Great Cycling Climbs

A narrative guide to the most scenic and inspiring cycling climbs in the French Alps. The Alps are a place of legend for cyclists, road racers, and enthusiasts alike. Home to one of the most demanding sections of the Tour de France, the mountains offer some of Europe’s most glorious cycling climbs through Geneva, Chamonix, Annecy, Chambe´ry, Grenoble, Le Bourg-d’Oisans, and Barcelonnette. In this comprehensive guide, Graeme Fife, author, teacher, and passionate cycling enthusiast, presents the greatest mountain routes of the Alps. Aided by Peter Drinkell’s beautiful color photography, Fife reveals each journey with historical snapshots, humorous observations, and stirring stories from cycling’s past, detailing the challenges of each climb and the key features to look out for along the way. A selection of photographs of the routes and stunning scenery is included in each chapter, and illustrated maps document the climbs of each region. Whether planning a weekend tour or an epic cycling adventure, this beautifully illustrated guide is essential reading for cyclists of all stripes.

Cycling is Britain’s biggest boom sport and nowhere is the boom more evident than on the road: once seen as the preserve of serious racers, the road bike has recently found a new lease of life due to the popularity of challenge rides and Sportives. It is now possible for cyclists of all abilities to ride a well marked, well marshalled event just about any weekend of the year, usually based around one, two or sometimes as many as ten fearsome hills. For the first time, here is a pocket-sized guide to the 100 greatest climbs in the land, the building blocks for these rides, written by a cyclist for cyclists. From lung busting city centre cobbles to leg breaking windswept mountain passes, this guide locates the roads that have tested riders for generations and worked their way into cycling folklore. Whether you’re a leisure cyclist looking for a challenge or an elite athlete trying to break records stick this book in your pocket and head for the hills. To watch a video of Simon Warren in action click here

SHORTLISTED FOR THE BRITISH SPORTS BOOK AWARDS Mountain High is a book for cyclists of all interests and abilities - from experienced club racers to enthusiastic amateurs looking for the world's greatest cycle challenge. Packed with practical route information and advice on each climb, Daniel Friebe's beautifully written text explains why each mountain pass merits inclusion in the top 50 with superb descriptions of the majestic scenery, the heroic deeds of cycling's legendary riders or the sheer endeavour and exhilaration of reaching the summit. With over 250 specially commissioned photographs taken by specialist cycling photographer Pete Goding, this really is the ultimate guide to Europe's 50 best climbs. Featured rides include: Tour de France icons Alpe d'Huez, Col du Galibier, Mont Ventoux, Col de l'Izoard and Col du Tourmalet; the Passo dello Stelvio, Passo Fedaia, Le Tre Cime di Lavaredo and other sacred summits from the Giro d'Italia; plus Spain's formidable Alto de l'Angliru, Austria's Grossglockner and forty more mountain legends.

This time tackling the green hills of Wales, Simon Warren picks out 75 more challenges in the third book of his UK regional cycling climbs series. Expanding on previously documented routes as seen in bestselling 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs as well as over 50% new material, it's clear the UK still has lots to offer. Countless incredible climbs span the entire length of Wales; peppered across the exposed peaks of Snowdonia and nestling among the tangled lanes of Denbighshire, reaching across the sparse wilderness of the stunning Brecon Beacons and diving deep into the congestion of the southern Valleys. Climbs such as the Devil’s Staircase, the Horseshoe Pass and Bwlch-Y-Groes are etched into cycling history, and there are many lesser known yet equally amazing ascents out there waiting to be unearthed. With scenery to rival anywhere on Earth and roads so quiet you could hear a pin drop, Wales, under clear blue skies, is cycling heaven.

The hidden gems of Europe's best roads and passes, from the authors of the hugely successful Mountain High. Following the success of Mountain High: Europe's Greatest Cycle Climbs comes a volume focusing on the continent's lesser-known, challenging and spectacular mountain roads and passes. From the heights of the Ötztal Glacier Road in Austria to the 'secret' side of the legendary Alpe d'Huez, Mountain Higher: Europe's Extreme, Undiscovered and Unforgettable Cycle Climbs explores 50 soon-to-be cult locations and captures stunning scenery from off the beaten track. Featuring the technical details (maps, profiles, lengths, heights) that made Mountain High an indispensable reference book, as well as dynamic descriptions of the routes themselves and Pete Goding's breathtaking photography, this book is a stylish and practical guide to the hidden gems that every true cycling enthusiast needs to know about.

From the Col du Tourmalet to Alpe d’Huez, from Mont Ventoux to Luz Ardiden, these climbs are the beating heart of the Tour de France. Technology may advance, training and diet may evolve, but these mountains are constant. They have witnessed triumph and despair, courage and heartache, they are where champions are made and where dreams are shattered. And yes, the greatest arenas of the world’s greatest race are open 365 days a year for every one of us to ride. So take up the challenge, emulate your heroes and make your mark on the 100 greatest cycling climbs of the Tour de France. For each of the 100 climbs this guide includes: A detailed description of theclimb with an accompanying photograph A map detailing the start and end of the climb with directions to help you find it. A factfile with altitude, height gain, average gradient, it’s tour debut and category A difficulty rating Simon Warren is the author of 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs,Hellingen:A Road Cyclist's Guide to Belgium's Greatest Cycling Climbs and Another 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs

Publishing to coincide with the Tour de Yorkshire, a new race introduced on the back of the success of the 2015 Tour de France starting race, this is the second title in a series of eight UK regional Cycling Climbs guides. With revised and revisited routes from bestselling cycling guides 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs and Another 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs, as well as over 50% new material, Simon Warren uncovers 60 of the best cycling climbs in Yorkshire. Selected as the starting point of the 2015 Tour de France, Yorkshire indeed offers some of the most challenging cycling climbs in Britain. From the cobbled streets above Halifax, through the winding wilderness of the Moors and out onto the far-reaching plains of the Dales, there are a multitude of picturesque routes ready for all cycling enthusiasts to enjoy. With a careful dissection of each climb alongside tips and pointers for all abilities, Simon Warren once again offers expert advice on conquering the most challenging of hills.

The must-have collector's box set of Simon Warren's regional cycling climbs guides; including South-West England, South-East England, The Midlands, Yorkshire, Scotland, North-East England, North-West England and Wales. Comprising a total of 545 ascents from the tip of Cornwall all the way up to the highlands of Scotland, the eight region-specific volumes of Britain’s Greatest Cycling Climbs contain the most comprehensive documentation of Britain’s hills ever compiled for road cyclists. Featuring original photography, key climbing statistics and location information, Simon Warren takes you on a detailed and engaging tour of the best (and most challenging) hill-climbing spots in the UK. Whether it’s a vicious incline on the North York Moors you crave, or a grind up one of the epic mountain passes in Wales, this ultimate resource for cycling enthusiasts will help you find what you are looking for. So pick a volume, choose a climb and saddle up for a ride to remember.