3 Hardest Road Cycling Events in the World

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Professional cycling events are plentiful worldwide but which three are the hardest to race in and complete? The Grand Tours would have to place at the top of the list taking into account all factors such as distance, number and skill of competitors, the difficulty of the track and of course the history of crashes at the event! Every year there are three such tours held in France, Spain, and Italy that take the cake for the hardest races in the world and attract the world's top athletes who put their bodies on the line for the ultimate in glory and success.

Pro cyclists begin their race season earlier than one might expect. Between the months of January and October professional bikers travel the world engaging in all types of racing from simple road races to triathlons and indoor time trials. In the middle of such a hectic schedule are the three Grand Tour races.

The Giro d'Italia

Beginning with the Tour of Italy, or the Giro d’Italia, cyclists race 2,159 miles through the low lands and mountainous regions of Italy. The race lasts three weeks and is as exhausting as it is beautiful. It begins in the month of May and attracts some of the best competitors in the world with its extreme challenge and tough course.

Tour de France

The second Grand tour is the well known Tour of France. This race gathers the most high-profile bikers. It has twenty stages and covers 2,235 miles of terrain.

All sorts of weather conditions exist and bikers are never sure what will happen when curves are taken at such high speeds. Sadly in 2011 bicyclist Wouter Waylandt lost his life on such a curve testifying to the danger to each biker as they ride in one of the world's toughest races.

The Tour of Spain

The last of the Grand Tours is Spain’s, Vuelta a Espana. It is raced during the month of August. Again it is a race lasting three weeks and covers 2,050 miles.

Other tour races, such as the Tour of Australia are held and have their own share of challenges. Take the Manayunk Wall in Philadelphia, PA, it is infamous for the 17 percent climb that is torture to both amatuer and pro cyclists alike. That being said, the Grand Tour races are still in a league of their own and are the hardest road cycling events that competitors will ride in their lifetime. They're certainly one for the bucket list and if you're a competitive cyclist, something you must have a go at, if you're prepared to take the risk!

Martin is a road bikes enthusiast, having cycled in many amatuer races, building himself up to one day compete in the grand tours. If you haven't yet seen one of these races first-hand, he recommends you jump on a plane and book yourself some accommodation, as you'll be in for one of the most exhilirating sports experiences that can only be experienced by watching from the side of the road.

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Five Alternative Winter Sports

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As winter closes in ski and snowboard enthusiasts start to dream of hitting the slopes for long days on the piste, reveling in the wintry air and soaking in the dramatic scenery of and snowy mountain ranges. But there are plenty of alternative ways to enjoy winter thrills on snow and ice without having to step into skis or strap on a board. You don’t even have to fly out to the mountains or wait for winter to experience days of snow-filled fun either. So whether you’re heading out to the slopes this season, or staying home for the winter, here are some of our favorite alternative winter activities to get your heart pumping.

Snowmobile riding

If you like fast cars, fresh air and awesome scenery, then you will simply love hopping on board a snowmobile. The awesome power of these machines lets you glide across the snow at high speed, with all the excitement of a James Bond movie. There are some stunning locations to try it out too, including some of the most popular Alpine resorts in Europe, or try snowmobiling across a frozen lake in the beautifully remote surrounds of Finnish Lapland for one of the most thrilling yet peaceful high speed activities imaginable.

Ice climbing

Tackle terrifying terrain that you couldn’t even consider taking on with skis on your feet. Introductory courses are available for beginners with expert instructors based at some of Europe’s biggest ski resorts, such as Chamonix in France, who will soon have you digging your ice pick and crampons into sheer, icy cliff faces, clambering over frozen waterfalls and abseiling down icefalls. You don’t have to stray too far to try it either, guided climbs are available in the Scottish Highlands while there are indoor climbing centres in the UK where you can try out ice climbing at any time of year, whatever the weather.

Parapenting

The snow equivalent of paragliding, parapenting is one of the most thrilling ways to soak in the mountainous scenery of your ski resort. Point your skis down the slope and as your parachute fills with air, it lifts you gently into the air before taking you soaring high above the trees and mountains. Total beginners can give it a go strapped safely to an instructor, who takes control of the chute and ensures you land safely back on the snow.

Tubing

A hit with adults and kids alike, you can forget about learning tricky techniques and stocking up on expensive equipment, all you need for fun on the slopes is an inflatable ring and nerves of steel! Some resorts these days even have special areas for tubing, otherwise you can give it a go any small slope with a safe place to stop, or you may be able to try it out in the evenings on floodlit nursery pistes. Back on home soil, indoor skiing centres in the UK offer the activity for simple, no frills fun on the snow.

Snowshoeing

One of the more gentle ways to enjoy the slopes, snowshoes give you a great way to enjoy the beautiful surrounds that many ski resorts boast, even if you don’t want to partake in skiing or boarding. You can follow safe walking trails around the foothills or more rigorous routes higher in the mountains which will still put your fitness to the test. Guided snowshoe experience days are also available in many resorts both in Scotland and abroad.

This article has been created by Activity Superstore, the UK's leading Gift Experience Days supplier.

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