèche and Hérault. The diversity of landscapes is impressive. To reach Perpignan, we endure the Tramontane and ride against 30-knot winds.Into Spain and a particularly hilly stretch. Our efforts are quickly rewarded; each passing day surprises us, the unexpected greenery of Catalonia and picturesque villages where we can always find a café and a bocadillo. We encounter some wild boar and deer. Our bodies are now extremely tired but accustomed to the effort, and the 10km ascents with an average gradient of 10% are eventually appreciated. Julien's chain derails and we need to replace the worn pedal. Not easy. Catalan kindness saves us, and the owner of a cycle café helps find a single chainring before we wave him off to Granada for the Badlands gravel race. The journey required two changes of chain and cassette each. Julien changed his brake pads three times and broke two spokes, as well as his pedal. Nicolas had less luck with punctures at rather difficult moments. Spanish trails offer a big variety of topography. We traverse national parks, taking dips in the gorges, and ride the deserted landscapes of the Celtiberian Range or ‘Spanish Lapland’. We eat bocadillos in various cafés. After Cazorla, we ride amongst vineyards and olive trees, where we come across some deer. Soon it’s Portugal, where poorly trained dogs frighten these weather-beaten cyclists. We always find a way to escape with unscathed calves. The last days are spent amidst Iberian pig farms. It's been several weeks since we last saw the sea, but it's approaching. Eighty days after our departure from Grense Jakobselv, we arrive near Sagres for the sunset amidst the Volkswagen campers of surfers ending their sessions. We reflect on everything we have seen and what this journey has offered. The landscapes are extremely diverse; Europe is beautiful and still very wild in places. The goal is achieved; this journey was neither a walk in the park nor an ultra-endurance test, but a bikepacking adventure between friends. READ MORE Etienne Hubert | From Kayak to Gravel: Traversing the Alps. The summer months are synonymous with heavy training loads for the kayak racers of the French national team. 2023 was no exception to the rule. Ultra Spirit & Anomadventures | A Human Adventure. A unique trail running event, Ultra Spirit takes place in the Haute-Savoie Alps and consists of teams of three runners accruing points rather than the average race against time. TRANSMISSION #2 | Serge and Carla Lamy. The second in our series of profiles on the family connection of cycling, capturing on film mother and son, Carla and Serge Lamy. SOPHIE GATEAU | Adventure in the Ardennes. Forests alternate with steep valleys, peat bogs with verdant pastures, moors with rocky escarpments, and multiple rivers with ancient stone villages.

The Year Ahead With Café du Cycliste Now we’ve all put the darkest days of the year behind us, here at Café du Cycliste we’re working hard to fill your season ahead with Côte d’Azur sunshine. From shredding gravel to new products, to Provençal surprises, to the world’s greatest race on our home cols, there’s a lot to look forward to. We can’t give too many details just yet, but here are some highlights to put in your riding diary and products to get the pulse racing. Gravel grinders We’re doubling down on our commitment to gravel. On top of our recently announced sponsorship of the Gravel Earth Series, we’ve got a new team in the offing this season to race the routes we’ve spent the winter dreaming about. Sneak peeks The finishing stitches are being put on our Spring/Summer 2024 products. Touching down first are an ultra-lightweight wind jacket and Americana-inspired jerseys. Peak anticipation There’s something special happening near Mont Ventoux. We can’t let on what it is just yet, but join us in the shadow of the bald mountain in April for a special occasion… Florence–Nice Talking of special occasions, there’s a big race happening in July this year starting in Florence and heading to Nice. Join us as we celebrate the pros and embark on our own “outsiders” version. #MyAlps Love the Alps as much as we love the Alps? We’ll be showing you some of our favourite spots in the mountainous playground in our own backyard. Share yours with us via the hashtag #MyAlps and take your inspiration to new heights. Here and there We’re putting together a calendar of events we’ll be sponsoring, participating in or simply admiring in the next twelve months. Keep an eye out for when it lands and join us if you can out on various roads. B-ing sustainable Our impact and responsibility commitments will remain front and centre of everything we do in the year ahead. With new partnerships as a 1% for the planet contributor, new advances in our production processes and some big sustainability news to bring you very soon.

Ultra Spirit & Anomadventures | A Human Adventure Sponsored by Café du Cycliste Ultra Spirit is an ultra-trail like no other, placing emphasis on team-work, sustainability and experience, rather than just racing. Couple Carline and François D’Haene are the creators of the event, now in its second year. A three-day ‘human adventure’ over 100km, Ultra Spirit takes place in the Beaufortain Massif in the Haute-Savoie Alps and consists of teams of three runners who accrue points rather than race for time in order to compete. There is a playful element to proceedings, where competition gives way to friendship and enjoyment, whilst still running, walking, climbing and laughing your socks off. Café du Cycliste ambassadors, Tom and Anouche AKA Anomadventures are currently editing a documentary called Ultra Naturel, involving Ultra Spirit and a number of other subjects in the ultra running and adventure world. Ahead of the release of their film here is their report on this year’s Ultra Spirit. A Human Adventure We spent three days immersed in Ultra Spirit, a unique trail event organised by Francois d’Haene. The aim was to make our second film, Ultra Naturel, about the evolution of outdoor sports. The event is unique and that's what drew our attention. It's not a one-day race with a ranking, but three days of trail running for a total distance of around 100km in the highly technical terrain of the Beaufortai. There are activities throughout the day and a bivouac at an altitude of over 2000m at Beaufort, in an exceptional region that we hadn't yet discovered. We arrived in the sunshine on Friday at the Gymnase de Beaufort, where the runners were welcomed. We didn't know it, but the event really brought everyone together. From Belgian mountain-racing enthusiasts to the world's greatest champions like Katie Schide, Camille Bruyas and of course Jim Walmsley, this year's UTMB winner. We were very impressed by the closeness of everyone and the humility of the world's greatest runners, with whom we shared meals. And what food it was, we should add. The emphasis on local cuisine was everywhere, and we enjoyed ourselves throughout the event. We were there to film, but also to take part. So we set off for a full day of trail running on Saturday, starting under the first snow for a real tour of the Beaufortain, covering some forty kilometres over varied, hilly and technical terrain. At the refreshment stations, accordions were played as we dined on invigorating soups. On the trails we partook in very interesting discussions with participants, giving us the chance to run side-by-side with some of the world's greatest trail athletes. Francois, who was in charge of marking out the route and running back and forth between the groups was also there to chip in. The atmosphere was always so friendly and the encounters with are always unexpected. We met legends such as Kilian Bron and Michel Lanne, and had some fascinating conversations about the meaning of sport and competition. We talked on the importance of the link with nature in outdoor sports, and how the event has a ban on mobile devices and encourages sustainable transport to base camp. On Sunday it was already time to head back to Beaufort and enjoy the sunrise over the Pierra Menta opposite our camp. Our bodies were tired after two days of racing, but the atmosphere was as festive as ever. Michelin-starred chef Jean Sulpice took care of breakfast at the top of the Col de la Forclaz, under 10cm of snow.It was a magical, timeless scene. Ultra-trailers drink beer and party like everyone else of course and the most successful game was the Beer Mile: run up a hill, downing beers along the way. The atmosphere and camaraderie really kept us going. We achieved things we'd never thought possible having never run so many kilometres in the mountains before. But seeing everyone doing it, and refuelling in style, changed the game completely. You realise that your body is capable of walking and running for much longer than you think. However, that’s not to say we didn’t suffer from more than a few aches and pains. Happily, everyone discovered that Café du Cycliste make beautiful trail apparel, and our orange jackets made us the most visible part of the race, easy to spot on all the drone shots taken during the adventure. We carried the brand colours high! The images we got ourselves from this event are exceptional and we can't wait to start editing the film. Café du Cycliste supported us in this unique project and we thank them again for their help. READ MORE An Outsider’s Guide | Trail Running Mont Cima. Convenience isn’t just on the street corner, it’s in the palm of our hand, strapped to our wrists, counting every step, click, beep and tap. Trail Running Guide Mallorca. A demanding yet highly rewarding territory not just for cyclists, but also runners, you can really uncover this enchanting island in the middle of the Mediterranean with just a pair of running shoes. Runpacking the Route of Nice Côte d'Azur by UTMB. In August we run-packed some of the route of the world renowned Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB, an off-road 100 mile race through the Mercantour mountains. Ride of the Month: Tracing the tracks of the 2023 Ironman. The Ironman World Championship, which usually takes place in Hawaii, relocated to the French Riviera for the 2023 edition.

Cime de La Bonette | Last Orders Altitude: 2082m | Length: 25km When the High Alps rings the bell for last orders and slams its heavy doors for winter, there’s an almighty sound through the valleys. But before closing time, it’s important to bid adieu in style to our loftiest of locals. Our location in Nice means we are blessed with being just a wink and a gun-finger away from incredible roads and mountain passes, and the highest paved road in Europe. The Cime de La Bonette should not be confused with the Col de la Bonette that sits on its shoulders. The Cime – at 2,802 metres above the sea – is one click higher than the pass, but is often looked-over, rather than overlooked before riders decide against it thinking ‘that was enough’. But when is enough ever enough in the shadows of these majestic mountains. Those with the ambition to go ever higher will no doubt have the Cime on their list. A two-hour drive from Nice to its base, this giant in the Mercantour National Park is set to feature as the pinnacle pass of next year’s Tour, when the world’s highest profile race will witness its crescendo in the Alpes Maritimes and conclude along the Promenade des Anglais. Riding here amongst the greatest of Europe’s geological forms in October feels calm, even if the legs are screaming. The magnificent colours of autumn act as a tranquil prelude to the eventual arrival of the snow and darkness. This incredible route links the Ubaye valley and the Tinée valley (where we find ourselves), and its proximity to the Franco-Italian border means the road has a history and weight of importance beyond the battles of professional bike racers. The old military barracks on the northern side at Restefond will tell you this. Departing from Saint-Etienne de Tinée we feel the shock of altitude combined with sitting in the car for 120 minutes, so spin the gears past bars, restaurants and sleeping cats. This late in the season too, the mountain winds sink into your bones. Jackets and gilets are thankfully at hand. Hairpins come and go and warming up the legs and lungs the kilometres start to drag us up. Soon the grandeur of the High Alps opens out before us, with nature proving itself yet again to be the world’s greatest living artist. You really feel right in the heart of the Mercantour with stark slopes, desolate peaks and the shrill call of those fluffy little creatures called Marmots. Plus, a gorgeous Autumn palette of gold, red and green would be enough to make Picasso do a double take. In addition, we see just a few cars during the entire climb, which is unthinkable when you are riding along the cornices between Nice and Monaco at this time of year. We pass above 2000m very quickly and once diverted onto Col de la Moutière, the terrain gets rougher, and the slopes become steeper. This is the time to breathe it all in, enjoy the silence of the mountains and keep grinding your way to the top. The sparse woodland here releases you towards incredible views, and you can see the Cime sitting proudly above everything else. In both 1962 and 1964, Federico Bahamontes led the Tour stages over this giant pass. The Spanish rider was known as the Eagle of Toledo and here you will feel as close as you can probably get to flying without leaving the ground. In places like this you can let your spirit carry you and really feel the landscape. Once at the top of La Moutière, a short 500m drop takes us to another gravel track and a climb of three kilometres. It’s rideable even on slimmer road tyres. Be careful not to have too much pressure in your hoops though if you are planning on going this way up... The track brings us out onto the northern slope of the Bonette (the Jausiers side), and then we climb for another two kilometres to the Cime de la Bonette, to find what feels like the roof of Europe. The view is as breath-taking as the road that brought us up here. We take a few minutes for composure, selfies and that all important moment of silent satisfaction. Our next reward is, of course, a 25km descent to the first hot chocolate of the season. Last orders never tasted so sweet. READ MORE Classics Challenge: A Parisian Promenade. Every month, 300 Parisian cyclists meet at the KM0 bike shop, a few meters from the Arc de Triomphe. The idea is simple: ride as a group for 100–200km. Ride of the Month: Tracing the tracks of the 2023 Ironman. The Ironman World Championship, which usually takes place in Hawaii, relocated to the French Riviera for the 2023 edition. ROTM: The Tour 2024, Stage 20. In July 2024, for the first time in its history, the Tour de France will not be finishing in Paris. Instead, the race will conclude in our hometown of Nice. ROTM: Velocity and Light in Paris. Alongside new renditions of agnès b. classics, the collection offers up two signature Café du Cycliste performance pieces for long summer rides.

LOOKBOOK | ICELAND AW23 NEVER RUN OUT OF ROAD The sun dips into the warm ocean of autumn and then the leaves shiver. Primed with summer’s blessings, surveying the landscape and the cooler rays of golden light. One door slams shut, but another is opening. Now isn’t the time to stop. Zip up and float into the new season with loaded legs and a brave heart. The sound of adventure: a jazz trio or entire symphony – the music is yours to create. Find solace in the darker times but stay out there. Light your lantern, keep your tools sharp. Wherever you tread, keep the devil off your back. Never run out of road, never run out of track. New season, new chapters. Signature styles, further adventures. 1. Faustine, Men's Air Channel Cycling Jersey, Forest Green; Faustine, Women's Air Channel Cycling Jersey, Sandstone 2. Suzette, Men's Rain Cycling Jacket, Lemon Chrome 3. Petra, Women's Cycling Jacket, Fuchsia; Lorenne, Women's Air Channel Cycling Jersey, Chalk 4. Irisia, Men's Lightweight Jacket, Navy; Gabin, Performance Cycling Sunglasses, Crystal Grey 5. Corinne, Men's Long Sleeve Cycling Jersey, Chalk; Petra, Men's Superlight Cycling Gilet, Grenat 6. Solange, Men's Fleece Cycling Jersey, Navy Green 7. Suzette, Men's Rain Cycling Jacket, Burnt Hazel; Road Shoes, White 8. Ondine, Unisex Fleece Top, Dark Green 9. Pascaline, Unisex Cycling Shirt, Henna 11. Albertine, Women's Thermal Cycling Jacket, Chalk Aster 10. Marie, Men's Winter Cycling Tights, Navy; Solange, Men's Gravel Cycling Jersey, Navy Orange

Runpacking the Route of Nice Côte d'Azur by UTMB By Tom Reynolds Photos by Luke Douglas “It is very simple to be happy, but it is very difficult to be simple.” - Rabindranath Tagore, Bengali philosopher In August we run-packed some of the route of the world renowned Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB, an off-road 100 mile race through the Mercantour mountains. The concept was simple – catch a bus 100km north of Nice then run back to the sea. The weather was, supposedly (more of which later), didn’t need much thought either. And most importantly, we were aligned in our ambitions. Live as basically as possible for two nights and three days. One foot in front of the other. Sleeping outside. Worrying only about food, water and shelter. In day-to-day life, as Tagore says, it is difficult to live with such humble ambitions. Having to carry everything in an 18 litre pack on your back makes it easier. Concentrates the mind. Only the essentials, and everything shared. Toothpaste, toothbrush, sun cream, sudocrem, sandwiches, nut butters and emergency sweeties. The lightest way to commune with nature? Combine and conquer. Post- boulangerie, we began our journey in earnest by heading straight up out of Saint-Sauveur-sur-Tinée. Day one was Tagore-esque in its route profile. Up, up and more up. 2000m of ascent in the first 20km. Climbing in the midday heat was bothering us. More of a worry was the storm brewing behind us. It’s hard to run away from a storm when you’re no longer running. I’m not sure what the French for shuffle is but that’s where we were. Shuffling up a 2000m col trying to get to our bed for the night before the storm did. As we entered the last five km, shortly after stumbling upon a cheese ‘shop’ in the sky – an unmanned stack of cheese inside a disused military bunker – a shepherd came into view on the most magical singletrack terrace of running terrain. We enquired about l’orage’s (the thunderstorm) intentions. Were we about to get struck by lightning and soaked to our skin? “Non” came the confident reply. The incredible ridge line we were running was going to be the end of the line for the storm, according to our shepherd friend. It, the storm, would stay in the valley behind us. Mercifully, he was, right. And even more miraculously, the disused military base we had eyed up on the map to sleep at had a little outside deck that was perfect for bivvying. France was basically shut during our trip – and so we could only eat what we had got our hands on at a mid-afternoon supermarket stop. Half a bag of nuts, half a baguette and half a bag of Haribo. And then semi-awake by five the next morning, we realised we had the small matter of a half-marathon to tackle before breakfast. The Mercantour has got some stunning running terrain. It feels superbly wild compared with a similar distance trip I took around the cols of Chamonix last summer. Such quietness and simplicity is a gift, but also at times a curse. Luke resorted to red wine for breakfast at a municipal super-basic campsite in the mountains to try and numb the pain of the descents (another gift and a curse in equal measure due to the steepness of some sections on tired, hungry legs). No matter, we made it to breakfast, then to lunch, and then to the second balcony in this tale of the terraces. On night two we booked an Airbnb (we’re not that into simplicity) that although reasonably priced had a disproportionally ridiculous view from the mountains to the sea. France was still shut. So we kept it simple. Beer, crisps and hummus on the balcony, then straight to bed.Fifty-two hours after we boarded the 91 bus heading north, we’d journeyed most of the 100km south and were back in sight of the ocean. We’d run some incredible, deserted trails across several Mercantour mountains. We’d lived and revelled in a super basic approach to life but we were also experiencing that inevitable melancholy that comes at the end of an adventure. We were also very hungry and tired by this point, the Côte d’Azur blue of our Café du Cycliste trail shorts were now covered in dust. Over a bottle of shared Orangina we looked at the route for our final leg. “Ok,” Luke said. “Option one – up and round the Forêt Communale de Nice, it’ll add another 3-4km. Or option two – go direct from here and we’ll be there in 10 minutes. Thoughts?” “Let’s keep it simple.” I said… Tom Reynolds and Luke Douglas – along with Stef Amato – are the co-founders of the Peak Divide – a hosted trail running adventure across the Peak District, UK from Manchester to Sheffield. Find out more at www.peakdivide.com @peak.divide VIEW MORE An Outsider’s Guide | Trail Running Mont Cima. Convenience isn’t just on the street corner, it’s in the palm of our hand, strapped to our wrists, counting every step, click, beep and tap. VIEW MORE Trail Running Guide Mallorca. A demanding yet highly rewarding territory not just for cyclists, but also runners, you can really uncover this enchanting island in the middle of the Mediterranean with just a pair of running shoes. VIEW MORE Ride of the Month: Tracing the tracks of the 2023 Ironman. The Ironman World Championship, which usually takes place in Hawaii, relocated to the French Riviera for the 2023 edition. VIEW MORE The Major Seven - 3 riders, 7 mountains, 24 hours. Yes, it’s the adventure of the summer, the Forever Outsiders spirit, an unforgettable experience with a little bit of a laugh (and maybe some tears). VIEW MORE

Ride of the Month: Tracing the tracks of the 2023 Ironman World Championship The Promenade des Anglais has regained a relative calm in recent times. The Ironman World Championship, which usually takes place in Hawaii, relocated to the French Riviera for the 2023 edition. Over the past few days, the 7 kilometres of cycling path along the Promenade have witnessed an impressive number of extra terrestrial beings riding extravagant machines. The triathletes did their damnest and now the runners and riders have left the scene and returned to homes around the globe. Nice has a long history of Triathlon. The sport found its fame on the island of Hawaii but as early as 1982, Nice became an unmissable European stop-off for the best athletes. Nowadays, the sport is a part of the city's heritage. With its azure blue sea, its picturesque hinterland with rugged terrain, its favorable climate, and its international airport, it is competition location that's hard to match anywhere else on the planet. The cycling route for this year’s championship received considerable attention and appreciation during the event. Perhaps because it remained true to the elements which captivate so many cyclists who come to the French Riviera to ply their trade: a swift departure from the bustling coastal area and sharp transition into a rugged hinterland. Immediately the charms of Provence are expressed through celebrated perched villages, terraced fields, and winding roads that lead to picturesque mountain passes. Rémi Conte, a professional triathlete, ran and excelled in the recent event, and has stepped up to guide us on retracing the route. A laid-back guy with a perpetual smile, Rémi’s eyes sparkle mischievously, always ready with a joke or a witty comment. The opposite of a triathlete who takes themselves too seriously. A jack of all sporting trades, we first connected through surfing rather than cycling or running. We meet him again after his 18th place finish in the world championships and a marathon time of 2 hours and 36 minutes at the Hamburg Ironman. His first year among professional triathletes has been a success; No doubt the guy has a powerful "engine." At 6:30 on the Promenade des Anglais, a first glance at the Mediterranean. This is usually the time when triathletes start their swim, but Rémi is observing the small waves breaking: "Looks like there's some good surfing in Var this morning!". Always thinking of what’s next but certainly he's not unhappy to get on the bike on a morning like this. First heading towards La Gaude and then Vence to gain altitude and complete that change of scenery. As we pass through Vence, we leave behind its legendary mountain pass, as the world championship course chooses to continue towards the Gorges du Loup for a climb to Gourdon. Only a mere 60 kilometers into the ride perhaps but for anyone passing through, Gourdon deserves a stop. This perched village ranks among the most beautiful in France and is rarely empty of tourists. It is a reputation that is well-deserved. Sitting` at 760 meters above sea level, the 180-degree view from the village, overlooking both the sea and the hills, is breath taking. Once it has properly drunk-in, the next part of the route takes us to the Col de l'Écre, reaching the plateau of Caussols some 400 meters higher. The change in landscape on this plateau at over a thousand meters is dramatic, and the upcoming 60-kilometer loop, passing through Andon, Caille, and Valderoure on the way to Gréolières, resembles an alpine world. The coolness offers welcome relief, and the calm, sometimes desert-like, sometimes hilly expanses, are a pleasant change. Arriving in Gréolières marks the final third of the race. Nearly 2400 meters of elevation gain have been conquered by this point, and the remainder seems almost restful. Bézaudun-les-Alpes, Bouyon... "We flew through here like crazy; I was jumping over speed bumps like a maniac on my time trial bike," Rémi says with a grin. "In that turn, I almost wiped out; my disc wheel at the back started to slide, but I miraculously regained control. It was intense," he chuckles. As Rémi arrives back on the Promenade des Anglais, having completed the bike leg in 4 hours and 56 minutes, he reminds us that there's still a marathon to run at this stage. He finishes it in 2 hours and 47 minutes for a total time of 8 hours and 43 minutes in the competition. Yet, he believes there's still room for improvement on the bike, so we'll likely see him on the roads of the back country again soon. READ MORE Ride of the Month: March 2023. Every Spring brings an enchantment here in Provence, when the famous yellow Mimosa trees bloom on the Tanneron and in the Esterel. Located just a few kilometres from Cannes, the massif overlooking the Mediterranean is ablaze with gold, exhaling a sweet scent of honey and vanilla. VIEW MORE Ride of the Month: March 2022. In the world of cycle racing, Milan–San Remo is one of the most prestigious events of the season. To win this trophy is to have your name chiseled into history. But only if you’re a man. VIEW MORE Ride of the Month: May. May is the season of the markets in Provence, where a cornucopia of open air stalls appear each week in most towns and villages. We often like to go gathering on our bikes to such markets – a great excuse to sample some saucisson, uncover archictectural gems and enjoy a coffee or three. VIEW MORE Classics Challenge: A Parisian Promenade. Every month, 300 Parisian cyclists meet at the KM0 bike shop, a few meters from the Arc de Triomphe. The idea is simple: ride as a group for 100–200km. VIEW MORE

MALLORCA TRAIL GUIDE MALLORCA TRAIL GUIDE Under the big Mallorcan sky, visitors and inhabitants run to a Balearic beat. A demanding yet highly rewarding territory not just for cyclists, but also runners, you can really uncover this enchanting island in the middle of the Meditarranean with just a pair of running shoes. Here we present a selection of six trail running routes, following parts of the GR221, a 130km plus trail that runs from Andratx in the southwest up to Alcúdia in the north. Our flagship Café and store, in Plaça del Rosari, the centre of Palma, is also a great spot to begin your adventure or relax afterwards. There’s mixed terrain consisting of quiet rocky and dusty tracks, smooth pavement, shaded forest canopies and exposed ridges. True discoveries are only made when you push yourself beyond the footsteps of the average tourist. Mos deim coses! TRAIL ROUTES There’s a wide range of routes offering varying difficulty levels including a long run discovering the world renonwned Sa Calobra and an easier 10km run by the beach. All offering adventures at your own personal pace. CAFÉ TO CASTLE For those who are staying close or central to the island’s capital, we’ve created a fun loop starting at our store in Plaça del Rosari. VIEW MORE MONASTERY LLUC Created for those who are willing to spend some time up in the forest and mountains, it follows a section of the GR221 trail. VIEW MORE CAP FORMENTOR A route with three variants that takes you north all the way up to Cap Formentor for a sublime view. VIEW MORE SÓLLER A trail run of 11km with gorgeous changes of scenery and terrain with trails that lead from the beach to Sóller. VIEW MORE SA CALOBRA Sa Calobra is a name most people who know of the island will have heard. So we had no choice but to offer you a trail running alternative. VIEW MORE ON THE BEACH If you’re not looking for a brutal mountain run, take in the beautiful tranquil beach, Colonia de Saint Jordi, a protected nature reserve. VIEW MORE RIDING ROUTES And if you prefer to take the velocipede… these routes also allow for some of the best riding on the continent. Mallorca is crawling with off road adventures. We can point you in the right direction but the journey will be all yours. FEMENIA & SA CALOBRA The must-do. Make the pilgrimage to one of the most famous snake-like roads in the cycling world. VIEW MORE FROM SAND TO DUST Through the marshes to Muro. Leave the sea behind and ride to the interior, across a national park and into the agricultural heartlands. VIEW MORE FEMENIA & SA BATALLA Done in either direction this is a smooth, rolling Mallorcan ride into the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana. VIEW MORE Mallorca Riding Guide Mallorca’s reputation as a cycling mecca is built on solid rock. Literally. From the Coll Se Creu just 40 minutes’ ride from the Café du Cycliste shop in Palma to the Cap de Formentor at the opposite end of the island the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range is where cycling gold is to be found. VIEW MORE THE STORE From one cycling paradise to another. Mallorca is a haven for riders looking to inspire early form, or just to explore beautiful routes with a Catalan lifestyle to complement proceedings. From Palma to Pollença, you’ll feel at home here on two wheels. VIEW MORE 1 - MALLORCA STORE Our store houses the full range of Café du Cycliste apparel for both men and women, with premium coffee and bikes for rental. We look forward to welcoming you. You can find us at: Plaça del Rosarí 5 07001 Palma Illes Balears, Spain 2 - RENT AND RIDE Travel light and book your bike. You can choose from a selection 2 premium bikes - the COLNAGOS V3RS for on road adventures and the STAJVELO ROCCA for exploring paths off the beaten track. VIEW MORE 3 - THE RIDE OF THE MONTH Each month we choose a ride that particularly beautiful, tough or rewarding (or all three) during a particular month of the year. August. Sharing two almost secret climbs that take you up past the tree lines to provide a window on to the wild high peaks of the Mercantour National Park. VIEW MORE PRACTICAL HOW TO ARRIVE With flights from around 30 different countries, it is easy to fly to Mallorca. Situated only 8km from Palma city, getting into town by bus or taxi is simple and fast. For those on a road trip or adverse to flying, there are daily ferries from Barcelona to the Island. WHERE TO STAY Where to base your cycling holiday is a question of choice and practicality. Thankfully the island has both. Whether it’s the traditional streets of Soller, the big city lights of Palma or the proximity of Pollença, you can find bike friendly places in every corner. For more information on where to stay, see the MALLORCAN TOURIST BOARD website.

Mad About the Tour: From Folklore to Global Sport July. The same folklore is repeated with the same regularity year after year, it has punctuated the life of the French for more than a hundred years. Just as Christmas falls in December, Easter falls in April, there can be no July without the Tour de France. More than a sporting event, the Tour is tradition, capable of bringing back intergenerational memories since 1903; music from another time; the quavering voice of a commentator thrilling an entire country. The destiny of these madmen (and women) capable of taking their bicycles across the long and winding roads of France, for a month. It never gets boring. Multi-coloured umbrellas still flourish along the route. In 1940 television dethroned the radio, in motorhomes flanked along the verges and slip-roads today the event is followed by Smartphone. In the 21st century the Tour often crosses borders. The peloton that, once upon a time, was made up of only Frenchmen now contains more than 40 nationalities. And there’s again a reputable female version of the race to enjoy. Broadcast in 190 countries, the Tour de France is, after the Football World Cup and the Olympic Games, the most watched sporting event on the planet. The yellow jersey, the golden fleece; this is the universal symbol of the Great Loop and the ultimate prize in cycling. In the United States, since the beginning of the 2000s, a remnant of the Armstrong era, the Tour de France has been a must. The rider has since lost his titles but the fervour for Le Tour has remained intact. Several American television channels broadcast the Tour de France, NBC Sports Network acquired the broadcasting rights in 2012 and offers complete daily coverage of the race, on YouTube, on social networks, onwards to France. The enthusiasm is measured in data, millions of spectators flock to Europe or stay up late to watch the drama unfold. Lori is one of those Americans for whom the Tour de France is the unmissable event of the year. We met her at the start of the Etape du Tour, from Annemasse to Morzine. She is part of the annual horde of thousands of dedicated cyclists who, more or less well prepared, set off on a real stage of the Tour. This year the stage shadows that of the pros in the Alps – 157 kilometres with 4500 metres of climbing. To be in the middle of this crowd of riders is to commune, it is to participate in a particular way in the effort of the peloton. She is certainly well prepared; this endurance rider spends most of her time on the saddle of her bike. At 60 years young, she participates in ultra-distance races. In August she will be at the start of Paris-Brest-Paris (the world renowned audax event) with the aim of completing the 1200 kilometres in less than 90 hours. The Etape du Tour is part of that preparation. She completes the stage in 7 hours 13 mins, finishing in 90th place. Lori flew in from California, staying with French friends with the intention of being as close as possible to this year’s professional stages in the Alps. Not wanting to miss any of it. She regularly comes to France in July to follow the Tour. It's not just the racing of the Tour she loves; it's the atmosphere that goes with it, the gastronomy, the aperitifs in the evening, July 14 (Bastille Day) in the villages and then these fans who, like her, come from all over. They are all glowing from waiting for hours in the July sunshine, but this just emphasise how ecstatic they are to be there. In 2017 Lori came to follow the alpine stages making the pilgrimage to Alpe d'Huez and taking it upon herself to complete the ‘Everest’ challenge on its 21 hairpins. For the uninitiated, Everest’ing is performing uninterrupted ascents until you reach a cumulative total of 8800 metres (matching the altitude of Mt. Everest) by going back and forth on the same pass, in the same day. She undoubtedly loves everything about the bike. Lori will not be present on the Champs-Élysées at the end of the month to celebrate the arrival of the pro riders, but she is already preparing her trip to Nice for next year’s historic conclusion of the Tour on the Promenade des Anglais. The event already promises to be spectacular. At Café du Cycliste we are preparing for the party, an extraordinary moment for our brand to welcome the Grande Boucle to Nice. An unmissable appointment that we will help you enjoy with special attention. READ MORE ROTM: The Tour 2024, Stage 20. In July 2024, for the first time in its history, the Tour de France will not be finishing in Paris. Instead, the race will conclude in our hometown of Nice. The Tour 2023 – High Profile. Whatever you might be doing this summer, July generally means one thing in the bike racing calendar... All eyes are firmly set on France. The Tour de France Ride. With Turini at the top and Eze by the coast this is a sea to sky ride to rival the best in the world. Le Tour; Dans la Chaleur. In more recent times we've seen weather protocols finally being introduced to protect riders from snow and freezing cold conditions. But the heat, 'La fournaise', is another matter.

Ride Of The Month: The Tour 2024, Stage 20 In July 2024, for the first time in its history, the Tour de France will not be finishing in Paris. Instead, the race will conclude in our hometown of Nice. A 180º twist to the world’s greatest race, the last two stages on the Côte d’Azur will be unmissable. We rode the route of the penultimate stage 20, a very mountainous 132km that includes a quartet of formidable Alpes-Maritimes climbs – the environment from which Café du Cycliste draws endless inspiration. An Ending with a Difference We’ve grown accustomed to the Grande Boucle departing from far-flung locations throughout Europe. Cities like London, Copenhagen, and this year Bilbao; anointed to welcome the circus to their region and offer an international conviviality and cultural celebration that other sports can only dream of. Notably, next year the race departs from the Italian city of Florence for a trip around Tuscany to get the tastebuds teetering. Antipasti for what will undoubtedly be another electric theatre-on-wheels. However, the race has always, without fail, taken its final bow in Paris on the cobbles of the Champs-Élysées. Since 1903 the target for every rider and team looking to finish cycling’s greatest odyssey is to make it to La Ville-Lumière. But for the first time in its history the race is not concluding in the capital, but instead here on the Côte d’Azur, in Nice. Primarily a choice made so as not to clash with another large sporting event taking place in Paris next summer (the Olympics), it will be an unprecedented finish to the ‘Big Loop’. The Tour has made its departure from Nice before (in 1981 and 2020) but never has it concluded down here in Provence, nor anywhere apart from Paris. All Roads Lead to Nice Unveiled by Christian Prudhomme last December with the blessing of Christian Estrosi (Mayor of Nice) and Prince Albert II of Monaco, the two final stages will parade to the world the magnificence of the French Riviera’s cycling terrain, and the vibrancy of its culture and community. A mountainous route from Nice to the top of the Col de la Couillole has been designed for the 20th stage; departing from the Promenade des Anglais (its name comes from wealthy English tourists visiting Nice during the 18th century) and tackling the Col de Braus, Col de Turini and La Colmiane. 132km with 4500m ascent – a magnificent mountain stage for the pure climbers which L’Equipe are billing as ‘crazy’. The final stage is no stroll along the prom either, the race concluding with an individual time trial for the first time since 1989, when Greg LeMond defeated Laurent Fignon by eight seconds, the closest finish in the race’s history. But that ‘race of truth’ was on a flat course in Paris; this 2024 final test is a hilly 35km, taking in the iconic Niçoise climbs of La Turbie and Col d’Èze. If the general classification is close, this race against the clock could be a handlebar-chewing finale. Routes and Culture To begin our preparations for next July, we set off to explore the route of stage 20, a real roller-coaster of a profile. In terms of distance 132km seems plausible. But with the mountain passes that feature between kilometre zero and the finish line, at the end of three long weeks of racing… this is one almighty sting in the tail. And for us mere mortals on the recce, it was a big day out for the legs and lungs. After two, maybe three espressi, we set off from the port, taking in some choice streets of Nissa La Bella, rolling close by Café du Cycliste HQ and the Matisse Museum, and up into the hills for our first appetizer, the Col de Nice. This cat 3 bump in the road may see hungry riders take their morning breakaway, for others they will just be hoping to cling on to the bunch. A short descent into the valley after this brings us to the Col de Braus. Riding with René Featuring almost 30 times in the race over the years, this western ascent of Braus has switchbacks followed by a 10-percent kilometre that will surely be felt after three weeks on the road. But maybe, with the prospect of crossing the finish line the next day, the adrenaline will help that. Braus is strongly linked to René Vietto – where the local lad from Cannes won his first race in 1931. The long descent to Sospel is a well-placed breather as the next obstacle is none other than the Col de Turini (1604m) with 24km of up, up, up. The Monte Carlo Rally also hurtles up here so fat tyre marks are visible on the twisting tarmac. It’s a slog to reach the 1600m above the twinkling ocean below, but worth it for gorgeous views and crystal clear air, if you have the time and breath to take it all in. Snack on the Attack The descent to La Bollène-Vésubie is technical and tricky so we took it steady, but this village of around 500 inhabitants, perched on the cliff is worth a look. As we were less pressed for time than someone looking to win the Tour de France, we took the opportunity to make a short stop at ‘Pan Bagnat’ for some refreshments. Indeed, riders next year should take the time to eat a little once the descent is over, because the remaining 75km involves more than 2000m of climbing. The endless false flat going up the Vésubie valley was energy-sapping but brought us to the foot of the next climb, the Col de la La Colmiane, at an altitude of 1503 metres. At this point we were certainly feeling the pinch. The Final Selection Now in the heart of the Mercantour National Park, the long descent to Saint-Sauveur-sur-Tinée from here will probably be the last moment of respite for the racers. The village marks the start of the final ascent, to the top of the Col de la Couillole, the highest point of the stage (1678m) and where the finish line is located. This gruelling 16km climb with an average gradient of more than 7.5% could prove to be a brutal battleground, revealing where the selection will finally be made. For us it was more than enough for a damp Tuesday in June. Once we had made it to the top, we gratefully loaded our bikes into the back of the photographer’s rental car and assessed the damage. Orangina® for everyone. The Circus is Coming Let’s hope the Alpes-Maritimes, our majestic local playground, will be the perfect setting for the kind of drama only the Tour can deliver. The Côte d‘Azur is to many the cradle of bike racing culture, and a region offering both the beauty of the sea and the mountains, and heaving with wonderful cuisine and historical fascinations. Nice will be the epicentre of cycling next summer for the whole world, and so it should be. When you think of road racing in France you hear cicadas, smell pine forests, lavender and freshly baked socca; you feel the ocean breeze on your hands and face. You pass through a town along the Provencal seaboard and see a vision of Jacques Anquetil, perhaps the most mythologised French road racer of all time and a man with a bouffant better than anything Wout van Aert could muster. Anquetil’s style and Hollywood demeanour epitomised the golden era of post-war bike racing, and he lived and trained on the Riviera. As does Tadej Pogačar… We are now in another golden era of cycling and Café du Cycliste is immensely proud to be a Niçoise company, in a city at the heart of this renaissance. We can’t wait to welcome the circus to town. READ MORE Ride of the Month: March 2023 Every Spring brings an enchantment here in Provence, when the famous yellow Mimosa trees bloom on the Tanneron and in the Esterel. Located just a few kilometres from Cannes, the massif overlooking the Mediterranean is ablaze with gold, exhaling a sweet scent of honey and vanilla. Ride of the Month: March In the world of cycle racing, Milan–San Remo is one of the most prestigious events of the season. To win this trophy is to have your name chiseled into history. But only if you’re a man. Ride of the Month: May May is the season of the markets in Provence, where a cornucopia of open air stalls appear each week in most towns and villages. We often like to go gathering on our bikes to such markets – a great excuse to sample some saucisson, uncover archictectural gems and enjoy a coffee or three. Ride of the Month: April It’s officially spring, the clocks have swung forward and the Port of Nice is waking up. Bleary-eyed deckhands scrub and polish the big yachts, and little painted dinghies bob gently. Jérôme Cousin, espresso in hand, is discussing his love for ‘slower’ riding since he stepped out of the pro peloton last year.

ROTM: Velocity and Light in Paris ‘Saturday morning rides are synonymous with Paris for me,’ says Rémi Clermont, founder of Café du Cycliste. He’s returned to the city where he once lived to join a ride marking the launch of his brand’s exclusive collaboration with agnès b. ‘First a coffee, a spin alongside the Seine to warm-up, and then out of the city into Ile-de-France, it’s like I never left.’ Departing at 7.30 from the Bois de Boulogne Park on the western side of the city, the route will take a dozen riders out into the countryside surrounding the French capital, stopping at the Le Barn Hotel, then returning for brunch at Le Pain Grillé, the café at the agnès b. headquarters. 100km of rolling terrain (‘in the footsteps of the Barnexpress’ according to Strava) and the perfect exercise for testing out the new road kit designed by the two brands. Remi is clearly very happy with this sartorial and physical confluence of the two design teams, and today feels like a big moment for the company he started with some friends in the foothills of the Alpes Maritimes over 13 years ago. ‘To collaborate with a brand I’ve always admired, sharing common values of creativity and sustainability, and basically having fun with it. It’s a real pleasure to see it come to life.’ Alongside new renditions of agnès b. classics, the collection offers up two signature Café du Cycliste performance pieces for long summer rides. Using fabrics made from recycled yarns and aerodynamic tailoring, the print is derived from a photograph taken by agnès. This is a truly fast and vibrant expression of the collaboration. The print is based on a moving image made by agnès whist travelling on a TGV, the trains that run from Paris all over France and beyond. Using a tiny Japanese digital super-8 camera called a Harinezumi, this so-called ‘strokes of light’ pattern illustrates the velocity and motion of cycling, creating a distinctive and dream-like palette of colour and movement. It represents the wonderful blur of colours seen by both riders and onlookers circulating the roads and mountain passes of France during the summertime. Read More Classics Challenge: A Parisian Promenade. Every month, 300 Parisian cyclists meet at the KM0 bike shop, a few meters from the Arc de Triomphe. The idea is simple: ride as a group for 100–200km. Ride of the Month: April. It’s officially spring, the clocks have swung forward and the Port of Nice is waking up. Bleary-eyed deckhands scrub and polish the big yachts, and little painted dinghies bob gently. Jérôme Cousin, espresso in hand, is discussing his love for ‘slower’ riding since he stepped out of the pro peloton last year. Ride of the Month: March. Every Spring brings an enchantment here in Provence, when the famous yellow Mimosa trees bloom on the Tanneron and in the Esterel. Located just a few kilometres from Cannes, the massif overlooking the Mediterranean is ablaze with gold, exhaling a sweet scent of honey and vanilla. Ride of the Month: March 2022. In the world of cycle racing, Milan–San Remo is one of the most prestigious events of the season. To win this trophy is to have your name chiseled into history. But only if you’re a man.

Café du Cycliste x agnès b. | From Paris to Nice, and back again. “For me, clothing is really about feeling in tune with yourself. If I can help people feel good, feel beautiful, that’s what makes me happy.” A true icon of French fashion and art, agnès b has been designing clothes and making waves for over half a century. Perpetuating Paris as the nucleus of global fashion and making use of the country’s deep heritage of textile craft, alongside explorations with artists and filmmakers, the brand is a true trailblazer. Together with Café du Cycliste, they have created a capsule of adaptable clothing, for the city, the bike and beyond – all designed in France between Paris and Nice. Using classic pieces from their core collection and updating them with inspirations from cycling apparel, agnès b. continue to collaborate in new and innovative ways; 50 years since agnès first set out on her illustrious journey. Half a century of designing iconic pieces, with an emphasis on ethical practices and social responsibility makes agnès b. a legendary brand. With Café du Cycliste’s commitment to quality manufacturing close to home, and a dedication to preserving the planet, this collaboration is a special meeting point. "We have been manufacturing in France for a long time, taking advantage of a real savoir-faire and qualified people and workshops.” Paris has long been regarded as the fashion capital of the world, and between its vibrant streets, bars and galleries, numerous iconic names have emerged. But the brand that has effortlessly captured or perhaps even created the quintessence of casual Parisian style, is agnès b. Established by Agnès Troublé (known as agnès) in 1973, the brand quickly gained recognition for its distinctive modernism, rejecting the ostentatious and extravagant in favour of a simple, utilitarian and laidback aesthetic. Opening her first boutique in an old butcher’s shop in Les Halles in 1975, agnès quickly found the edge with rule-bending creativity and a more minimal approach to design. Inspired by the everyday lives of ordinary city people, agnès created clothing that effortlessly blended style and comfort, redefining the idea of fashion for all. Amongst many iconic designs, agnès b. is noted considerably for the timeless cardigan-pression – a snap-fastened cotton cardigan worn by generations around the world since 1979. It’s functionality and simple elegance make it an enduring favourite and epitomised the way agnès b. captured the essence of French style with an air of sophisticated nonchalance. In the agnès b. x Café du Cycliste collection, you’ll find a new take on this masterpiece. Other iconic designs of the brand include overalls, work jackets, striped t-shirts and photo-printed fabrics. All of these designs work across generations and personal styles, allowing individuals to express their own character. Now with over 200 stores worldwide, the brand's boutiques can be found in major cities from Paris and New York to Tokyo and Hong Kong. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, agnès b. is dedicated to social responsibility and ethical practices; and as a designer and art patron, agnès b. supports creativity in all forms. In 2009, the agnès b. endowment fund was established to structure sponsorship, partnership, and philanthropy initiatives. It is one of the first endowment funds created in France, and in 2020 a new venue showcasing the work supported by the agnès b. endowment fund was opened. Called La Fab, the space is open to all, and presents over 5000 pieces of Art, located at Place Jean-Michel Basquiat in Paris and also housing the Galerie du Jour and a bookshop. The brand actively supports numerous charitable initiatives and uses sustainable materials and production methods wherever possible. agnès b. strives to make a positive impact on the fashion industry by promoting fair labour practices and environmentally conscious choices. This solidarity is most notable through the Tara Ocean Foundation. As a company always looking outwards, agnès b. has cultivated an artistic reputation through collaborations with various creative minds. An artist herself, agnès actively promotes emerging talents through various initiatives, exhibitions, and collaborations. This unique synergy between fashion and art has allowed the brand to cultivate a loyal following of artists, intellectuals, and fashion heads who appreciate the brand's holistic approach to creativity. This summer’s collaboration with Café du Cycliste is no exception, and we are pleased to share ideas and our respective expertise to create something special. The bicycle’s contribution to a greener culture is undeniable, and was why agnès b. jumped in with us to collaborate. agnès herself has been very involved in the collaboration’s direction, updating some of her most timeless pieces into modern styles inspired by cycling apparel. The collection also features some personal touches from agnès, with handwritten messages relating to the act of cycling and discovery when on the move. ‘Regarde plus loin’ or look further, ‘let’s go’ and ‘pause’, all reflect the dynamic and meditative aspects of travelling by bike. FURTHER READING Café du Cycliste x agnès b. | The lookbook Complementing Café du Cycliste performance pieces, there are workwear-inspired classics, alongside sportswear and utility pieces for the 21st century. Tyre Tracks | A Shibori Story The ancient dyeing technique of shibori, from Japan – the inspiration for this collection – finds its beauty in the work: the physical exertion used to create the patterns. LOOK Cycle | Pedalling Innovation since 1983 At the forefront of innovation in cycling technology since 1983, LOOK Cycle began manufacturing frames and components for racing bikes in the 1950s. But it was in fact a skiing accident in 1960 that acted as the catalyst for the company’s innovations in pedal technology. 1% For The Planet 1% for the Planet is a step on the path to making our business started on the Côte d’Azur give back to the natural world.

CLASSICS CHALLENGE: A PARISIAN PROMENADE Café du Cycliste recently became an official partner of Parisian-based ride community, the Classics Challenge. Organising monthly journeys with amateur riders from both the eastern and western sides of Paris; and riding out into the countryside of Île-de-France, the Classics Challenge have different paces for different levels. Every month, 300 Parisian cyclists meet at the KM0 bike shop, a few meters from the Arc de Triomphe. The idea is simple: ride as a group for 100–200km in the Paris region of Île-de-France. To participate, all you have to do is be part of the #CC community and sign up for their free monthly newsletter. All riders participating meet at KM0 on the given morning, then departures are staggered every 15 minutes according to the pace of the group, between 20–35km/h. The beauty is if you’re feeling slow or fast there are people to catch, or people to pick you up. Just don’t forget to fill your bidons. So, on Saturday May 13th we embarked on our inaugural ride together – to officially consecrate the partnership – with the Classics Challenge in Paris. Lucie and Hugo from Nice met with François Paoletti, founder of Classics Challenge. He was accompanied by Lilian, a cycling guide who draws up the routes each month. A word or two on the partnership from François: ‘We already loved the brand born in 2009 on the Côte d'Azur, with its aesthetic inspiration from beyond the traditional codes of cycling; the technicality of its products, the fact that they have an equal share for men and women. When we went to Nice, we never missed an opportunity to visit them at the port – at the same time a shop, café and workshop. And we were delighted to see the brand land in Paris last February, with its first pop-up installed at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann. We are very proud to see Café du Cycliste choose to become our official partner.’ Hugo’s Ride Report: It is 7am at our hotel in the heart of Paris. We are only a few minutes by bike from Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, the location of our pop-up, but we won't have time to make the detour. Either way, it's way too early for browsing Galeries’ famous floors. We will come back later. After stuffing our backpacks and filling the bidons, we clip in and roll towards the Arc de Triomphe. To say that every year in July, the riders of the Tour de France rumble across these cobblestones at more than 50km/h, it is hard to believe, and yet, here we are. In the meantime, before returning to the starting point, we stop on the way in one of the many Parisian bakeries, just to recharge our batteries and enjoy the morning tranquillity: a good croissant, a cappuccino, and hey presto, we are energised for the ride. We have an appointment at 8am for the big gathering of the Classics Challenge. At that time, Paris barely wakes up, and it's a real pleasure to cycle along the quays of the Seine on a Saturday morning. We enjoy the sunrise over Notre-Dame de Paris, before passing in front of the Musée d'Orsay and the Invalides. We arrive at the meeting point, at KM0, a shop that bears its name well. The temperature reads 12°C on the meter, ideal spring weather. The organiser and founder of the Classics Challenge, François Paoletti, then takes the floor to give the last instructions before releasing the fast cats. On the menu of the day, 300 participants divided into different groups of levels, at the free choice of each. Indeed, registration for the Classics Challenge is free, all you have to do is subscribe to the monthly newsletter, then everyone chooses their pace group. Departures are given every 15 minutes: 8:00 am (35km/h) / 8:15 am (30-35 km/h) / 8:30 am (27-30 km/h) / 8:45 am (25-27 km/h) / 9:00 am (23- 25 km/h) / 9:15 (20-23 km/h). The course? 155 kilometres and 1500m elevation, heading south towards the town of Dourdan in Essonne (birthplace of a certain Tony Gallopin, stage winner and yellow jersey in the 2014 Tour de France). The exit from Paris is carried out at high speed, hammering across the cobblestones of the Champs-Élysées, before traversing the Bois de Boulogne. Heading west we enter the Chevreuse valley, one of the favourite places for the weekend cyclists of Paris to escape along beautiful country roads to get away from the hullabaloo of the city. At kilometre 15 we pass near Versailles. Unfortunately, we will not have time to make a stop at the palace; the ornaments of Louis ‘the Sun King’ 14th will not be flashing their magnificence at us today. Whichever the group we find ourselves in, the kilometres go by at high speed. The fast group takes no prisoners, and the ‘slower’ group is not hanging around. People seem to have energy to burn today. Maybe it’s the excitement of warmer weather finally appearing. Maybe they want to show the Niçoise riders how Parisians can roll… The small boulangerie stop at the halfway point will ensure the pace stays consistent. The pastries and coffee also have an extremely rewarding consistency. Getting back in the saddle, the caffeine and sugar allows us to swallow the last kilometres of the course in style. If we – from the cycling idyll of Nice – had been told that the roads crisscrossing the countryside of the Île-de-France were so calm, we would not have believed it. Indeed, the route concocted by Lilian is a real pleasure: on the 155km of road, we will only meet a few cars, the rest is made up of fields and greenery. It is barely 1pm when the first group arrives at Dourdan station. The others will follow shortly. It is then time to get on the RER, direction Paris and Austerlitz station. We have nothing left in our legs, nor in our stomachs for that matter. But what is certain is that we are returning to Nice with joy in our hearts, some great memories, and a sense of newfound friends – one of the great aspects of riding a bicycle. Thanks to François for the organisation, Lilian for the course and Clément for the photos. Café du Cycliste is immensely proud to be supporting the Classics Challenge. Bonne route! FURTHER RIDING Ride of the Month: April It’s officially spring, the clocks have swung forward and the Port of Nice is waking up. Bleary-eyed deckhands scrub and polish the big yachts, and little painted dinghies bob gently. Jérôme Cousin, espresso in hand, is discussing his love for ‘slower’ riding since he stepped out of the pro peloton last year. VIEW MORE Ride of the Month: March 2023 Every Spring brings an enchantment here in Provence, when the famous yellow Mimosa trees bloom on the Tanneron and in the Esterel. Located just a few kilometres from Cannes, the massif overlooking the Mediterranean is ablaze with gold, exhaling a sweet scent of honey and vanilla. VIEW MORE Ride of the Month: March 2022 In the world of cycle racing, Milan–San Remo is one of the most prestigious events of the season. To win this trophy is to have your name chiseled into history. But only if you’re a man. VIEW MORE Ride of the Month: May May is the season of the markets in Provence, where a cornucopia of open air stalls appear each week in most towns and villages. We often like to go gathering on our bikes to such markets – a great excuse to sample some saucisson, uncover archictectural gems and enjoy a coffee or three. VIEW MORE