A small town called Evolène situated within the Valais area of Switzerland and Pennine Alps hosts a marathon event called Raid Evolenard. This past weekend was my opportunity to discover why this event comes with such enthusiastic recommendations, attracts such a star studied line-up, has hosted numerous Swiss National Championships and has been awarded European […]
Alps Bike Festival brings family friendly cycling event to Annecy Mountains
Ask me my highlight from 2018 and I’ll tell you Alps Bike Festival, driving back into La Clusaz this year I was already smiling. This typical French mountain village nestled below the snowy peaks of the Annecy Mountains is becoming a summer playground for mountain bikers and families. The summer season might be another month away but the […]
Racing bikes in the beautiful Ardennes – Belgian Mountainbike Challenge 2019
Belgian Mountainbike Challenge has become a yearly highlight for me and many other enthusiastic racers. The Ardennes are undeniably beautiful, a rolling range of green wooded hills hold a plethora of rooty and rocky descents. Whilst spectacular it can be a cruel place for a bike race with super steep climbs, the worst being the […]
Our European editor finishes 2nd at Roc d’Ardenne!
Switzerland’s Konny Looser won Sunday’s Big Roc Marathon which was a round of the UCI World Marathon Series. Our editor Ben Thomas finished second. Frans Claes was the first Belgian in fourth position. The Roc Marathon is the official UCI race for women and a 83km marathon against the clock for experienced mountainbikers looking for […]
Surviving a Training Camp or Cycling Trip
A sunny training camp is a great way to kick start the new race season and a mid season cycling trip is a great motivator but how can you maximise the benefits and survive a huge week on the bike? For most of us taking a week off work and jetting off to another country […]
4 Islands MTB – A beautiful island hopping adventure
We hurtle towards the airport the day after the final stage of 4 Islands MTB stage race, we leave with many stories, lots of memories, and a love of this beautiful country. The amazing pictures from previous editions attract new participants to this race each year. Those images show a different landscape to any other […]
The Dynamics of Paired Stage Racing
A stage race can takes you on a multiday adventure to some of the most spectacular places in the world, places you’re unlikely to visit as a tourist. A race like this creates lifetime memories and stories you can tell all your friends and family. Why not experience this fantastic journey with a friend in […]
The Raid Evolénard, Authentic Swiss Mountain Biking
In recent years, the Raid Evolénard has been a growing success, attracting more and more mountain bike enthusiasts who no longer hesitate to cross the border to participate in this race. There are many reasons for the success of the race but the biggest reasons are the beauty of the landscapes along the race route […]
Understanding Training Peaks Part 1 – Free vs Premium Account
Understanding Training Peaks, a new Series from our European editor and cycling coach Ben Thomas. Part 1 discusses the various websites available to store and analyse your rides, and the differences between a free and premium Training Peaks account. If you track your rides chances are you’ll be uploading to an online system, there’s so […]
Memories from Norway – Skaidi Xtreme
Back in November last year I began coaching someone in Norway, he ran a bike race, his passion for the event was obvious from the beginning. It didn’t take much to persuade my fiancee and me that we needed to visit Skaidi Xtreme. Flights booked, we signed on for the ‘Different Experience’ and we were […]