After years of eagerly watching the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia from the comfort of your couch, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of finally booking a cycling holiday to experience the action firsthand. For cycling enthusiasts, these legendary races are more than just sporting events—they’re a celebration of endurance, grit, and the sheer joy of riding through some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes.
Now, instead of being a spectator, you get to ride the same iconic routes that have tested champions and inspired countless cyclists.
This isn’t just a holiday—it’s an unforgettable experience on the world’s most famous roads.
But where do you begin? How do you prepare for such a monumental adventure? Here’s a guide to help you get ready for your cycling holiday and make the most of your time on the road.
Do your homework
Before you pack your bags, it’s essential to understand what’s in store. Every cycling tour is different, and knowing the details is crucial. Consider the following:
- How much riding is involved?
- Check the distance, elevation, and duration of the rides each day.
- Focus on time in the saddle rather than kilometers—especially in the mountains. A 50km ride in the French Alps or Italian Dolomites could take 3–4 hours due to steep climbs and technical descents.
- What are the vertical meters?
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- Knowing how much elevation you’ll cover is just as important as distance. This will help you gauge the physical demand of the rides and tailor your training accordingly.
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Pro tip: Don’t be surprised by the climbing! Remember, if you’ve signed up for the “Classic Climbs of the Tour de France,” expect plenty of challenging ascents!
Define Your Goals
Next, ask yourself: what kind of cycling experience are you after? Whether you dream of conquering epic climbs or prefer a more leisurely pace, it’s important to set clear goals. Here are four riding styles to help you determine your ideal experience:
- Leisure: Ride a few days, opting for shorter and less challenging routes.
- Training Tip: Ride 3 days a week (1 hour each) and plan 2 longer weekend rides of 2 hours on hilly terrain.
- Social: Mix of long and short rides throughout the tour.
- Training Tip: 3 days a week (1-hour rides), plus 1 weekend day with a 2-hour ride and another with a 3-hour ride.
- Challenge: Ride every day, with frequent longer rides.
- Training Tip: Ride 4 days a week (1 hour each), and on weekends, aim for 2.5 and 3-hour rides on undulating routes.
- Epic: Take on the hardest and longest rides each day.
- Training Tip: Train 4 days a week (1.5-hour rides) with weekend rides stretching to 2.5 and 4 hours.
Having a clear idea of what you want out of the tour will help you prepare and set the right expectations.
Assess Your Current Riding Level
Understanding your current riding ability is key to a successful tour. This isn’t just about endurance—it’s also about handling skills, group riding experience, and technical expertise.
- Group Riding: Most cycling tours involve riding in small bunches. If you’re new to this, it’s wise to join a local group ride before your holiday. Group riding builds confidence, improves your bike handling, and makes long training days more fun.
- Pacing: On the flats, most groups average around 25KPH, with occasional bursts between 25-30KPH. Climbing, however, is done at your own pace. Being able to maintain a steady pace will help you enjoy the tour more.
- Descending: Don’t overlook the importance of descending. If you’ve never experienced long, technical descents (20 minutes or more), practice as much as possible. Even experienced riders can find Alpine or Pyrenean descents challenging.
Train for the Tour
To get the most out of your cycling holiday, you’ll need to train in advance. No matter your riding level, the roads of the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia will push you to your limits. Here’s how to prepare:
- Climbing Practice: Try to ride in hilly or undulating terrain as often as possible to build strength and endurance.
- Endurance: Gradually increase the length of your rides to match the daily ride time you’ll face on tour.
- Technical Skills: Work on your descending skills and get comfortable riding in a group.
The training is tough part, but remember: the tour is your reward. It’s where you get to enjoy all the hard work you’ve put in.
Ready, Set, Ride!
Booking your cycling holiday is an exciting step toward realising your dreams of riding the legendary routes of the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, Spring Classics and more. With the right preparation, you’ll be able to enjoy every moment, from the exhilarating climbs to the stunning scenery. So, start training, map out your goals, and get ready for the cycling adventure of a lifetime!
Safe travels and happy riding.
The Bikestyle Tours Team
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