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

Café du Cycliste x FabBRICK We are excited to announce FabBRICK as another partner in our drive for a sustainable future. Being installed at all our flagship stores, Paris-based FabBRICK provide recycling bins for all unrepairable, damaged or unwanted products. These items are then taken and compressed into material ‘bricks’ – and can then be used for building furniture and insulating our stores. These are no ordinary bricks, chiselled from the land of earth and stone we walk upon. FabBrick are building blocks of change – continuing to construct a brighter future for responsible manufacturing and use of our precious resources. Happily, they also look really cool too. Click here for more on our CSR projects. How can we reuse our technical clothing that is no longer fit to be worn and would otherwise be discarded? Some materials are very difficult to recycle or take a long time to biodegrade, but (and this is a big but) they can actually be used elsewhere. Not to fill the land that we excavated, but to create building materials for future generations. FabBRICK is a beautiful and unique solution : compressing unwanted or unrepairable items into material bricks. These bricks are then used to furnish premises and insulate spaces thermally and acoustically. Indeed, they can be used to make furniture, even crafts for the water (still in development). Already installed at our shop in Nice, we will be expanding our fleet of bins in the coming months for customers throughout Europe to discover and use. Further Riding 1% for the Planet - Alexia Barrier We spoke to our Caravan ambassador and professional sailor Alexia Barrier about her 4myplanet enterprise and how Café du Cycliste will be contributing to her future projects through 1% for the Planet. VIEW MORE 1% FOR THE PLANET: CYCLOTROPE, CYCLING IN ALL ITS FORMS A steady contribution to a cause that has become an absolute necessity in the sportswear industry, Café du Cycliste made a commitment at the start of the year to work alongside homegrown organisations. VIEW MORE 1% – A POINT OF DIFFERENCE All great achievements come from small beginnings: Rome wasn’t built in a day, they say, and the Planet certainly wasn’t either. 1% seems like a minor figure, a fleck of dust in the largeness of space and time, but we’d like to argue just 1% can make a major difference to the outcome, from here to eternity. VIEW MORE SMART SHELTER FOUNDATION Smart Shelter Foundation operates in the poorest countries on the planet, covering more than a billion citizens who live in countries exposed to cataclysms and earthquakes, their credo is to ‘promote and improve natural building techniques, collaborate and share knowledge, everyone deserves a safe house.’ VIEW MORE

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. LOOK’s founder, Jean Beyl, a mountaineer and skiing nut, broke his leg on the slopes of Alpe d’Huez, a location we shall return to later. Beyl realised his fracture was due to a problem with his ski-shoes, fixed to his runners with laces. Beyl, from his hospital bed, conceived of a plated ski-binding, the ‘anti-fracture’ shoe. In 1963, LOOK developed and patented the N17, its first pivot-binding for skiers. During the 1960s and into the 1970s, the company based in Nevers, located perfectly between the lights of Paris and the peaks of the Haute Savoie, pioneered the use of automatic ski bindings, working with boot manufacturers to improve the performance of amateurs and professionals throughout the Alps and beyond. By the end of the 1970s, however, the company was floundering, its ambitions melting away in a crowded market. But in 1983, French entrepreneur Bernard Tapie stepped in to purchase the company. Using his other businesses and love for cycle sport to leverage and inject new life into the LOOK brand, Tapie enlisted the help of another Bernard; French cycling hero, Bernard Hinault. With Hinault, a big personality and huge force in the peloton, as the captain, Tapie launched a new French super-team, named after his organic food retailer, La Vie Claire. With a bold modernist kit inspired by the art of Piet Mondrian, and LOOK’s state-of-the-art PP65 pedals, they arrived at the 1984 Tour de France with audacious ambitions. During the sprint at the end of stage 14 to Saint-Etienne, Hinault crashed heavily, but after crossing the finish line with a fractured nose, he declared to the press: “Without the PP65, I probably wouldn’t have been able to continue. It’s the most important technological evolution of the last 30 years.” Hinault and La Vie Claire went on to win the Tour that year. They had also, along with innovative team coach, Paul Koechli, set the bar for a modern, more advanced approach to the sport of bike racing. The PP65 quickly became the gold standard in clipless pedal technology. In 1985 young American rider Greg LeMond was signed to La Vie Claire with a then-astronomical $1 million contract. With LeMond’s help, Bernard Hinault and the team won the Tour yet again, with the Frenchman making it five Tour de France victories to equal that of other greats of the sport including Jacques Anquetil and the Belgian ‘Cannibal’, Eddy Merckx. A visibly dominant force in the sport, La Vie Claire’s success brought further funding and exposure to LOOK Cycle technology. With the team’s management pushing the boundaries and searching for further performance gains, a group of LOOK engineers worked in secrecy with a little-known material called carbon-fibre. At the ’86 Tour Grand Depart, La Vie Claire and LOOK revealed the KG 86, the first ever bike frame made using carbon fibres. Entirely built by hand, Kevlar was also used with the carbon tubing, with alloy lugs used to join the tubes. Along with the Japanese-made Shimano Dura Ace components, this was a machine of the future. And the 1986 edition was arguably the greatest Tour of the 20th century. Hinault and LeMond battled it out for supremacy in the Alps, with the American wonder-kid winning a crucial stage on Alpe d’Huez. That moment LeMond, in the same place where the company’s founder fatefully broke his leg, LOOK and the KG 86 became legendary. The first US star winning Europe’s grandest race on the first carbon racing bike gave the team and LOOK a global audience. LOOK continued to innovate with bikes and componentry, with other French stars such as Laurent Jalabert riding to numerous victories using LOOK technology; along with Olympic successes in the velodrome. Fast forward to 2004 and the LOOK KEO pedal system is unveiled; just 95 grams of concentrated carbon technology. Soon half the professional peloton is connected to their machines with the KEO pedals and cleats. The 21st century continues to see LOOK breaking the mould with innovations such as the L96 track bike for the 2012 Olympics, and 2014’s 795 AEROLIGHT, the most aerodynamic road bike ever built. The frame featured an integrated stem and handlebar design, reducing the overall weight of the bike and reducing drag. As LOOK continue to move forward with relentless invention and cutting-edge technology, it’s intriguing to pause and reflect that it all started in the Alps with a skiing accident and exploded into orbit 20 or so years later in the same place but going uphill with the world’s best bike racers. A magical marque of innovation, and style, Café du Cycliste are proud to collaborate with LOOK Cycle in 2023, fusing both brands’ audacious design and creativity. Two special edition bundles combine footwear and pedal technology with a signature twist for both road and gravel riders. Click here to see more. Further Reading A survey of French tour style It's been a while. And in the meantime, nationally we have been more stylish than successful in our own race. At a push, it's better than nothing but what the roots of French Tour style? VIEW MORE Le bidon & the French cyclist A bottle, a bidon, an absolute essential. But like almost everything in life, there's a history behind even this simplest of things. VIEW MORE Le drame du roi Tour de France history or growing up in a cycling family on the Côte d'Azur maybe how you know him. But know him you will. Le Roi René. Monsieur Vietto. VIEW MORE 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. VIEW MORE

RIDE OF THE MONTH | JEROME COUSIN AND MONT MACARON 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. Three Tours de France and a stage winner of the Paris-Nice 2018, this veteran of the world’s toughest sport has the relaxed demeanour of a retired pirate. It’s fitting that he lives on the Riviera, close to the water. ‘Now I have time to look around more when I ride, discover the views, the people, the wildlife.’ The objective of today’s ride, accompanied by Café du Cycliste creative scouts Hugo and Thomas, is to do a reconnaissance of a route for his new bicycle travel company, Baroudeur. Along with his ex-teammate and fellow Tour de France stalwart, Pierrre Rolland, Jérôme is beginning a new chapter in his career. The two former champions will soon be launching their first tours, offering routes throughout France and beyond, in order to discover the world’s most beautiful cycling terrain. They will begin close to home, inviting riders to enjoy their shared expertise of the Côte d'Azur and the region’s best trails, climbs and places to explore. On the menu for today is a loop into the Niçoise hinterland, 65km with 1600m of elevation on mixed terrain, cresting at Mont Macaron and the ruins of the Col de Châteauneuf-Villevieille. Although the sun is hidden by the clouds (only to be revealed at the end of the course), the weather is mild: no wind, and no rain on the horizon. Everything is ready, everyone is caffeinated. Away we go. The first bump of the day leaving the Port is our old friend (and sometimes foe), Mont Boron. A classic rise for the Café du Cycliste lunch rides, and the view of the city of Nice and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is splendid. We tackle the Parc du Vinaigrier and encounter the first sections of trails, before arriving at the top of the Col des Quatre Chemins, well known to those who’ve competed in or followed the route of Paris-Nice (it is located halfway up the Col d'Eze, where Tadej Pogačar recently stole to victory in the latest edition of the Race to the Sun). A short descent into the valley, then a few flat kilometres, before attacking the main treat of the day, Mont-Macaron. A climb of 8km at an 8% average gradient, with testing straits and a series of switchbacks, all on stony ground, this is no delicacy, it requires a big appetite and energetic legs. We stop halfway up the slope for a few selfies with some cute-looking sheep, and to enjoy the view of the turquoise sea on one side and the Mercantour peaks still dusted with snow on the other. We tread on up to the top for a short descent to the ruins of the Châteauneuf-Villevieille pass, a typical beauty spot for hikers, gravel lovers and photographers. The clouds still blanket us above, and suddenly we hear thunder… No, we’re mistaken, it’s the sound of our collective stomachs rumbling. A sweet sandwich or two (maybe some local macarons) would have been welcome at this juncture, but we will wait to have our lunch on the terrace back in Nice. The true descent of the pass is very fast, and the road in perfect condition, then another five kms on smooth tarmac. If only every climb could be like this. This rising false flat, swallowed at full speed, takes us towards Levens, and the third section of gravel for the day. We have now completed 40 kilometres and we are heading gently back towards Nice, this undulating course alternates between dirt and sand tracks. It’s beautiful. The landscapes are stunning, especially when we know that we are just a few clicks away from the city and its 343,000 inhabitants. What’s more satisfying is that we find ourselves still in the throes of nature, away from the hubbub of the metropolis with its buildings, noise and traffic. A final ascent on a paved section, near the village of Aspremont, allows us to access the last gravel sector of the day. We give everything we have left in the tank on this final bump of two kilometres at 8%, where sand and dirt make progress even more tricky. After this last challenge, we arrive halfway up the slope of Mont Chauve before we begin a long descent back into Nice. We whizz through the beautiful districts of Rimiez and Cimiez and return suddenly to our starting point, the Café du Cycliste in the Port of Nice. Then it’s off to the first restaurant we find for a well-deserved pasta dish. Further Riding 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. VIEW MORE Ride of the Month: September A 1300m climb to explore the wild animal reserve of the Monts d’Azur and ride the thrilling descent down the other side, through tunnels cut in the rock. VIEW MORE Ride of The Month: July The Col de Vence is an unforgiving climb, renowned for it's desert-like landscape, beautiful views of the Mediterrean Sea and the absence of an escape from the blazing sun. VIEW MORE Ride of The Month: May Heading for the foothills of Grasse, and its Rose de Mai. Flowers in full bloom and early season climbs combine to produce a beautiful spring ride. VIEW MORE

Bike-Packing Conférence | AXEL CARION | Riding Above and Beyond French bike-explorer Axel Carion wheeled into town last Thursday night to discuss his feats of ultra-distance cycling across the globe. Taking the stage at Café du Cycliste in the Port of Nice, Axel’s stories of adventure also included advice on kit and equipment choices, plus the all-important bike preparation. The long-distance specialist is the founder of the BikingMan ‘ultracycling’ race series, self-supported stage races across the world for extreme-distance addicts. Carion is a long-distance cycling record holder, and with his lust for exploration burning brighter than ever, he explained how he wishes to share this passion with more riders globally. He sees the emergence of gravel riding as the convergence of road and MTB, and how alongside bike-packing’s growth, opened-up infinite possibilities for bike exploration. Alongside discussing the events he organises in far-flung places such as South America and Africa, and how he came to become this bike-packing evangelist, Carion discussed the importance of equipment. He expanded on the essential requirements of light, compact and efficient kit, bivouacs and accessories, sleeping bags and of course dynamo systems to recharge batteries for GPS, trackers and other modern devices that make self-sufficient bike travel possible in the 21st century. Some of his anecdotes of travelling solo during his 30-minute talk left a little to the imagination, hinting at some of the dangers you might encounter cycling solo in remote parts of the map. A full 60 minutes of questions followed, and even the non-cyclists in attendance were captivated by the possibilities of two wheels, some training, and a little will power. They asked about the dangers and difficulties and how to eat and drink if technical hitches leave you stranded. Survival instincts kick in more than you’d expect, apparently. We can safely say the audience came away feeling inspired to explore more. Axel Carion concludes with one of the many positive subjects linked to solo bike adventure – the meeting of many different and generous people along the journey. Thank you to all who attended and to Axel’s time and knowledge. Bonne route! Further Riding No Direction Home : Bike-packing in the Balkans Freediving champion and Caravan athlete Guillaume Néry saddled up with his partner to ride from southern Greece towards their home in Nice. VIEW MORE Giro di Cappuccino : Bike-packing in northern Italy Friends Clara and Melli embarked upon a summer bike-packing vacation into northern Italy. VIEW MORE Liam Yates : West to East Suddenly it’s the middle of 2022 and riding our bikes around Europe is normal again... But, the world being as it is, there’s no time to waste VIEW MORE Bikepacking in the Lone Star State Endless gravel trails, purple posts, rising temperatures and lots and lots of sunscreen. VIEW MORE

FROM PARIS TO NICE (And Back Again) From Paris to Nice, Café du Cycliste is now residing in both cities, places with deep cultural and sporting history. And the idea that the pro peloton marks the beginning of the spring season with Paris-Nice, the Race to the Sun, seems even more poignant. Paris, where we now have a pop-up at the prestigious Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, needs no introduction in its significance to the world of cycling, and as one of Europe’s most influential cities. Nice, of course, location of our headquarters and source of infinite inspiration, has cyclists around the globe weak at the knees (particularly those professionals who have raced for a week through France to get here). For many the Côte d’Azur is French-cycling’s Nirvana; to arrive here, ride here and even live here –whether pro or amateur – is to be welcomed by the gods of the sport. Tadej Pogačar (pronounced ‘po-gah-chur)’, winner of this year’s race is certainly in favour with cycling deities and is quickly achieving a god-like-status. The 24-year-old (yes unbelievable isn’t it) has apparently trained extensively in the Alpes Maritimes, and can you blame him? Winning the overall race emphatically on the Promenade des Anglais, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea after three stage victories during the week-long race, Slovenia’s no.1 still has a way to race in order to emulate Irishman Sean Kelly, who won Paris-Nice seven years in a row. It’s an indication of how much work has been put into the pre-season to ride into Nice with the yellow jersey caressing your torso, and a resounding way to announce yourself to the competition. It’s also very likely to be a taste of what may occur in July as Pogačar contests for GC at France’s grandest cycling stage race. First held in 1933, Paris-Nice celebrated its 90th birthday this year, and we have welcomed the peloton to the Riviera for the final weekend ever since. It’s always a glorious and dramatic sting in the tail after six days of racing, taking on cols such as Braus, Turini, Eze and plenty more iconic climbs the territory has to offer. The connections between Paris and Nice capture any imagination, from painters to musicians, playboys to poets and super-humans like Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, the aforementioned Kelly, Laurent Jalabert (the last Frenchman to win it) and now Pogačar. The transition from the cooler, and perhaps more hostile environment of Paris and the north to the sunnier and more relaxed destination of the Riviera marks the changing of the seasons, and as the traditional first stage race of the year, Paris-Nice is a special event. You could say it’s our race, when we officially welcome the return of road racing to the Côte d’Azur. Nice is the sun-kissed carrot at the end of the proverbial stick. Of course, the Tour de France is the apex of the stage racing calendar, with Paris welcoming the embattled and heroic riders to the Champs Elysees each July. But for the Tour’s 2024 edition next summer, the world’s most famous race will be finishing right here in Nice. A most exciting prospect, with two grandiose stages, the penultimate departing from the Promenade and tackling the mythical Cols de Braus, Turini and Colmiane. And then the final stage – a 35km time trial around our fair city. The team at Café du Cycliste cannot wait for this tantalising spectacle. Just another reason to #LOVENICE. Further Riding Ride of The Month: March 2021 Paris- Nice didn't end as it should this year but the roads not ridden are still there. A local classic that says spring has arrived. VIEW MORE Col d'Èze Between Èze village and the fort runs the Route de la Grande Corniche, the highest of the three corniche roads that lead from Nice towards Monaco and Italy. VIEW MORE Col de Turini The thick forests of the Col de Turini are testament to the unpredictable weather the highest of the coastal climbs near our home town of Nice. VIEW MORE Col de Braus Find the point on Col de Braus where René Vietto, one of cycling’s greatest ever climbers, broke away to win his first professional race. VIEW MORE

The Review 2022 It’s been a big year for Café du Cycliste, inside and out. We’ll leave reporting on the politics and football to others, but we want to take a few moments to celebrate some things we’re proud to have seen and done in this non-stop year of radical design and outside adventures. The 2023 season will undoubtedly reveal more adventures, and see more athletes joining us on the journey. CDC GT : Warriors in Action The idea of showcasing an all-female racing team in competition had been around for a while at Café du Cycliste. And Gravel seemed the ideal playground for conducting the experiment. So we started looking for cool and offbeat riders to deploy into the field of fun and suffering, and further discover was grave is and can be. Battling it out in sublime landscapes, experiencing moments of friendship, elation and despair would be a priority for conquering the podiums. Quite suddenly the Café du Cycliste Gravel Team (the CDC GT) was born. At La Traka in Girona, a cycling hotspot, the team made their debut performance. Annabel Fisher won the 100km race, and Spanish native Lydia Iglesias (winner of the 200km) joined the team. Unbound, USA, the legendary and largest Gravel race in the world saw our women set off on a 200-mile (320 km) battle in dreadful weather. An incredible experience in Kansas, not far from where Danielle, the American of the CDC GT, was born. Then it was on to the Rift in Iceland where Maria was our local racer and also where Lauf our bike sponsor hails from. The race – in the heart of the volcanoes – is grandiose and was a very special experience. The team shone bright, and Annabel won once more despite a fall and two broken ribs shortly after the start. Finally we traveled toItaly, for the qualifying race for the UCI World Championships and also the grand finale of the season. National colours were worn with pride, but it was in the black and white checkered kit where our team truly felt unified, in victory and defeat. What a brilliant first season. #whatisgravel The Caravan : Inspirational Athletes All paths lead to glory with our Caravan project. Collaborating with elite adventurers in a variety of sports, there were many highlights to relive, all of course framed by their love of cycling for training and balance. By sharing experiences with them, we have discovered in them values of simplicity, humility and a passion for nature. Each one took us on a journey: Anton Krupicka invited us on his gravel explorations in Colorado to the highest road in North America, Mount Blue Sky at 4348m; Alba di Silvestro and Michele Boscacci gave us a tour of their farm and cycled up the Stelvio at breakneck speed; Alexia Barrier hosted a Repair Café and we rode with her on the slopes of the Esterel; Guillaume Nery shared with us his remarkable Bikepacking trip in the Balkans (and his ability to hold breath) and Étienne Hubert gave us an extraordinary kayaking experience on a Swiss lake at an altitude of 2000m. Eyewear : A New Vision Summer ’22 saw another product milestone for Café du Cycliste, the launch of a range of sunglasses. The all new vision of active eyewear for on and off-road riding in all conditions, each style use photochromic lenses that react to every type of light. With an aesthetic based on classic, timeless silhouettes, rather than super technical sports designs, the lightweight frames are safe, durable and full of performance details. Take a closer look. Trail Guides : All roads lead to Nice We are a company of many people and many sports, with our feet in the water, heads in the mountains, and our hearts in Nice. From cycling to trail running, Café du Cycliste has the most beautiful routes on the Côte d’Azur in store for you, including the publication of our Best Rides, the reference guide to the most beautiful road and gravel bike outings from Nice. This guide has been so successful that a second edition is already planned for 2023. In 2022 we wanted to go even further by sharing our best trail running routes with lovers and novices of the discipline. Hidden paths to access the most beautiful perched villages on the side of Eze and La Turbie, overlooking a transparent sea crossing secret coves in St Jean Cap Ferrat and on the Cap de Nice. Refreshing itineraries through forests of oaks a few steps from the city in Mont Boron, on the heights of Nice. These online guides will be have new itineraries added in 2023. And we have concocted ‘Balconies d’Azur’ for you, a guide to the most beautiful panoramas of the Côte d’Azur accessible by mountain bike. Ride & Create : Pedalling is good for the brain Cycling frees creative thinking, it's a discovery made by researchers: pedalling has a very special effect on our neurones. This part of our editorial research has allowed us to meet men and women who love cycling, all of them creative in their own way, all of them exceptional. Sandra in Salzburg in Austria and Anne near Vence in France, both painters inspired by the bicycle. Izu in Dubai, Andrea a Imperia in Italy, known and recognised Chefs who total tens of thousands of kilometres on their bikes. Pierre, researcher and academician in Paris, Remi our designer in Nice, Benedict renowned photographer near London. They all have one thing in common: the time spent on their bike is synonymous with inspiration and in many cases allows them to consider unexpected solutions. Their stories and the account of these meetings can be found in La Gazette. And you, what problem did you solve and what did you create on your bike? Responsibility : Power for the Planet This year saw Café du Cycliste become a member of 1% for the Planet, an organisation that promotes sharing a percentage of turnover with groups dedicated to the cause of protecting the environment and promoting sustainability. As a business we now support a handful of organisation including 4MyPlanet, Cyclotrope, and Smart Shelter. We will look to contribute to others in 2023 and beyond. More of our products will be produced using recycled and natural, renewable yarns and materials, and all our delivery packaging is now bio-degradable and recyclable. Of course, the main area of difference for us is and will continue to be the love and respect for nature that outdoor pursuits bring. The journey continues towards a greener, safer planet. FURTHER RIDING Team Spirit Gravel, more so than other cycling disciplines, prides itself on its pioneering spirit. It puts both genders on equal footing. Women compete with men over equal distances, from the same start line. View more 1% for the planet: Cyclotrope Cyclotrope is first and foremost a Bike-School. It teaches children and adults through collaborative workshops to get back in the saddle, educate how to safely ride in traffic and carry out mechanical repairs, in a friendly and fun environment. View more RÉMI CLERMONT Rémi Clermont is creative director of Café du Cycliste. Here he speaks about creativity, and the vital role his own cycling plays in the process. View more NICE RIDING GUIDE There’s a very good reason why the ville of Nice used #nicecyclingparadise to promote the start of the 2020 Tour de France. View more

Smart Shelter Foundation Café du Cycliste continues its work for 1% for the Planet, sharing a percentage of turnover with groups dedicated to the cause of protecting the environment and promoting sustainability. One of these organisations is Smart Shelter Foundation who we discovered while helping to organise the Torino Nice Rally. The sums collected during this epic race – whether they come from sponsors or the generosity of the participants – are donated in full to Smart Shelter Foundation. Smart Shelter Foundation operates in the poorest countries on the planet, covering more than a billion citizens who live in countries exposed to cataclysms and earthquakes, their credo is to ‘promote and improve natural building techniques, collaborate and share knowledge, everyone deserves a safe house.’ Selected projects include work in Sri Lanka where, after the devastating Tsunami in 2004, Smart Shelter Foundation participated in the reconstruction of 170 new houses in the villages of Kurukkalmadam and Mankadu, on the east coast of the country. In india they built a school with compressed earth blocks that were made on the site and provided jobs in the village. Between 2008 to 2014 Smart Shelter Foundation built 20 earthquake resistant schools and a hostel for blind students in Nepal with the capacity to withstand the frequent earthquakes in of the country. All these buildings have survived the 2015 Earthquakes without any significant damage. Pic 01: Post-tsunami houses in Kurukkalmadam, Sri Lanka. More recently CNN cited Smart Shelter for the essential role that the foundation played in the creation of earthquake resistant buildings in Indonesia, guaranteeing the safety of its populations, particularly in the poorest areas. For Smart Shelter Foundation, the existing regulations and manuals for safe constructions with natural materials are insufficient and unsuitable. Their current focus is on developing improved building guidelines and they collaborate with experts around the world to research and develop unique methods to test, improve and supplement existing knowledge of non-technical building techniques. Pic 02: Making compressed earth blocks in Vellallapatty, India. Smart Shelter Foundation works closely with universities around the world, with their researchers and students who collaborate on a wide range of research assignments in architecture, engineering and product design with a focus on natural and local techniques and materials, such as earth, stone and wood, using recycled and upcycled products where they can. The foundation also trains local builders and Pic 03: Earthquake resistant school after Padang earthquake, Indonesia. implements safe building principles, such as cyclone and earthquake resistant construction.‘Solutions must be simple and easy to reproduce in order to create a positive snowball effect and lasting change.’ Say Smart Shelter Foundation. This is something Café du Cycliste love about the organisation, which is why we are committed to supporting them. Pic 04: Current research on improving earthquake resistant schools in Nepal. FURTHER RIDING The Life Cycle Cycling as a lifestyle empowers people physically and mentally and allows us to connect with nature – a key force for changing behaviours and reducing carbon emissions. View More Alexia Barrier We spoke to our Caravan ambassador and professional sailor Alexia Barrier about her 4myplanet enterprise and how Café du Cycliste will be contributing to her future projects through 1% for the Planet. View More 1% – a point of difference Rome wasn’t built in a day, they say, and the Planet certainly wasn’t either. 1% seems like a minor figure, but we’d like to argue just 1% can make a major difference to the outcome, from here to eternity. View More Cyclotrope Based in Nice, Cyclotrope is first and foremost a Bike-School. It teaches children and adults through collaborative workshops to get back in the saddle, educate how to safely ride in traffic and carry out mechanical repairs. View More

Adrien Liechti: Beyond the Mountain Swiss long-distance racer Adrien Liechti seems to be in his absolute element whenever he’s outside on a bike. A whirling phenomenon of endurance and speed, we spent two days with him near Geneva, where he lives in-between racing around the world.                                       Hello, can you introduce yourself please. I'm Adrien Liechti, 37 years, from Switzerland. I worked in Geneva as a Bike Messenger for a few years and now I'm a full-time bike-packer. I've been racing long distance mountain bikes and on the road for about four or five years. It's not a job, it's a passion, I don't earn money doing this, but it takes me a lot of time, so I can say that it's my main activity. What pleasure is there in doing races like the ones you do, where you ride for days on end and get very little sleep? I really enjoy travelling by bike and meeting other people. I like to push my limits always looking to see what's beyond the next mountain. It's about connecting with nature. On these long races, over two or three days, we only ride, eat and sleep. It’s a simple existence; we are truly connected to nature and sleeping outside is part of that (laughs). What is your best racing memory? Probably what happened this year on the Tour Divide when my bike was lost by the airline a week before the race. I asked for help on social networks and dozens of people offered me their help including Manu. He offered to lend me one of his bikes. We struggled throughout the race, he finished second and I third on a bike he loaned me. Fabulous memory. And the hardest race? The Silk Road in Kyrgyzstan. It is not the longest but since we are at altitude far from the cities, far from any civilization, that complicates everything. This is 1800 km of mountain biking and around 40,000m of elevation gain, it took me eight days. It is a solo race without assistance. You don't have the right to get help from the locals. You can go to all places open to the public and in shops, but you are not allowed to knock on the doors of the local residents. These rules are very much respected by those who race. You have to know that most people don't race, they just want to finish which is already an achievement but for the first 10 or 15 it's very respected. We all know each other, we are a small family and we see each other around the world at each event, there is a strong ethical pact between us. How do you prepare for a race like the Silk Rd? The preparation of the route card is very important. I download the map as soon as we have it on several applications. I am looking for shops and their opening hours in general, on the Silk Road in Kyrgyzstan it was more difficult to find. I prepare the menu in its entirety and then I improvise. Either way, it's never going to go as planned. I only book places to stay a few hours before arriving, you can't predict how a race will go, nor project yourself by evaluating an average pace. How long can you ride without sleeping in a race? I have managed to stay awake for 55 to 60 hours. It's possible to do it but I didn't feel good. So, for some time, I prefer to sleep a few hours to be able to ride faster and enjoy the race. On the French Divide, I took a short nap but only went to the hotel after 800 km of racing. I saw a city on the map, I can't remember the name of the city, I booked the hotel two hours before arriving. Once in town, I went to buy food, drink, checked into my hotel, showered, ate and slept for three hours. In this type of racing, it is not on the bike that we make the difference but rather in the management of breaks, fuelling and sleep. What qualities do you need to win a race of 2,200 km like the French Divide? It's being a good mechanic on the bike, being able to eat anything on the course, making decisions in a state of advanced fatigue. And then on the French Divide in particular it's about being a good bike handler because it's quite technical. There were a lot of rocks, descents, technical climbs. If you are not technically good, you do almost everything on foot. For my part, I don't necessarily ride fast but I stop very little. I manage to just keep going, that's my strong point. How many kilometres do you ride per year? How do you train? It depends, I think 25,000 to 30,000 km per year including the races. When I was a bike courier I didn't train because I did 500km a week at work. Now I do intervals but nothing very well calculated, I do full climbs here near Geneva and then it reassures me. I don't really need to do long distances to feel good. Do you think you have specific physiological qualities? I think I have a lot of experience in racing especially. Sleep management is something that is learned and worked on. You train the body and brain to sleep one hour, to two hours… and take turbo naps too. It works a bit like sailors do managing sleep where every second counts. When racing, I stop at the end of the road, I lie down I put on an alarm clock and then usually I wake up 2 minutes before the bell and then I leave. It’s fun to do that! Does each race require a specific bike? My specialty is off-road racing, but every race can be different. You need different tyre sizes, you will often need a suspension, a flat handlebar or a drop handlebar, you will need different bags depending on what you are carrying with you. At the French Divide for example, in the middle of summer, I had almost nothing with me, because it was 35°C. On a race like the Silk Road, my bike weighed 25 kilos because you have to take food, and sleep in minus 15°C, so lots of clothes... What’s next? This year the Rhino Road, riding as a duo with my partner Sophie, we are not allowed to leave each other. You have to communicate and know that when you're tired sometimes we say things that shouldn't be said. It's going to be interesting… FURTHER RIDING The Life Cycle Cycling as a lifestyle empowers people physically and mentally and allows us to connect with nature – a key force for changing behaviours and reducing carbon emissions. View more Shorts Stories : Marinette Our ‘flagship’ in the bib shorts fleet, they’ve ridden across continents, up to the highest peaks, and down low on the hottest highways. View more 1% – a point of difference Rome wasn’t built in a day, they say, and the Planet certainly wasn’t either. 1% seems like a minor figure, but we’d like to argue just 1% can make a major difference to the outcome, from here to eternity. View more 1% for the Planet We spoke to our Caravan ambassador and professional sailor Alexia Barrier about her 4myplanet enterprise and how Café du Cycliste will be contributing to her future projects through 1% for the Planet. View more

1% for the planet: Cyclotrope, cycling in all its forms Café du Cycliste devotes 1% of its turnover to supporting organisations committed to preserving the planet. A steady contribution to a cause that has become an absolute necessity in the sportswear industry, Café du Cycliste made a commitment at the start of the year to work alongside homegrown organisations. Our first association was with the sailor and Caravan ambassador Alexia Barrier’s 4 My Planet project, working with schools and young sailing enthusiasts to educate and collect data in order to sustain and hopefully clean up the oceans. And in September 2022, Café du Cycliste is also now supporting Cyclotrope. Based in Nice, Cyclotrope is first and foremost a Bike-School. It teaches children and adults through collaborative workshops to get back in the saddle, educate how to safely ride in traffic and carry out mechanical repairs, in a friendly and fun environment. They carry out amazing work to help democratise the practice of cycling, increase its use and make it a real tool of autonomy and freedom. Cyclotrope also offers learning sessions in the professional environment: promoting cycling in companies because it has its place in daily transport and represents an economic, ecological and easily accessible alternative for the future for the wider public. Opting for a bicycle for your daily professional journeys means escaping traffic jams while reducing the number of cars on the roads and therefore pollution, it's easier parking (eight bicycles o every single car parking space), it ensures regular exercise and boosts mental wellbeing. Cyclotrope is growing a community and each year brings along more people into the cycling universe. The work of Cyclotrope in less privileged neighbourhoods also caught our full attention. At its core cycling is more than a means of transport: it encourages self-improvement, community-building and empowerment to explore and discover the wider world. Guillaume, founder of Cyclotrope, explains how teaching a mother or a child to inflate their tyres themselves is a simple but important tool for self-sufficiency and great personal satisfaction. The deflated wheel is remarkably the most common immobilisation of bicycles. Cyclotrope tackles the problem of mobility at its base thanks to their painstaking work. For any community to thrive, the dissemination of knowledge and basic learning are paramount. The bike is a tool of freedom that allows you to go beyond the borders of a territory, to explore the world. The bicycle breaks down many barriers and benefits the environment. It is a magical machine. Café du Cycliste supports Cyclotrope in the pursuit of its activities with high added social and environmental value. FURTHER RIDING 1% for the Planet - Alexia Barrier. We spoke to our Caravan ambassador and professional sailor Alexia Barrier about her 4myplanet enterprise and how Café du Cycliste will be contributing to her future projects through 1% for the Planet. View more The Life Cycle. Cycling as a lifestyle empowers people physically and mentally and allows us to connect with nature – a key force for changing behaviours and reducing carbon emissions. View more Shorts Stories : Marinette Our ‘flagship’ in the bib shorts fleet, they’ve ridden across continents, up to the highest peaks, and down low on the hottest highways. View more 1% – a point of difference Rome wasn’t built in a day, they say, and the Planet certainly wasn’t either. 1% seems like a minor figure, but we’d like to argue just 1% can make a major difference to the outcome, from here to eternity. View more

Shorts Stories : Marinette Since their inception over five years ago, Marinette haven’t stopped riding. Built to perform day in day out, they are designed to ride and ride. And ride and ride. And then ride some more. Our ‘flagship’ in the bib shorts fleet, they’ve ridden across continents, up to the highest peaks, and down low on the hottest highways. And then they’ve ridden some more. Marinette haven’t stopped riding. They’ve been close to home and far, far away. They’ve seen the world and more than lived to tell the tale. These shorts have found back-roads and byways, lost tracks and ridgeways. They’ve been raced across multiple maps and disappeared into the distance. Marinette haven’t stopped riding. They’ve explored some of the most beautiful villages in France in the heat of the summer and climbed the Giant of Provence far too many times to mention. (Why do they always want more?) They’ve conquered cols, traversed the territories of Texas and gone searching for the best croissant(s) in London. They’ve punched out one hour when that was all that that was permitted, been pushed inside, outside and unfortunately upside down. And they’ve even been shown on the silver screen at Cannes film festival in an award-winning feature. MARINETTE TWO With version two, then, comes a whole new chapter (or ten). Not just from best to even better, with a premium chamois and new integrated gripper design. But from a quiet determination to make more from even less. Less water in the process due to reuse, less greenhouse gas emission due to prior treatment. More comfort, more performance, more durability. More planet. Constructed using a mix of recycled and recyclable fabrics and unique enhanced biodegradation yarns, the new Marinette were conceived to ensure that maximum impact is made out on the road. Built to perform day in day out, they are designed to ride and ride. And ride and ride. And then ride some more. Marinette won’t stop riding. Further Riding Shorts Stories : Renée You know which country you are in if you know on which side of the ridge you are. Discovering a forgotten frontier in the Pyrénées with no little historical significance. No Gas Full Gas Sometimes it is all about fast. Clock ticking, legs screaming, heart pumping, tank emptying fast. Against a pack jostling for position or in search of a personal best. VIEW MORE The Life Cycle Cycling as a lifestyle empowers people physically and mentally and allows us to connect with nature – a key force for changing behaviours and reducing carbon emissions. VIEW MORE Our Community Join our global community by sharing your rides, adventures and discoveries. Follow us on Instagram @cafeducycliste. VIEW MORE

Nice Trail Running Guide NICE TRAIL RUNNING GUIDE Some say you never really leave Nice once you’ve visited, because you’ll almost certainly want to keep coming back. Of course there are cafés, restaurants, art galleries and museums to consume like every other city, but there’s so much more to enjoy beyond the immediate limits of the metropolis if you’re feeling adventurous. For the visiting cyclist and/or runner, you can take any number of routes just a few miles beyond the port, and find yourself on terrific terrain with stunning scenery that will make you want to stay forever. CAFÉ DU CYCLISTE is based in Nice and our products are inspired by our every day adventures between the ocean and the mountains of the Riviera. TRAIL ROUTES What leads up the garden path… trail running is to the road runner what gravel riding is to the road cyclist. More exploration, more unbeaten paths, more fun for your money. ÈZE SEASIDE TO NICE A classic route between beautiful Riviera villas to the village of rock of Eze via Nietzsche Road and back into Nice. VIEW MORE SAINT JEAN CAP FERRAT A relatively easy route that winds its way to Paloma Beach for impeccable views and a finish by the sea. VIEW MORE THE DOG'S HEAD Somewhat technical trail with an incredible view of Monaco at its peak and finishing at La Mala beach. VIEW MORE MOUNT BORON Beginning at Café du Cycliste, this is the most accessible route if you’re short of time and need to leave your gear somewhere. VIEW MORE GRAVEL ROUTES And if you prefer to take the velocipede… these routes also allow for some of the best gravel riding on the continent. The Alpes Maritimes is crawling with off road adventures. We can point you in the right direction but the journey will be all yours. MONT FÉRION The gravel equivalent of Mont Ventoux. With three sides to climb and a chapel. VIEW THE RIDE FORT DE LA REVÈRE From the perched village of La Turbie and along the most spectacular stretch of chemin VIEW THE RIDE COL DE BRAUS One of the most iconic climbs anywhere in cycling but with a dark side. VIEW THE RIDE Nice Riding Guide The Alpes Maritime offers up some of the very best riding in world. From famous climbs to unknown tracks and everything in-between. For any type of cyclist, our home town really is a case of #nicecyclingparadise. VIEW THE GUIDE HERE. Nice Gravel Guide Deep within the Arrière-Pays Niçois lies a web of broken roads and hidden tracks. Discover the roads less ridden of the Alpes-Maritimes and plot your next adventure. VIEW THE GUIDE HERE. 1 - THE CAFÉ Located on the Old Port, our café is the perfect pre and post-ride meeting place. With some routes that begin almost outside, excellent coffee and a full range of our clothing collections for men and women. There are weekly rides as well if you’d like to discover riding on the Cote D’Azur with like minded companions. You can find us at: 16 Quai des Docks 06300 Nice 2 - RENT AND RIDE Travel light and book your bike. We offer a range of rental bikes, the R5 Cervelo road bike and the Aspero Cervelo gravel bike along with titanium road bikes from French marque Leon. Each bike is complete with pedals, tool bag and rear light while, if needed, each rental can also include Specialized shoes and helmet. 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 direct flights from around 30 European countries as well as further afield, Nice is well connected by air. The tram line now goes direct to the old Port, where our café is situated. For more information on flights, see the Aeroport de Nice website. Nice has two train stations. From Paris the journey is around six hours and brings you into the heart of the city. For more information on trains, see the SNCF website. where to stay Despite the exceptional riding on its doorstep , Nice is the fifth biggest city in France. Given its attractions, there are numerous place to stay while you’re here, from hotels through to guest houses and, of course, private appartment rentals. For more information on where to stay, see the Nice Tourist board website.

1% – a point of difference All great achievements come from small beginnings: Rome wasn’t built in a day, they say, and the Planet certainly wasn’t either. 1% seems like a minor figure, a fleck of dust in the largeness of space and time, but we’d like to argue just 1% can make a major difference to the outcome, from here to eternity. Allow us to explain, to a point. –– 1% of the world’s population is roughly 78 million (1% of 7.8 billion); this should be self-explanatory – 1% can make a big difference. FYI, 78 million is the populations of France and Tunisia combined… Imagine if all those people stopped using air travel and cars and used bicycles and trains instead. It would surely make more than a 1% difference on the environment… wouldn’t it? When an ice cube reaches 0ºC (32ºF) it melts, alas 1 degree can be the difference between a solid state and falling apart – needless to say, we can relate this to the polar caps and the dangerously rising sea levels… Just 1º can make a huge difference to the state of your beverage, and the climate… –– If a monkey can eat a doughnut whilst roller skating, without assistance, anything really is possible. Speaking of monkeys, or primates to be more scientific, the 1% difference between humans and our closest mammal relations suggests there’s a minor difference between living in the jungle or being able to charter a flight beyond the earth’s atmosphere. The British got rather good at cycling in the 2000s after being terrible for much of the 20th century, and that’s down to small 1% improvements. Dave Brailsford, the mastermind of British Cycling’s rising star, called it ‘marginal gains.’ ‘The whole principle came from the idea that if you broke down everything you could think of that goes into riding a bike, and then improve it by 1 per‐ cent, you will get a significant increase when you put them all together.’ Those 1 per cent increases across the board have led to great successes, such as five Tour de France victories and countless Olympic medals. 1% ABV. The difference between a 12% ABV bottle of wine and a 13% bottle might mean the difference between getting up in the morning or staying in bed and calling in sick. Another glass? –– If your dreaded interest rates or inflation goes up by 1% you’ll know about it. Same with those awful things called examinations; 1% off that distinction or pass? Could be life changing… exams really are awful aren’t they. 1% of eight minutes is almost 5 seconds: When you cook pasta just a few moments over, it’s the difference between al dente and soggy spaghetti, and in some parts of Italy the difference between life and death. –– Jay-Z rapped about having 99 problems, with the elusive 1 not related to any so-called bitch. Imagine how little time he’d have to write misogynistic raps if he’d had that extra 1%. Oh well. If a pilot flying from Paris to Gibraltar airport shifted the flightpath south by 1%, the aeroplane would land in the Mediterranean Sea… –– If you’ve read this far, you’re in the 1% of people who read to the end of articles. 1% of 590 words is 5.9… so let’s round that figure up to 6 with another short fact: If we all got 1% better every day for a year, we’d be 37% better by the end of that year. No matter how you see things, that’s a big jump. With that in mind, keep making those tiny improvements and do what you can to make the difference. –– Café du Cycliste is a member of 1% for the Planet, helping to tackle environmental issues. 1% for the Planet We spoke to our Caravan ambassador and professional sailor Alexia Barrier about her 4myplanet enterprise and how Café du Cycliste will be contributing to her future projects through 1% for the Planet. VIEW MORE The Life Cycle Cycling as a lifestyle empowers people physically and mentally and allows us to connect with nature – a key force for changing behaviours and reducing carbon emissions. VIEW MORE Shorts Stories : Marinette Our ‘flagship’ in the bib shorts fleet, they’ve ridden across continents, up to the highest peaks, and down low on the hottest highways. And then they’ve ridden some more. VIEW MORE Our Community Join our global community by sharing your rides, adventures and discoveries. Follow us on Instagram @cafeducycliste. VIEW MORE

Take me to the River #8: In the Creeks of the Esterel Riding for a long time in the South of France in the summertime often requires cooling down the engine, especially if you choose to traverse the side of a big ancient rock formation. Crossing the Maritime Alps to reach the Var – from Nice to Saint Raphaël – is one of those outings that can be stifling on the mountainside, when the red rocks of the Esterel cornice radiate all the heat stored up during the night. But if you plan ahead and slip a swimsuit into the back pocket of the jersey, your experience can be one of beautiful balance. It determines the choice of a jersey with big pockets of course, which is Mona on this occasion. The first kilometres alongside the beaches of the Alpes Maritimes offer the usual service, a necessary road to take in order to go up into the mountain valleys. Today it is a question of staying on the flat, following the sea, and leaving in the morning as early as possible. Tourists with umbrellas and inflatables under their arms, the scent of sunscreen and donuts from the food-trucks. There’s no doubt summer has arrived on the Côte d'Azur. Past Théoule-sur-Mer the atmosphere changes, the orange rocks have appeared, the stifling heat too. On the slopes of the Pic de l'Ours, the temperature flirts with 35°C, the Lac des Ecureuils in the heart of the massif has been dry for many weeks. It is almost surprising given the scorching heat and the regular blowing of the wind that the roads are still open to cyclists and walkers. The sound of the cicadas becomes deafening as well, as if they too are feeling the heat. The freshness of the air which glides over the skin when the descent begins is a real relief. And now it's time to find a secluded cove to discreetly switch into the aforementioned swimsuit and jump into the water. A simple luxury that you can afford in a few minutes, why deprive yourself of it? Here the water is more crystalline than anywhere else on the Côte d'Azur, due to the clear rocks that line the bottom. Do a few breaststrokes and then let yourself float on your back while gazing at the pure blue sky. Then a quick lie down on this submerged slab to enjoy the freshness for a few more moments. It’s the end of the break. Almost 60 kilometres remain to be covered to reach the port of Nice. The next stop, in Mandelieu-la Napoule, will consist of eating Pan Bagnat, the most famous Niçoise sandwich. Arriving in Nice again, the urge to take out the bathing suit will briefly cross your mind, but here the beaches are crowded with people, with no hidden coves. The suit remains rolled up, still wet, in the back pocket of the Mona, and you will go your way. Further Riding Les Gorges Du Loup When the heat gets too much, escape to l’arrière-pays for some fresh water wild swimming. Introducing a new series of riding to rivers, starting with Les Gorges du Loup. VIEW MORE Ruisseau de Redebraus We reveal yet another secret of the Col de Braus. Discover wild swimming paradise just a few hundred metres below some of the most perfect switchbacks in the Alpes-Maritimes. VIEW MORE Rochetta Nervina Across the border, up the valley and through the olive groves. The latest ‘Take Me To The River’ takes us into Italy for a dip and a doppio. VIEW MORE Gordolasque High summer means high heat means the search for high roads and high mountain river swimming. Go to Gordolasque. VIEW MORE Col St Roch Halfway up Col St Roch lies a hidden treasure known only to a few. The perfect place to take a minute and unwind. VIEW MORE

Another Tour - Morzine, July '22. The Tour is life. From the northern cobblestones to the Alps, the Pyrénées to the Champs Élysées. Every dog has its day. The highs and lows, the mountains and the valleys, on and on they race. Punctures, flares, agony and ecstasy. The devil and the deep blue sky. Every year they try, the raging peloton, slogging it out again and again. Friends and foes, solo escapes, chasing teams, searing heat. Here today, gone in a flash. The Tour won’t last forever, will it? Enjoy it while you can.

Le Tour du Vin Every July, millions tune in to see the grandest cycling event in the world. But it’s not just the bike tournament itself that enchants us: the architecture, sunflowers, mountains and TV helicopters, all of it makes for the summer’s best sporting show. And alongside the Tour, which one thing is synonymous with France? Wine, of course. From the vineyards of Alsace to the caves of Bordeaux, from Asterix’s barrel to Gérard Depardieu’s cellar, wine is the cultural blood of the country, with its history reaching back to the Roman Empire (santé, Caesar!). And wine isn’t simply about quenching your thirst and getting merry, it’s about the land – the terroir. Each region has its own distinctive soil, climate and, of course, grape varieties. Once those grapes become wine, it can be the ultimate expression of the land from which it’s grown. The main wine regions are traditionally listed as Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhône, Alsace, Champagne, Loire, Languedoc and Provence. And using the Grand Boucle as a virtual wine tour is the perfect way to discover each. This year’s route takes a clockwise ‘loop’, heading from Calais down to the Alps, and then southwest to cross the Pyrenees, and finally back up to Paris. So, rather than give you a rundown of each stage of the race, here instead is a general classification of grand crus and world champion vintages that come from the fertile soils of France. Stages 1 – 4 : Start with water and bread The Grand Départ of this year’s edition takes place in bike-centric Denmark. So, with the upmost respect to our Nordic friends, we’ll skip those and use these first three stages as a palate cleanser. After a rest/transfer day the peloton arrives in France proper for a sprinter’s stage between Calais and Dunkerque. Not known for wine, apart from the duty free. Stages 5 and 6 : Champagne A mini-spring-classics is on the cards in the French northeast, with cobbled sectors and a detour into the Ardennes. This is undoubtedly where the race will really begin to fizz. So, as we’re not a million miles away, let’s begin our wine odyssey with the finest (most expensive) bubbles known to humanity. Champagne vintages are commonly made blending Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay, but the more elegant ‘blanc de blancs’ are 100% Chardonnay. Vinification involves a secondary fermentation (adding more yeast and sugar to produce carbon dioxide) to create those celebratory bubbles. There’s a lot to discover here beyond the big dogs like Krug, Cristal and Dom Pérignon, and single estate wines such as Billecart Salmon are highly regarded. Other more affordable makers, such as G. Tribaut, and family-run Piot Sévillano, are just a cork-pop away. Or, perhaps, you’ll seek out Castelnau’s cuvée Véloce, the Tour’s official VIP Champagne (apparently). Food pairing : Oysters Stage 7 : Alsace The first stage with a summit finish, the route runs parallel with the region of Alsace. Most notable for its white wines (although they do Pinot Noir well), the area’s proximity to Germany and its curvaceous landscape have made it one of the best places for Rieslings and Gewürztraminer wines, alongside Pinot Gris and Muscat. There are 51 ‘Grand Crus’ (top-end vineyards) in the vicinity, with a variety of soil types promoting fresh and formidable profiles. We recommend one of the region’s dry and bright Rieslings. Famed Alsace vignerons include Humbrecht, Hugel, Cave de Turckheim and Rolly Gassmann. Expect zesty attacks and a distinctive finish. Food pairing : Tarte Flambée Stage 8 : Burgundy Moving swiftly on, we’re veering slightly west of the stage and dipping our noses into world-renowned Burgundy. Arguably the place for the most romantic, and some of the most expensive, vintages; the Côte d’Or, a patch of vineyards just south of Dijon, is where you’ll find the world’s best examples of single variety Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The Beaujolais made further south of here offers better value for money, with crus such as Cote de Brouilly and Fleurie. Created with Gamay grapes, Beaujolais is best served slightly chilled. Food Pairing : 24-month-aged Comté (cheese) Stages 9 – 11 : Rhône Valley We’re into the Alps now, and there’s a lot to discover. It’s a very diverse region where you could try a dry full-bodied white from the Jura or a spicy red from the Savoie. Châteauneuf-du-Pape is typically known as the pinnacle of Rhône vintages, the Col du Galibier of red wine (although they do produce a few whites in this appellation too). Some Châteauneuf-du-Pape vintages are so good even beings from outer space are believed to have to been spotted hovering over the vineyards. Outstanding Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines include those from Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe, Chateau Rayas and Guigal. More affordable but often great reds come from the Rhône villages of Cairanne, Sablet and Lirac. Apparently, some grape varieties from the Rhône date back to the Greeks; cuvées made with Grenache and Syrah or whites using Viognier are fail-safe. Food pairing : Tartiflette Stage 13 : Provence The Tour isn’t visiting Provence this year, but we had to include Café du Cycliste’s home region. For something that sings of summer in southern France, a bottle of Provençal rosé will really quench the thirst, especially after a sprint finish, or alongside the world-famous fish stew, Bouillabaisse. Rosé is made with red grape varieties but macerated with minimal skin contact, and so colour and character depends on the grapes and vinification method. One of the most revered rosé producers is the Domaine Tempier estate in Bandol, their rosé is made using Mourvèdre, Grenache and Cinsault grapes. For wines local to Nice, Chateau de Bellet’s floral whites go perfectly with seafood. Stage 14 – 18 : Languedoc–Rousillon and Sud Ouest Moving west towards the Pyrenees, the Languedoc is home to some essential appellations including the ever-popular Picpoul de Pinet whites. The south-west wine region is vast and made up of disparate wine-making pockets. And as the race itself undoubtedly reaches its climax, you’ll find some very intense reds to enjoy. Côtes-de-Bergerac is full bodied and complex and made to extremely strict harvesting conditions. Cahors is a Dordogne wine which is even more robust, and perfect for a mountaintop finish. Wines made with native Tannat grapes are also rather punchy. Sweet wines can also be found in the mountains, such as Jurançon-sec and whites using Petit Manseng are outstanding. Cheese pairing : Rocamadour Stage 19 – 20 : Bordeaux You can’t do a tour of French wine without at least a whiff of the world’s best known winemaking region. Wine classification began here in 1855 and cuvées of thick-skinned Cabernet Sauvignon (left-bank) and Merlot (right-bank) create both powerful and smooth vintages. There are also sweet Sauternes produced here, in the sub-region of Graves, which is also where ‘Claret’ (as Bordeaux wine was referred to in the UK) was originally exported to England from. The most expensive wines here are from the left bank, known by some as ‘millionaire’s vinegar’, and offer more length and robustness than an uphill time trial. The First Growth wines of Châteaus Lafite Rothschild and Margaux will not be for everyone, so look for smaller producers from appellations such as St. Emilion, Pauillac and Médoc. Food pairing : Steak frites Stage 21 : Loire Valley The final stage is of course traditionally about a glass of Champagne (see above) for the rider in the yellow jersey, but you might wish to visit the Loire further west of Paris. Cremant from the Loire is made in the Champagne method using Chenin Blanc grapes and the south-facing slopes of the region also produce excellent whites with Sauvignon Blanc and Sancerre. The red wines of the Loire using Cabernet Franc are worth investigating, such as producers in Saumur Champigny and Bourgeil. These wines are best served lightly chilled. As American Francophile and food writer Richard Olney said it’s ‘difficult to touch with words the soul of a wine.’ Therefore, we suggest the best way to discover the wines of France is to saddle up, and head for the vineyards (or wine shop). Don’t forget the corkscrew. Further Riding The best Gnocchi in the world Found in the Cottian Alps, shared with old friends and served by new friends in a mountain retreat that momentarily mutes the volume on modern life. VIEW MORE The best socca in the world Can only come from Nissa la Bella. A niche local speciality, best enjoyed after a starter of Cols Eze and Madone, it's more niçois than Nice itself. VIEW MORE The best crêpe in the world Found in France. Obviously. A specific part of France, the place where it was invented. The rugged, coastal and rural Bretagne. VIEW MORE The best pizza in the world Not from Italy - though it is made not far from the Italian border, in the French Alpes Maritimes. VIEW MORE