Where would we cycle, when?

Our plan for a perfect cycling and travel year - Your inspiration?

2026 Inspiration calendar

January

We would start the year in Tenerife. Whilst the higher altitudes on Teide can still be pretty chilly, coastal resorts in the south enjoy balmy averages of 22°C (70°F), perfect for short-sleeved jerseys and some winter sun. The super smooth roads make for a nice break from the UK potholes and whether you choose the coastal undulations or a Teide epic, it is a great way to gain some early season fitness.

February

Sri Lanka may seem like a slightly 'far out' option, but we think it is important to throw some proper adventure into your cycling calendar. February is the middle of the dry season so you avoid the monsoons later in the year. You also have the option of gravel riding or road riding, both have a real sense of adventure in Sri Lanka and we can guarantee Tuk Tuks galore, world heritage sites, beautiful people and gorgeous beaches. We adore Sri Lanka and are very excited to be launching our first trips there in 2027.

March

We believe that the Algarve in Portugal is at its most beautiful in March, with beautiful lush countryside, blue skies and temperatures hovering around 20 degrees. One of the great strengths of the region is that you have the choice between the rugged atlantic coast towards Lagos and the climb of Monchique or the quiet flat rural roads north of Tavira to the East. Either way it is a great place to start your Spring cycling and give you summer an early kick start.

April

Now April is a time when a lot of Europe begins its peak cycling season. However, we find it very difficult to look past Belgium and Northern France. We think this region is amazing all year round. However, there is something very special about April in Flanders - bike racing, sportive's and a general excitement about the sport make it an experience like no other. Whether you are visiting purely as a fan, or to ride your bike on the famous cobbles - we guarantee you a wonderful experience.

Cycling culture, cobbles and history

May

Girona In May is arguably the cycling capital of the world. The weather hits a "sweet spot" of 15°C to 25°C, the spring wildflowers are in full bloom, and the professional peloton is out in force training for the summer Grand Tours.

As well as the many on bike highlights, May also sees Girona’s world-famous flower festival. The Old Town (Barri Vell) is covered in intricate floral installations, which might mean a little more walking through town, but also makes a beautiful city feel even more vibrant and full of colour and life.

June

Cycling in Tuscany in June is fantastic, it marks the transition from "perfect spring" to "serious summer." So be prepared to pack your sun cream and get a bit ofn a sweat on up some of the sharp ramps synonomous with the region. It is a month of golden light, endless rows of sunflowers, and long daylight hours that allow for epic rides.

Tuscany is a beautfiul place to ride a bike. Our preferred base is near San Gimignano allowing us to take in the stunning Siena and white roads of Strade Bianche as well as visiting the imposing Volterra or the hills of Chianti. The latter is some of the most beautiful cycling we do in a year. Off the bike there is so much to explore - from the vineyards to the Gelato shops - there is something for evey cultural taste, And those who stay with us for a week often use a rest day for a train ride into Florence which is a lot of fun!

July

The Alps is our playground in July. It might be that you time it to take in a Tour de France stage, or do a twin stop stay to take in some of the regions epic climbs. Our preferred base is Lake Annecy for the range of route it offers - from HC climbs to flat lake loops - it has something for everyone.

The region can get super hot in July, so staying by the Lake allows us to cool off post ride, or for Triathletes in the group to indulge in some high quality open water swimming.

Lake Annecy - cool off and cycle in style

August

With much of Europe baking under then Summer sun, August is the perfect time to explore home roads. An Isle of Wight adventure is a a popular option, whilst the number of Gravel routes emerging also provides an exciting point of variance - we recommend the King Alfreds Way for a multi day adventure or a 2 day epic on the south downs way where you can stop at Cadence Cycle Hubs who are a close relative of Sporta Bike Plus.

September

Slovenia is the birthplace of arguably the best cyclist in history and certainly of our time. And the country itself is as stunning as Pogacar's race winning moves. We stay in the centre of the country in hte 'Valley of the Hops'. This gives us the option of undulating loops to Celje and Zalec or the mountain passes towards and beyond Kamnik. We find the Slovenian people to be some of the most hospitable we meet and the pride they have in their country is palpable and to be admired. Slovenia really is a special country which is truly embracing cycling as part of its culture and tourism offering

Slovenia - beautiful place and people

October

Mallorca has so much written about it, we need add nothing new. Whilst April might be the most popular time to visit the island, we have had some of our best times at the end of the season once the madding crowds have departed. The roads are quieter, tourist traffic far less imposing and the swarm of coaches on Sa Calobra far less of an issue.

There is no doubt that the island has some genuinely stunning routes and the variety of terrain is perfect for some high quality days on the bike. We love to head towards Petra or Sineu and the small towns of the interior to take in a coffee in the autumn sunshine, whilst the Sa Batella climb to the petrol station is always a favourite with guests new and returning.

November

Friend of the company and pro cyclist Tom Portsmouth eulogises about the cycling in Cyprus and we completely understand why. It has a great infrastructure for active holiday makers and is already popular with Triathletes. Many of the roads on the island are super quiet and the range of climbing options is sensational from punchy 2km lumps on the coast, to the Troodos mountains and the 1952m summit of Mount Olympus.

For November 2026 we will be heading to Paphos and we are very excited to be exploring all the island has to offer.

December

We make no secret of our love for cycling on the Costa Blanca. It offers so much to cyclists of all types and it is easy to understand why so many of the worlds best train on these roads. December might seem an odd time to visit as the weather is not always perfect. However, when the winter sun shines there is no better place to be. The sheer number of Pro teams and outstanding cyclists training on these roads make it a uniquely special place and one you cannot fail to be inspired by. We absolutely love it and if you are lucky there is a chance you will be sharing your hotel with the best riders on the planet.

Pro Spotting on Vall d'Ebo

For more info on any of these destinations please get in touch either via the website or email swoodward@sportagroup.com