Tag: Cycling

12May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Chalet specialist OVO Network partners with bike rental company Bcyclet 

With demand for cycling in France up 31% according to the latest figures from France Vélo Tourisme, chalet rental specialist OVO Network has teamed up with bike rental company Bcyclet to offer guests a 5% discount on bike hire and accessories from big brands such as Scott and Apidura.  Bcyclet offers delivery of the rental bikes directly to more than 200 OVO Network chalets across the French and Swiss Alps as well as providing a range of services including private cycle guides, van support and airport transfers.  Chris Thompson, director of OVO Network, said: “Every year our owners welcome more guests who want to spend at least part of their holiday cycling. Some bring their own bikes, but for most bike rental is the easiest, most convenient option and Bcyclet delivers this...

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4May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips

Cycling holidays inspired by Tour de France and 2024 Olympics

The eyes of the sporting world will be firmly fixed on France this summer as it hosts the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games and the 111th edition of the Tour de France – cycling’s most iconic road cycling event. For cyclists and active travel enthusiasts looking to experience their own sporting adventure in France this year, independent cycling holiday company Saddle Skedaddle has a range of road cycling trips that combine highlights of Le Tour with the country’s stunning landscapes and scenery. To mark this year’s Grand Depart in Florence and Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, Saddle Skedaddle is also offering a relaxed, self-guided leisure cycling holiday that takes riders on a culinary tour of the Emilia-Romagna region – from Cremona in the north, to Bologna in the south. Tackle ...

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29Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips

Cycling holidays 2024: new tours along Spain’s Camino de Santiago

Famous as a walking route, northern Spain’s Camino de Santiago is also growing in popularity with cyclists. New tours along the pilgrim trail by cycling holidays company Saddle Skedaddle give riders the chance to explore more of the network of camino ways that lead to the city of Santiago de Compostela. Bilbao to Santiago road cycling holidays This newly-extended Camino de Santiago tour takes riders from Bilbao, along the dramatic Atlantic coastline, into the wild Camino Primitivo mountains, before reaching Santiago de Compostela. After collecting the pilgrim’s stamp, riders head out of Bilbao and along the rugged coastline of the Cantabrian Sea before leaving the Basque Country for Cantabria. The route then journeys through the natural parks of Liencres and Oyambre before following ...

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25Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips

Cycling holidays 2024: new tour to Lower Silesia in Poland

Small group cycling and walking holidays company The Slow Cyclist has announced a new exploration of the rural patchwork of landscapes in Poland’s Lower Silesia region, which borders Germany and northern Czechia. This charming corner of Poland is home to lush forests, gently rolling hills, extinct volcanoes, and beautiful castles which Slow Cyclists will discover over five days.  Far away from busy cities and mass tourism, Lower Silesia is an area of Poland where time seems to stand still, dotted with an eclectic mix of architectural styles, from Gothic to Neoclassical, showing off the area's rich, and often turbulent, history. The Slow Cyclist’s itinerary allows for plenty of time in the saddle during the day, but also lots of time to enjoy delicious local meals and relax in beautifull...

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25Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips

Wilderness Scotland’s new trips for 2024: walking, retreats and road cycling

Wilderness Scotland has introduced a range of new guided trips for 2024. There’s a luxurious tour of the Highlands, with exclusive stays and access, a women-only retreat to the Cairngorms, and two new e-biking itineraries, to the Orkneys and the white-sand fringed Outer Hebrides.  Wilderness walking: highlights of the Highlands  This new nine-night, fully guided trip combines the very best of the Highlands’ wild beauty with superb, luxury hotels, offering the finest seasonal food, all while enjoying some stunning hiking. Highlights include: a boat trip to the remote shores of Loch Coruisk on Skye; hiking in Glencoe in the company of red deer and golden eagles; a visit to the Culloden Battlefield; hiking in the Cairngorms National Park; and guided tours of Scone Palace and the Du...

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14Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

UCI Cycling World Championships attracts record crowds in Scotland

The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships in Glasgow and across Scotland have taken the sport to “new heights”, according to UCI president David Lappartient. It’s estimated that one million spectators turned out to watch the 11-day festival of cycling, while millions more tuned in around the world. The final event of the programme, the Women Elite Road Race, brought the curtain down on the inaugural event that has seen 13 UCI world championships combined into one mega event for the first time ever. Belgium’s Lotte Kopecky claimed the top spot following a thrilling finish to the race that saw tens of thousands line the route between Balloch and Glasgow. It was the first time the women’s elite road race has closed a UCI World Championship, with 207 riders (including women under-23) taki...

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2Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts

Flandrien Hotel: a dream retreat for cyclists in Belgium

Flanders, the Flemish region of Belgium, is world renowned for its cycling – especially on its iconic cobbled lanes. Home to many beautiful routes and its own annual race on the UCI World Tour, Flanders has become a must-visit destination for travellers on two wheels.  The region is also home to the Flandrien Hotel, which is described by the Daily Mail as the “ultimate place to stay for cyclists”, and a place which “pays homage” to “pedal power”. This boutique cycling-themed hotel in Brakel, Flemish Ardennes, has accommodation for up to 40 guests, plus a bike collection regarded as one of the “best in the world”, according to Cyclist magazine. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4rCVzstFuY Not just any cycling hotel… The Flandrien Hotel describes itself as a “home away from hom...

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30Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides

Cycling in Emilia Romagna, Italy: top five biking experiences

Following the conclusion of the 2023 Tour de France, attention is now turning to 2024 which will mark the 111th edition of the cycling grand tour. The 2024 Tour de France “Grand Depart” will begin in Italy for the first time in the race’s history, with the Tuscan city of Florence hosting the opening stage on 29 June. Cyclists will then enter the Italian region of Emilia Romagna, passing through key checkpoints including Bologna, Rimini, Cesenatico and Plaisance. Globally recognised as a cycling destination, Emilia Romagna will soon be able to label itself as an official Tour de France host, adding to its list of credentials from the Giro d'Italia to the Nove Colli di Cesenatico. To get travellers in the mood ahead of Le Tour next year, here are five cycling experiences to try when visit...

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27Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Scottish cycling holidays: epic adventures with Wilderness Scotland

From 3-13 August Glasgow and Scotland will play host to the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, with the world’s finest cyclists set for fierce competition on the country’s trails, tracks and roads.  For those keen to experience their own two-wheeled adventure, specialist tour operator Wilderness Scotland offers a range of cycling trips across the Highlands and Islands. Either led by expert guides or self-guided, the trips offer challenging single tracks and sweeping roads, while the epic scenery of the Highlands unfolds at a slower, more immersive pace.  North Coast 500  Scotland’s answer to Route 66, the North Coast 500 is one of the world’s most renowned road routes, but one best enjoyed at the slower pace of two wheels. This week-long guided tour takes cyclists to the NC500’...

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27Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides, Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Aosta Valley: summer adventures in Italy’s smallest region

At the heart of the Alps and bordered by France and Switzerland, the Aosta Valley in northwest Italy is surrounded by some of Europe's highest peaks: Cervino, Monte Rosa, Gran Paradiso and Mont Blanc.  Offering mountaineering, walks and hikes featuring alpine nature and spectacular vistas, Italy's smallest region is also a top destination for cycling and mountain biking enthusiasts, with dedicated tracks and numerous stations with bike parks and downhill circuits. Other highlights include summer skiing, golf and water sports such as canyoning, rafting or canoeing.  Here’s a look at some of the adventures and activities on offer in Aosta Valley this summer…  Hiking at Cammino Balteo This is a circular itinerary of under 220 miles with an altitude between 500m and 1,900...

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18Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Cycling in Catalonia: from the Mediterranean coast to the Pyrenees

From the high Pyrenees mountains to the wetlands of Terres de l’Ebre along the Mediterranean coast, Catalonia offers cycling fans everything they need for a memorable journey on two wheels. In addition to the pleasant temperatures all year round, quiet roads and specialised accommodation offer all guarantees and services for this sport. Catalonia’s rich terrain has also led to the creation of 18 mountain biking centres and trails, comprising more than 6,400km of marked itineraries taking you to every corner of the destination. Mile upon mile of well-maintained road routes, as well as bespoke services and accommodation, Catalonia is a land where everything is within reach. Catalonia accounts with more than 60 accommodation facilities with the Cycling in Catalonia label, recognised as bik...

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18Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Sports holidays: adventure cycling in South Korea with Saddle Skedaddle

Cycling holiday company Saddle Skedaddle has launched a new guided adventure in South Korea that takes riders from Seoul to Busan. The 14-day cycling trip explores the history, culture and cuisine of this often overlooked part of Asia.  Beginning in the capital Seoul, the route follows the newly-developed Cheonggyecheon Stream Bike Path, cutting through the heart of the city all the way to the Han River Bikeway.  Joining the South Han River Bike Path in Yangpyeong, it’s a fairly flat ride to the county of Angsung where the area’s famous hot springs are ready to treat weary legs after a long day in the saddle. More hot springs await in the town of Suanbo, North Chungcheong, where the healing waters have been part of Korean culture for centuries.  The changing scenery leaving S...

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30Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel, Trends

Sustainable sports travel: cycling trends and tours from Cycling for Softies

If you want your next sports-themed holiday to be sustainable, then a cycling tour could be a great option. Often overlooked, this type of holiday offers the opportunity to explore a destination while leaving no carbon footprint. In this expert guide, Harvey Downard, head of cycling at bike tour operator Cycling for Softies, shares some insight into this type of travel and suggests some breathtaking routes for anyone looking for an eco-friendly getaway. No-fly and no-drive: keep your carbon footprint to a minimum Using a bike instead of a car for short journeys reduces travel emissions by up to 75%, according to ourworldindata.org. So, as you explore by bike on your holiday, you’ll be able to cover much larger distances than by car to best immerse yourself in a destination and min...

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30Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Cycling breaks and routes in Lincoln and Lincolnshire

The city of Lincoln and county of Lincolnshire in England has recreated a diverse group of cycling packages for 2022. Here we take a look at the best trips and routes for a two-wheel adventure…  Historic Lincoln & Surrounding Area (155 miles) The Historic Lincoln & Surrounding Area cycle route provides a five-day suggested itinerary covering 248km to see the many different aspects of the beautiful city, treating you to some of the best sights and experiences. Based predominantly in Lincoln, you’ll be able to explore this ancient city in all its glory whilst also venturing further afield to take in the contrasting and captivating surrounding countryside. One of the days’ routes gets you out of the city – you’ll follow the River Witham to Doddington and continue on a picturesqu...

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30Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Cycling holidays in Spain with Saddle Skedaddle

A look at Saddle Skedaddle’s cycling holidays to Spain in 2022 and 2023. Trips include a guided leisure cycling holiday along the Camino de Santiago; a Basque Country to Andalucia north to south guided road cycling holiday; and a Trans Andaluz guided mountain bike holiday. Camino de Santiago guided leisure cycling holiday Travelled by pilgrims for more than 1,000 years, Saddle Skedaddle’s guided cycling holiday along Spain’s historic Camino de Santiago follows in the footsteps of ancient travellers. After collecting the official pilgrim's passport to log the journey along the Camino, the cycling begins with a picturesque ride through vineyards and villages to the town of Villafranca del Bierzo. A challenging climb to the village of O’Cebriero is rewarded with stunning views and a 10k...

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11Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Travel

Event in focus: 2022 Italian Bike Festival, Emilia Romagna 

The northern Italian region of Emilia Romagna is gearing up to host a new edition of the annual Italian Bike Festival. It will take place from 9-11 September 2022 for the first time at the Misano World Circuit, in the city of Rimini on the Adriatic coast. Emilia Romagna – which recently hosted the F1 Grand Prix, the Gran Premio di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini MotoGP, and the Motor Valley Fest – will welcome sports fans and holidaymakers for the biking extravaganza. Since 2018, the Italian Bike Festival has been attracting cycling enthusiasts from all over Europe. And over the course of three days, visitors will be able to interact with more than 500 cycling brands, including Trek, Cannondale, Orbea and Kona. Visitors will also be invited to experience live events such as th...

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17Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

SweetSpot and Destination Sport announce joint venture for cycling events

SweetSpot Group, the sports events and marketing company behind cycling's Tour of Britain, Women’s Tour and Tour Series, and Destination Sport Group, a sports travel provider, have launched a new joint venture to create hospitality packages, accommodation and transport logistics, and experiences at major cycling events. Following previous collaborations at the Tour of Britain, the new enterprise will be positioned in the Destination Sport Group portfolio and focus on building further hospitality experiences, provide hotel and logistical support for participating teams and developing opportunities for cycling enthusiasts to experience the thrill of riding stages of the Tour of Britain, the Women’s Tour and the Tour Series, which all get underway later this year. Under the new agreemen...

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26Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Saddle Skedaddle launch new UK, Europe and international cycling holidays

Independent cycling holiday and tour specialist Saddle Skedaddle has expanded its UK offering, and created new trips in Europe and in international destinations such as Chile and Morocco. Guided road cycling holiday in Wales  Carmarthenshire and the Brecon BeaconsIn response to the huge demand for new UK cycling holidays, Saddle Skedaddle launched its eight-day guided road cycling holiday in Carmarthenshire and the Brecon Beacons in 2021. Beginning in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park, the first day’s riding is characterised by a succession of climbs and descents across the wild and open landscape of the Brecon hills. The ride to the Rhondda Valley introduces more significant climbs, the biggest being Rhigos Mountain, which features broad, sweeping hairpins. Af...

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12Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business, Sports Travel

Destination Sport Experiences to offer cycling tours and hospitality at the 2022 Giro d’Italia

Recently-launched sports travel company Destination Sport Experiences has secured a partnership with RCS Sport to become an official premium tour operator for the 2022 Giro d’Italia cycling grand tour and associated events. The Giro d’Italia is an annual multi-stage cycle race primarily held in Italy, while also starting in, or passing through, other countries along the way. In 2022, Giro d’Italia will begin in Budapest on 6 May and see more than 150 cyclists take on this legendary race over the period of three weeks. As part of the long-term agreement, Destination Sport Experiences will offer unforgettable tours and hospitality experiences, together with the opportunity to ride on the roads of the events at Giro d’Italia, Strade Bianche, Milan San Remo, Il Lombardia and more. ...

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5Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Cycling for Softies: take a two-wheel foodie tour of the Cotswolds, France and Italy

Cycling for Softies, a travel company specialising in luxury cycling tours to destinations renowned for their fantastic food, has picked out the perfect trips for foodie cyclists. On the menu are self-guided tours in Italy, France and the Cotswolds in England. Self-guided cycling: A Taste of Italy Famed for its gastronomy, where better to head for an appetising adventure than Italy’s Emilia Romagna region. Combine history, art and culture with locally-produced food and drink, all leisurely explored from the seat of a bicycle. By day, explore gastronomic history in Bologna, the elegant centre of Modena and visit an “acetaia” to discover how the deliciously sweet, rich vinegar is made. During the evenings, savour gourmet evening meals that include some of the finest traditional fayre ...

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