Stage 2 was likely to be the queen stage of the 2026 Tour Down Under, however few would've expected the gaps created to be so large. UAE Team Emirates - XRG was head and shoulders above the rest of the field today, and by the time Jay Vine and Jhonatan Narvez arrived to Uraidla, they already carrie...

Wild West? On a gravel bike? On a gravel bike? It makes sense, if the Wild West isnt just dust, cacti and adventure to you, but a mindset that wont be pinned down. Thats exactly where the Megamo West comes in. Its designed to be the ultimate gravel bike, ready for just about anything, from fast-paced gravel events to rough, technical trails with bikepacking gear strapped on. But how does it actually perform in our test?Megamo West 02 | 9.00 kg in Size M/L | 5,399 | Manufacturers WebsiteMegamo and gravel go hand in hand. That becomes clear the moment you realise where the brand has its roots: in Girona, a true paradise for gravel and road cycling. Here, smooth gravel roads meet rough, rocky trails, and the local scene is just as diverse, including fast race loops, long adventure days and everything in between. A visit to the Megamo factory in Girona quickly shows how deeply this environment shapes the brands philosophy.But Girona is more than just a scenic backdrop. Anyone who rides there will experience every facet of gravel in a single loop, from high-speed sections to steep climbs and technical descents. And thats exactly the kind of riding the West is built for. According to Megamo, its the bike for everyone and everything. But to survive in the Wild West, you need more than just a frame with generous tire clearance. Thats why Megamo have equipped the West with a whole toolkit of features, practical, versatile, and clearly aimed at true all-round performance.Wild West on Gravel Pure Adventure Aboard the Megamo West 02The Megamo Wests adventure credentials start with its wide range of mounting options. The fork and frame offer plenty of space to attach bags, bottles and other gear, exactly what you need for long rides or bikepacking missions. Theres also a storage compartment built into the downtube, neatly integrated, securely sealed and refreshingly discreet compared to some bulkier solutions currently available on the market.But adventure isnt the whole story. Megamo aim to push the concept even further and break it down into four key pillars. First up is racing. The bikes geometry is designed with performance in mind: a longer reach and slacker head angle provide greater stability at speed while boosting confidence on technical descents. Add in a touch of aerodynamics, and the West is also ready to hold its own in a race setting.A storage compartment integrated into the downtube with a neatly-sealed cover keeps your flat kit and snacks secure no need for an annoying saddle bag.To make sure nothing rattles around in the downtube, the Megamo West comes standard with a fitted bag that slots neatly into the storage compartment.But no true all-rounder would be complete without versatility. Thats why the West offers clearance for 50 mm tires, compatibility with both 1x and 2x drivetrains, and even the option to fit a suspension fork. And if that still isnt enough, its also ready for a dropper post, perfect for unlocking the Megamo Wests trail-focused potential.With countless mounting points on the fork and frame, rack compatibility and the integrated storage compartment, the West is fully equipped to carry everything from a compact flat kit to multi-day bikepacking loads. And for those who want all that without the extra weight, theres good news: the latest Megamo West is now lighter than before. Thanks to a newly optimised carbon layup, it packs in all those features without feeling heavy, keeping things fast and responsive out on the trail.MEGA RIDES if you ever forget what the Megamo West was built for, the graphic on the top tube is a subtle reminder of the bikes adventure spirit.Megamos in-house carbon cockpit integrates seamlessly into the West and, with its slight flare, is a perfect match for the bikes gravel-focused design.The Megamo West 02 in DetailA true all-rounder then, and our test build reflects exactly that with a modern, no-nonsense spec that hits the sweet spot between racing and adventure. Shifting is taken care of by a SRAM Rival XPLR AXS drivetrain, complete with power meter. The bike rolls on Zipp 303 XPLR S wheels, wrapped in 45 mm Pirelli Cinturato Gravel RC Classic tires. Up front, the carbon Megamo Gravel Racing handlebars are fully integrated, sized in medium with a 90 mm stem and 410 mm bar width. Rounding things off is a Fizik Vento Argo X5 saddle. All in, this 5,399 build tips the scales at just 9 kg.If that doesnt quite hit the mark, Megamo have you covered with several other versions. The model range includes a higher-end build with SRAM Force AXS groupset, as well as three more affordable variants. The entry point is the West 15 at 2,399, featuring a mechanical Shimano GRX 211 drivetrain and Megamo SL 25 ASY Gravel wheels. Megamo arent just positioning the West as a flagship bike, but as a versatile platform to suit a wide range of gravel riders from keen racers to tour-focused explorers.Megamo West 02 2025 5,399SpecificationsSeatpost Gravel Advanced Carbon Seat Post ****Brakes SRAM Rival AXS 160/160 mmDrivetrain SRAM RIVAL XPLR AXS 1 x 13Chainring 40Stem Gravel Racing Handlebar 90 mmHandlebar Gravel Racing Handlebar 410 mmWheelset Zipp 303 XPLR S 12 x 100 / 12 x 142Tires Vittoria Terreno T50 Mixed 700 x 45cCranks SRAM Rival XPLR AXS DUB 170 mmCassette SRAM XG-1351 XPLR 10-46Technical DataSize XS S M L XLWeight 9,00 kgThe Geometry of the Megamo WestIn size M, the Megamo West hits the sweet spot. With a 565 mm top tube, 400 mm reach and 576 mm stack height, it places you in a sporty riding position without feeling overly aggressive. The 69 head angle combined with a 1,059 mm wheelbase ensures plenty of composure on gravel, while the 430 mm chainstays keep the bike feeling agile and responsive. Its a true gravel all-rounder, designed to feel just as confident on race day as it does on a fully loaded bikepacking trip. The geometry strikes a careful balance, offering stable yet sporty handling that stays true to the all-round concept.SizeXSSMLXLSeat Tube530 mm550 mm565 mm580 mm600 mmTop Tube430 mm430 mm430 mm430 mm430 mmHead Tube120 mm135 mm150 mm175 mm200 mmHead Angle69.569.757070.2570.5Seat Angle74.574.574.574.574.5Chainstay Length400 mm400 mm400 mm400 mm400 mmBB Drop50 mm50 mm50 mm50 mm50 mmWheelbase1,031 mm1,017 mm1,059 mm1,070 mm1,086 mmReach378 mm391 mm400 mm405 mm415 mmStack548 mm563 mm576 mm600 mm625 mmThe Fastest Adventure the Megamo West on ReviewVisually, the Megamo West keeps things understated. Compared to many of todays gravel bikes, it doesnt scream race-ready, nor does it look overly delicate. In fact, quite the opposite, it clearly leans into that rugged adventure vibe, and at first glance, youd expect a bike built more for comfort and steady cruising, which makes the ride feel all the more surprising.Out on the trail and gravel, the West reveals a far sportier side than its appearance suggests. Acceleration is impressively sharp, almost punchy. It picks up speed eagerly, especially when youre pushing out of a corner or pumping over small rollers, and it feels satisfyingly direct. Thats thanks in part to the fairly stiff frame and centred riding position, which naturally encourages a more aggressive style. Even at lower speeds, the handling is quick, bordering on nimble.And yet, Megamos own claim holds true: as the pace picks up, the West transforms. Its character shifts from agile to planted, striking exactly the kind of balance youd want from a true all-rounder. At higher speeds, it tracks confidently, inspires trust and stays composed whether youre racing or fully loaded for an adventure. Its that ability to remain stable in rougher terrain, even with gear strapped on, that really shows off what the West is made for.Almost like Girona the Megamo West is just as much fun on Franconian gravel as it is on the trails back home.When it comes to efficiency, the Megamo is good, but not exceptional. In this particular build, its not set up to chase every second in a flat-out race. The slightly more upright riding position, the frame that doesnt scream aero, and the grippy Pirelli tyres all hold it back a touch if outright speed is your main goal. So if youre chasing marginal gains, a bit of fine-tuning will be essential. Tuning tip: Whether its different tires or a suspension fork, play around with the setup and make the Megamo West truly your own.Much of the bikes compliance comes from the 45 mm tires, which deliver loads of damping, grip and noticeably more control on rougher terrain. The frame itself also contributes a degree of vibration damping, though theres still room to go further if you want more comfort. With clearance for 50 mm tires and the option to fit a suspension fork, the West offers plenty of potential to dial in even more control and plushness.So Megamo werent promising too much, the West shows serious all-round capability even in this stock setup, and performs well across just about any terrain or use case. And if youre after something more specialised, thats no problem either. The platform is adaptable, personalisable, and ready to evolve with your riding style.Who Should Take a CloserLook at the Megamo West?Racer or adventurer? The Megamo West aims to be both, and in our test, it pulls it off impressively well. Its made for riders who want a gravel bike thats ready for anything, without being tied to a single category. As a platform, the West is incredibly adaptable. With the right setup, it can transform into a full-blown adventure rig with suspension fork and dropper post, or into an uncompromising gravel racer. Thats where the real strength of the West lies: it never feels like its stuck between two identities. Instead, it seems right at home across in all scenarios, whether youre flying down fast gravel roads or picking your way through technical descents.Helmet Uvex surge aero MIPS | Glasses 100% S3 | Jacket Rahpa Pro Team Lightweight Gilet Jersey Gonso Road Jersey M | Bibs Velocio Mens LUXE | Shoes Fizik Vento Oman WideConclusions About the Megamo WestThe Megamo West is a fast all-rounder and a dedicated adventure specialist all in one. Its a platform that is built for everything and everyone, packed with features and ready for whatever you throw at it. And yet, it never feels overloaded. On the contrary, the overall package is well thought-out and impresses on the trail with its surprisingly punchy acceleration, direct handling and rock-solid stability at speed. No surprise really after all, in Girona, where smooth gravel roads and rough trails are right on the doorstep, youve got the perfect testing ground to develop a bike like this.TopsVersatile range of usesWell-balanced handlingClean look and well-matched specFlopsNoneMore information at megamo.com. Der Beitrag New 2026 Megamo West on Review Wild West or Gravel-Racing? erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.

The Tour Down Under has imploded on the Corkscrew climb, and by the time stage 2 finished, UAE Team Emirates - XRG have placed themselves in a position where losing the overall classification looks nearly impossible. A terrific climbing performance on today's stage saw Jay Vine and Jhonatan Narvez...

welsh valleys GRAVEL X24th May 2026 | Afan Forestlong route77km | 1,750mBOOK NOWmedium route56km | 1350mBOOK NOWOVERVIEWWHAT TO EXPECTROUTESFAQsLocal areaMAKE A WEEKEND OF ITPACKING LISTOVERVIEWAfan Forest was named in the top 10 places to ride before you die by What Mountain Bike magazine and the valleys surrounding the area are equally worthy of providing some stunning trails to explore by gravel bike.Starting on the amazing trails of Walters Arena, youll head into remote countryside riding through parts of the National Forest for Wales passing by abandoned mines, former tramways and disused railways that give a glimpse back into the history of the area.Expect cracking views, mixed terrain with mostly smooth fire roads and some tasty Welsh climbs for this end of spring classic gravel ride.RIDE HIGHLIGHTS:Pure escapism as you head into the countryside on remote gravel trails.A challenging ride with several classic gravel climbs, amazing views and flowing descentsGet a sense of the areas mining history passing disused mines and railwaysWhat to expectThe ride starts in Walters Arena a private area packed with wide gravel trails. Over 80% of the route is on gravel and there is plenty of long, rolling sections either side of some sharp climbs getting in & out of the valley. The views are definitely worth the struggle to get up to the tops.Ride difficultyNeither route is overly long but both the medium & long routes involve a number of off road climbs. This ride is suitable for cyclists of all abilities.Long Route ****Medium Route ***Ride difficulty explained***** Reserved just for our hardest routes. Expect long distance & lots of challenging climbs both on and off road.**** Typically longer rides with regular climbs which could be both steep & long. Suitable for regular riders with some training.*** A mix of terrain & elevation. A decent day out with some tricky sections but still suitable for regular riders.** Some harder sections but suitable for all regular cyclists* Easy, suitable for all riders. Mostly flat route.Technical difficultyExpect mostly smooth fire roads through the forest but there are a few short technical sections. This area drains well so should deal with any rain. There are a couple of steep descents on gravel.Long Route *** Medium Route ***Technical difficulty explained***** A challenging route suitable only for experienced riders. Expect short hike-a-bike sections, a mix of terrain & loose climbs and descents.**** Suitable for regular off roaders, the route may contain rockier sections, technical descents etc.*** A mix of off road conditions with some more difficult sections.** More typical UK gravel which may be muddy when wet but no challenging sections* Smooth terrain suitable for all riders.TYRE & BIKE RECOMMENDATIONSThis route is designed for gravel bikes but you will be fine on a hardtail MTB. We do send out tyre recommendations closer to the time. If dry, a standard all-rounder gravel tyre (45-55mm) will be ideal.Included in entryFully Signed RouteOur team work tirelessly to create the best gravel routes in the UK. All courses are fully signed so you can just enjoy the ride.Checkpoints with proper foodAn epic ride deserves proper support. We have tea, coffee and cake at the first feed and sandwiches & crisps at the main feed. Checkpoints are approx every 30-40kmAccurate GPX FilesA few days before the ride, we will send GPX files for all of the route options so you can follow the course on your GPS as well as the signs.Mechanics AvailableAt the rider village & at selected feed stops we have mechanics available to help with any bike issues. We also have spare inner tubes, CO2 &more.Rider Support VansWe are here to make sure you have a great day on the gravel. If you have any major mechanicals or need collecting, support vehicles are a phone callaway.Beer at Finish LineYou will be greeted at the finish line with a beer & food available from our food truck. Perfect to chat about your day with fellow riders.Fully Signed RouteOur team work tirelessly to create the best gravel routes in the UK. All courses are fully signed so you can just enjoy the ride.Checkpoints with proper foodAn epic ride deserves proper support. We have tea, coffee and cake at the first feed and sandwiches & crisps at the main feed. Checkpoints are approx every 30-35kmAccurate GPX FilesA few days before the ride, we will send GPX files for all of the route options so you can follow the course on your GPS as well as the signs.Mechanics AvailableAt the rider village & at selected feed stops we have mechanics available to help with any bike issues. We also have spare inner tubes, CO2 &more.Rider Support VansWe are here to make sure you have a great day on the gravel. If you have any major mechanicals or need collecting, support vehicles are a phone callaway.Beer at Finish LineYou will be greeted at the finish line with a beer & food available from our food truck. Perfect to chat about your day with fellow riders.EVENT PROGRAM20th May: GPX files and pre ride briefing sent by email to each rider.24th May: 7.30am: Ride village at Walters Arena opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.24th May: 8am to 8,45am: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.24th May: 6pm: Rider village closes.24th May: 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.ROUTE DETAILSLONG ROUTEStarting in Walters Arena, we spend the first 5km on gravel before a sharp road descent getting out of one valley before we climb into the next.The biggest challenge of the day is the 6.6km (avg 6%) climb into Afan Forest this is a near alpine length climb which takes us to near the highest point of the ride.From here, we have 40km of rolling terrain (with a couple of short climbs) which is some of the best gravel riding in the UK. You will enjoy massive views of South Wales along with some super fun sections on smooth fire roads.As we get close to the end we have a long gravel descent out of the valley and then we finish with a spicy 2.5km climb to the line.Percentage of Route Off Road: 80%Distance: 77km7Elevation: 1,150mDifficulty:Technical Difficulty:Medium ROUTEThe medium route follows the long route skipping 20km of the middle section so you still have the long, tough climb into our main valley & a long descent near the end before the punchy climb to the finish.You can decide on the day which route you want to do, the rides split at 30km.Percentage of Route Off Road: 75%Distance: 56kmElevation: 1350mDifficulty:Technical Difficulty:Medium ROUTEThe medium route follows the long route but chops off the final lumpy 30km. This makes the medium a great option for new gravel riders or those looking for a quick route to do in the morning. But be warned, all the climbing is at the end of the route!Percentage of Route Off Road: 80%Distance: 44kmElevation: 550mDifficulty:Technical Difficulty:SHORT ROUTELorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.Percentage of Route Off Road: 40%Distance: 104kmElevation: 750mDifficulty:Technical Difficulty:FAQsWHERE DOES THE RIDE START & FINISHThe ride starts and finishes at Walters Arena. There is free parking onsite as well as toilets & refreshments. We will send the ride village address by email.ARE E-BIKES ALLOWED?Yes, e-bikes are allowed on all Glorious Gravel ride. These must comply with UK law.WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE A MECHANICAL OR ACCIDENT?We have first aiders & mechanics at the feed stops. There will be a phone number on the back of your ride number call this if you need collecting.HOW DO I BOOK CAMPING FOR THE WEEKEND?Camping spaces at Walters Arena are available on Friday & Saturday night. These are booked on a first come, first served basis and are available in the checkout when you book your ride entry.LOCAL AREAWalters Arena is an hour from Cardiff or 30 mins from Swansea.Its not an easy location to get to by public transport, the nearest station is Neath which is still a 25 min drive.Make a weekend of itWe have a gravel race on the Saturday in Walters Arena, come along and race or watch the action https://britishgraveltrophy.com/welsh-valleys-trophy/If you are staying over for the weekend, there is camping on site on Friday & Saturday night. There is some great mountain biking nearby or try the massive zipline nearby.Make a weekend of itCamping is available at Tackeroo on both Friday & Saturday night. This is a lovely site in the middle of the forest. There is no power or showers but we will have toilets & a food truck available.Cannock Chase is home to some great mountain biking and lots of good options for walks. Around 1km from our ride village, there is a Go Ape, disc golf & visitors centre. There are also plenty of great options for kids with a great play area & Gruffalo trail.Packing listThe route takes in some remote sections. We have support vans available but we recommend you are as self sufficient as possible including:Bike spares2 x inner tubes suitable for the size of your tyreIf running a tubeless set up, have a tubeless repair kit including plugs and spare sealant.Multitool | Chain link specific for your bike chainSmall pump | Brake pads (especially in wet conditions)Personal Medical kit1 x crepe roll bandage | Gauze or similar absorbent dressingAssorted plasters | Antiseptic (spray, cream or wipes) | Prescribed medicationThe post Welsh Valleys Gravel Epic appeared first on Glorious Gravel Off Road Adventures in Cycling.

We preview stage 3 of the Tour Down Under that is set to take place on the23rd January, having an estimatedstart time at 02:10CETandfinishing at 05:10CET. Following UAE's domination in Uraidla, this is going to be a day that should finish in a sprint, however with a few climbs on the day where w...

CyclistRough and tough: Mont Cenis gravel rideThe food, the culture, the art, the accent, the sheer bloody romance of the place yet my favourite thing about France is that youre never more than a layby away from a bloke sat in a plastic chair staring at a road. Behind him is invariably a motorhome, beside him almost certainly his long-suffering wife, but whatever the specifics, Ive always found this bewildering and beguiling.Were pedalling past one of the most wonderfully blue expanses of water I have seen in some time at the tail end of a glorious French summer, vertiginous mountains on all sides, and although I too want to live a life with my shirt off, I cant understand why this fellow and his partner have positioned themselves at car exhaust level on the side of the D1006 to Modane. Theres an actual, spiritually life-affirming view just over their shoulders. But I cant fault them really. They may be sitting in silence, staring at a layby, but by goodness they look content.Juan Trujillo AndradesWe turn off the tarmac to begin an ascent of one such vertiginous mountain and its not long before the track has turned so steep and loose that were forced to dismount. Im left to push my bike and wonder at my life choices pedalling up steep things. I should like to be in that layby now too. I bet hes got loads of stubbies in that cool box.HardTo set the scene further: we have set off from a car park just up the road from the shores of Lac du Mont Cenis, a reservoir whose services are retained at 1,974m such that the gravel track were on will deliver us to 2,728m, atop the Col de la Met. Were in the Mont Cenis massif, right on the edge of the French Alps where the Savoie department borders Italy. Turin is little more than 60km away.Juan Trujillo AndradesThe highest peaks we can see are steely and snow-drifted, but the slopes were pushing our bikes up have a meadowy feel, their demeanour soft and rolling and their sun-scorched grasses speckled with wildflowers. Finally the gradient tapers off into a hairpin thats flat enough to remount, and we continue pedalling.The we is me and Kim, or Gravel Kim to her followers, an ex-tennis player of some calibre turned adventurer who youll be as likely to see pedalling round a high-altitude reservoir as you will drifting through a night market in Kathmandu. Still, despite such globetrotting chops, Kims happy to admit shes finding the going challenging, which is a relief, as so am I.Were high enough that were looking down on the colourful wings of paragliders, but each hairpin feels harder won than the last, my chest labouring, wheels spinning and derailleur with nowhere left to go. It feels odd to say its the altitude as weve only ascended about 500m, but when you start off close to 2,000m it feels safe to assume air thinness has something to do with it.Juan Trujillo AndradesWhat is rather lovely, however, are the sounds up here. It is quiet like wintery days and un-popped ears are quiet, the crunching of our tyres slightly muted and the occasional whistle of a marmot ethereal in a Star Trek-theme kind of way, echoing through the enormous spaciousness of the mountains. Ski lifts dangle motionless and snow cannons jut angularly from the snowless ground like giant javelins.I can just about make out the top of the Col de la Met, a section where the horizon ceases to present any more peaks and instead forms a crisp blue band above the plateauing brown of the track. We pass a loose-tiled shack that houses the end of a chairlift the only other way up here save for an exceptionally long and taxing hike. A few metres after the hut the mountain falls away and a viewing platform greets us, out on its cantilevered limbs to offer the best possible vista of the Lac du Mont Cenis below.Juan Trujillo AndradesAs rewards for climbs go this is a really rather good one, but it needs to be. According to my maths, that climb was around 8km at more than 11%, and there were several forays deep into the twenties that reminded me of the Lake District if transposed to a quarry. The only way back is to retrace our tyre tracks down, so we set off in search of the shore road around the lake to our second climb.HarderAs we pedal over the wall of the dam thats penning in the lakes waters, I add a few other things to the tableau of oddities nestled in this decidedly beautiful spot: military men jogging in fatigues with laden bergens; more men in plastic chairs positioned so they can see into a caravan park; a lone swimmer and a cat on a lead. All seem unfazed as we pedal by, except the cat who looks royally pissed off.Juan Trujillo AndradesWe turn up another track and pass a series of pieces of traffic furniture that, if not a direct instruction to stop, are at least a caution. We nip round a yellow and black barrier preventing cars from passing, then we lift our bikes over a red and white chain. I reason the chain would be pulled taut if they really wanted to stop us going any further, plus a cursory look at our maps suggests this is the only viable route to Mont Malamot at 2,917m.Much like the Col de la Met on the opposite side of the lake, the feet and ankles of Mont Malamot are bucolic in looks but brutally steep to pedal, and were soon pushing our bikes again. My tyres simply cant find the traction nor my legs the necessary power. Still, it provides an opportunity to guess at the abundance of wildflowers, which I shall call buttercups, daisies and purple jobbies, but might well be aster, campion and fleabane, who knows?Juan Trujillo AndradesBelow us the lake is still and Bond villain-blue, the very colour and flatness youd paint steel shutters designed to disguise a radio beam weapon for disrupting American missile launches. Probably. My bike computer barely registers 7kmh so I have enough time to think such things, albeit theyre not entirely without tenuous context.Situated as it is, the Mont Cenis range was a heavily defended crossroads between France and Italy, leading to various military fortifications erected from the 18th century onwards, and its one such base, Fort de Malamot, that we owe this road to, although right now Im thankful for none of it.Juan Trujillo AndradesThe high-contrast flora is disappearing, leaving balder, greyer mountainside in its place, the track riddled with gulleys carved deep by snowmelt. Rocks of all sizes scatter the way, and between them and the gulleys its a full-time job just to stay clipped in. It will sound like an exaggeration but I cant think Ive ever ridden up something so inhospitable to bicycles. Suncream is leaching out of my skin in milky, eye-stinging streaks, my wrists are both carpalled and tunnelled, and my legs feel tight and soft at the same time. Two more hairpins and this Sisyphean endeavour is wearing thin enough to snap.Juan Trujillo AndradesHardestWere high enough now that snow drifts are a consistent feature, and in another world thered be a certain magic to it. But as we pedal our way past the ruins of barracks used in the Great War and beyond, the mountain is a sombre place to be. Theres an inherent eeriness to any abandoned structure, and I can well imagine the grimness suffered by those unlucky souls once stationed up here in winter.Juan Trujillo AndradesWere at 2,800m, the wind is whipping in the way wind tends to at altitude, and the landscape is brutish and spartan. The odd wildflower clings improbably to a tuft on a rock, its delicate stalk and petals somehow taking a stand against the elements, and while theres surely a wonderful metaphor for life in such a flower, all I can think about is we still have another 100m of ascent to go and its getting really quite cold.Juan Trujillo AndradesEventually the track plateaus, offering a few metres of easier pedalling before sweeping back off to the left. We follow, the surface now truly lunar, make one more turn and then white. A huge snow drift has enveloped the track. I can see to the other side, but I can also see that shouldering my bike and walking across might lead to certain death. One way the track climbs up, the other way it drops into a mini-abyss, and Ive seen enough episodes of 999 to know that this is when good times go bad. Theres still some 20m of ascent to go and weve not yet reached Fort de Malamot, but we decide to be sensible and call it a day.Juan Trujillo AndradesWe remount and pedal carefully. Im conscious were both on non-tubeless gravel bikes and we only have a tube and a patch kit between us. Also the sun is dropping at a rate of knots in the mountain sunset way one second you can see, the next second its dusk, the next its night. With that comes the cold; with cold the exposure, and soon my mind is catastrophising situations that revolve around hunting marmots with inner tube catapults and using a Di2 battery to start a fire.Juan Trujillo AndradesWe eventually make it down, and by the time weve skirted the southern side of the lake and arrived back at the start, Im amazed to find weve been riding for nearly four and a half hours but have covered less than 50km. Testament to just how hard this ride turned out to be, we climbed Mont Malamot all 8.76km, 900m and 10.3% gradient of it at an average speed of 4.2kmh. And the descent was barely any better at 4.9kmh. We probably could have walked it faster, but then again wheres the fun in that? Sometimes cycling is about overcoming more than it is the actual pleasure of riding. Its the triumph in the face of adversity that gives certain miles their meaning.The man in the plastic chair cracks another beer, toasting our success inwardly, no doubt.Juan Trujillo AndradesHow we did itTravelCyclist flew from London to Geneva with Easyjet, where flights in September cost around 100 return plus 45 each way for a bike and more for luggage. Alternatively, a train to Geneva costs around 150e/w if booked in advance, requires two changes and takes approximately seven hours. Once in Geneva, we transferred by car to Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne in a little under two hours.AccommodationWe stayed at the Best Western Cur de Maurienne in Saint-Jean-du-Maurienne (bestwestern.co.uk), a 1.5 hour drive from Mont Cenis admittedly, but brand new and not too expensive at 105pn. Saint-Jean-du-Maurienne is a bustling little town perfectly positioned for rideable access to Les Lacets du Montvernier and the Col de La Madeleine, among several other iconic climbs, on both road and gravel.ThanksBig thanks to Cline Guillermin from Savoie Mont Blanc (savoie-mont-blanc.com) for organising this trip, ferrying us around and keeping her merdes to herself when we failed to leave the right bike in the right place, resulting in Cline having to make a four-hour round-trip to sort it.Thanks also to Kim for riding with us (@gravel_kim on Instagram) and Adrian from Cyclomundo for the logistics and bike hire. Cyclomundo is a local tour operator based near Geneva that offers expert guiding and self-guided tours, as well as full packages for events such as the tape du Tour de France and La Marmotte. See cyclomundo.com.The post Rough and tough: Mont Cenis gravel ride appeared first on Cyclist.

From the 23rd to the 25th of January, the European racing calendar begins in the Valencia region of Spain. Many teams are training and preparing the 2026 season there, and there will be three consecutive events in the region: The Classica Camp de Morvedre; Gran Premio Castelln and Clssica Comunita...