When you start cycling, you usually start in the Netherlands with a local ride. After an hour or an hour and a half of cycling, you sit down on the terrace. Exhausted, proud of your performance. Most cycling clubs then immediately start planning the wildest rides. One thing comes to mind: hairpin bends. Switchbacks. Serpentines. In the Netherlands, it is quite difficult to climb for more than 5 minutes in most places, let alone encountering a hairpin bend., Exceptions left there. Just across the border in the The Ardennes you have more chances already. But the truly beautiful sections are a little further away in the world. We have made a selection here. Here are 5 must-see turns to get lost in.
Monte San Biagio – Maratea
This climb in the province of Basilicata in Italy is certainly not the steepest or the longest. But with a location like this and the image of Christ the Redeemer on top, it does much in the way of a certain image in Brazil. However, the climb from there is a different story. The climb of Monte San Biagio is a total of over nine kilometers long and in that climb it rises an average of 5.3 percent. A great challenge for practically anyone, even if you are just starting to ride a bike.
Malojapas – Switzerland
These photos of the impressive Malojapas in Switzerland appear on many Instagram channels. By the way, there are many architectural highlights in Switzerland. It’s wonderful to see and with the 32-kilometer-long pass in the canton of Graubünden, you’ll be in heaven. It rises to an altitude of 1,815 meters and averages less than five percent. That’s no problem for the cyclist with fitness. The photos can easily be put into an album.
Gotthard Pass
The old Gotthard Pass (many only know the tunnel) is on many people’s bucket list. Not only because of the beautiful curves, but also because there are gravel roads and baby bumps on the road. The classic route from Airolo in Ticino offers beautiful views and images that you immediately want to jump on your bike. The 13.5-kilometer climb is quite strenuous for beginners. For the less experienced cyclist, it’s not exactly a walk in the park. With an average of almost 7% km per hour, it’s steep, but the baby bumps make it even harder.
Lacets de Montvernier
These laces in France were only recently completely finished. Rightly so? Absolutely. This is a shorter climb of four kilometers, but the hairpin bends betray a lot: it is a tough, steep challenge. With an average elevation gain of 7.6% and a peak of 11.5%, you have a difficult climb ahead of you. Here again: the photos are truly breathtaking.
Col de Turini
One that will also turn many heads is the Col de Turini. Another beautiful climb just outside Nice in the south of France. Famous for the Rally of Monaco, but also beloved by cyclists. It gets quite busy here in the summer, but that shouldn’t take away from the fun. The Turini is still a real challenge, as you climb to 1607 meters in almost 15 kilometers of climbing. Crossing that altitude of 1100 meters means that the climb with an average of 7.3% is not an easy ride.
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.