Destinations
United Kingdom
Potholes, dual carriageways, irate drivers and a plague of lycra louts... Well this is what the papers would have you believe. Whilst we acknowledge cycling in the UK has its imperfections, but we believe that we also have some of the most diverse terrain in the world for bike riding - both on and off road. We have designed our trips around the roads and trails we love to ride.
Our home roads and trails in East Sussex provide fabulous opportunity for skinny and fat tyre fun. Rarely a flat road and the beautiful South downs way are at the very heart of our love for cycling. Vineyards, breweries, beaches and a rich history provide great opportunities for living adventurously.
Looking west we also have amazing trips available on the Dorset coast and even further west into Devon and Cornwall. Our English trips have a bit of theme - using our beautiful southern coastline to inspire you on and off the bike. Seeking out varied terrain on the bike and opportunities for SUP and kayaking in Swanage or surf lessons in Croyde.
Staycations will be here and cool long after COVID-19 has done one!!
France
Le Tour, Paris Roubaix, Paris - Brest - Paris - France is synonymous with bicycle and cycling.
It is a place close to our hearts having cycled through the WW1 battlefields, ridden to watch the climax of Le Tour in Paris and regularly visited the mountains of the Pyrenees and the Alps - we love all things French cycling.
The trips we offer reflect our passion for the country and experiences within the tours sector. Whether you are a Sprinter, Rouleur or Mountain goat there is plenty for you to enjoy in France.
As well as cycling, the history and topography of France ensures that there is a diverse range of off bike activities available for all clients. Triathletes will love the cool, still waters of Lake Annecy and the lake path and trials for running. Meanwhile, the historians will enjoy the history of north eastern France as well as cycling in the footsteps of the French resistance in the Alps.
As well as for road cycling, France has a fantastic network of on and off road routes. It represents an opportunity for relaxed cycle-tourism provided by the country's vast network of secondary roads and country lanes. France has some 880,000 km (550,000 miles) of roads - excluding motorways - and almost all of this network is open to cyclists.
For off road enthusiasts - the Alps have an extraordinary network of gravel routes as well as some extremely gnarly MTB trials in and around Les Gets and Morzine and more local to our base are the trails of La Clusaz which are open for July and August.
Italy
Italy and cycling - a true love affair. Extravagant, beautiful, unpredictable and at times flawed. From the brands such as Pinarello, Colnago and Campagnollo. To the races such as the Giro d'Italia, Strade Bianchi and il Lombardia. And to the iconic roads - the Stelvio, Zoncolan, Mortirolo and Madonna Del Ghissalo; Italy has cycling in its soul.
It is for these reasons that we are very excited to be able to offer cycling packages to the shores of Lake Como, staying at the wonderful Hotel Il Perlo. The Hotel, like Italy and like us at Sporta Bike +, has cycling in its heart. It will host our 'falling leaves' weekend and it is from here that you will have a window into the soul of cycling and make a pilgrimage to the chapel atop the Madonna Del Ghissalo which is packed with cycling memorabilia.
For 2023 we will be launching group trips to Bormio, where adventurers can challenge themselves on the punishing slopes of the Stelvio and Mortirolo. More info will be released in the coming months and we make some introductory special offers.
Belgium
Belgium is a cycling mecca. Whilst the Tour of Flanders and Eddy Merckx may steal many of the headlines, this region has so much to offer cyclists and adventurers. With its close proximity to the UK and its rich History and culture, Belgium is a fabulous place to visit for any one with a passion for two wheels.
Belgians are cycling mad - from cyclocross in the winter, cobbles in the spring and road racing through the Summer - there is something for everyone. At Sporta Bike + we believe that Belgium can be a fun and rich experience at any time of year. A few of our recommendations include;
Sporta Bike + can host you in hotels in Lille, Kortijk or Oudenaade and offer a fully supported trip or some self guided ideas.
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The Spring classics weekends - 2 nights in Kortijk, incl return travel from £250pp. Sportive entry is an additional cost
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Flandrien Challenge - 3 day epic conquering all the famous climbs and cobbles, best ridden in the summer months. prices start at £300pp for 3 nights B and B plus return travel
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Cyclocross Socials - take in one of the famous cyclocross events as part of a weekend of cycling, beer and frittes.
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Cycling and History - take in famous battlegrounds, Flandrian climbs and cycling museums over a long weekend - great for clubs and larger groups. POA
Portugal
From 2023 we will be offering groups the chance to travel to the Algarve to enjoy the sun, sea and wonderful roads of the region. With so many flights in Faro and a plethora of accommodation options we think this is a great option for club cycling trips and warm weather training escapes..
We will be featuring more on this option in an upcoming journal entry.
Spain
We are incredibly fortunate to have a number of bases on the Spanish coastline from where you explore its beautiful beaches, rolling hills or vertiginous ascents.
Cycling weekly describes Calpe and Denia as ‘juggernaut destinations’ blessed with 325 sunny days a year. This makes this region a brilliant destination from October to May where day time temperatures vary between 16 to 25 degrees. This area has a fantastic variety of terrain, invariably rides begin with a flat ‘warm up’ before hitting climbs such as the Coll de Rates and Val d Ebo.
Further south, Murcia is blessed with an abundance of sun shine and surrounding terrain make it a wonderful base for on and off road adventures. With a wide variety of cycling routes with different degrees of difficulty. We have bases at La Manga and Aguilas which are ideally suited to multi sport athletes.
To the north - Girona and its surrounding landscape is famous as a cycling playground. There is every chance you may bump into world tour riders who are local to the area. Furthermore, our base(s) combine the best of the region being located near the beach and local nightlife as well as within striking distance of climbs such as the Ermita Sant Grau.
We have recently added Gran Canaria to our portfolio. This location is increasingly popular with professional and leisure cyclists alike. Our base in at the south of the island where we have self catering and half board accommodation options. With barely any flat terrain in the interior, this is a venue which will test and hone your climbing legs!
