In the footsteps of Saint Nicholas

Every year, as December 5th approaches, I have to think of the places named after Saint Nicholas, or of references to them. Although the good saint mostly appears in the Benelux (Luxembourg), the history of this benefactor goes back to other places. Places in southern Europe or ‘Little Asia’, the current Turkey. It is a beautiful inspiration to follow the places of ‘the Saint’ and thus put together your ultimate Christmas adventure. Are you also full of anticipation? This could be a wonderful cycling holiday in the footsteps of Saint Nicholas.

Agios Nikolaos

The ancient Greek name of Saint Nicholas, Saint Nicholas or San Nicola, is Aγιος Νικόλαος, or Agios Nikolaos. For those in the know, this name will certainly mean something because this is a popular destination in Greece. Greek island Crete. It is located on the east side of the island, in a bay with a stunning view. It is in the quiet part of Chersonissos and Malia, where you definitely want to drive around in a big arc in the summer. However, Agios Nikolaos is somewhat quieter and the view is breathtaking as mentioned. What is even more beautiful: you can drive into the rugged hinterland of Crete and in just under 90 kilometers you reach 1500 meters of altitude! That's it. I don't know if Saint Amaro (or Ozosnel, as it is called nowadays) can navigate it well.

Antalya

Sinterklaas was the archbishop of Myra, in what was then Lycia. Although Myra itself is no longer really to be found on the map, you can still easily find Lycia and it includes the province of Anatolia, of which Antalya is the capital. Is it a coincidence or not: Antalya is also a beloved seaside resort, not only for Dutch people but also for the local population. What many people don't know is that Turkey is very rugged and that you have magnificent mountain passes. East of the city you find a beautiful mountainous area, where you are alone on the planet almost immediately. Here you can beautiful bicycles. In the traditional villages you can still eat an apple and an egg. Just be careful with the supplies, because you’ll be alone for a long time too.

Basilica of San Nicola

We already wrote about it earlier. Puglia (Apulia) as a wonderful cycling destination. The city of Bari is the connection to the patron saint in this province. The bones of Saint Nicholas are located in the Basilica di San Nicola in the historic center of Bari. All over the city there are statues of the saint. There is kneeling prayer and the number of crosses that are struck for ‘the Saint’ is countless. That gives Bari something special. San Nicola is also the name of the pompous, decaying stadium of the local FC. For the cyclist, you are also out of the city and ‘into the wild’. Because Puglia is rugged, actually. Also something that the other places have in common with each other.

St. Nicholas

The closer to home, the better. The name is quite clear, but Saint Nicholas is named after the legendary bishop from Myra. The city is very strongly connected to cycling through the cycle route of Flanders. Start and finish are in the middle of the Flemish countryside. You do have to put in some effort to get to the climbs from the RvV You can come, but then you might as well have a plan. One more little tip for your shoes: ask Sinterklaas if you can go with him to the Flandrien Hotel for the weekend!

Last stop: Madrid

How the saint came to end up in our history in Madrid is still a mystery to me. Perhaps it was more convenient from Madrid to come to the Netherlands by boat. Although: a port city is certainly more appealing. Port cities are connected to Saint Nicholas anyway, because he is the patron saint of sailors, shipbuilders, fishermen, dock workers, grain traders, but also of prostitutes and merchants. Things that you often see combined in many port cities. Port cities like Amsterdam and Aberdeen have Saint Nicholas as their patron. This can be seen in the logo of our capital city, where it appears in the Nicolaaskruizen.

Back to Madrid. Often the finish is in La Vuelta. In winter it’s cold, in summer it’s hot. Outside the city is where it has to happen and north of there you have some nice hills where you can do some nice elevation tests and you’ll also encounter a few spectacular hairpin bends! The long round we did starts in the city center and is mostly flat in the beginning. The trick is in the middle part.

Also read the report with Dennis's route tips!