Sometimes it’s time for a long session on the trainer. For those occasions, when you have to do more than an hour and a half in front of the handlebars and with your device and BKOOL in front of you, there is nothing like facing some of the mythical mountain passes, those that have made this sport that we love so much and that move us so much.
We are going to propose six mountain passes, all available to climb on our platform, located in Europe. Prepare gels, prepare two or three water bottles, and look for good music, because we are going to take you to heaven.
And on top of that, pedaling.
Pico Veleta
Located in the Sierra Nevada, in the province of Granada, this impressive mountain pass offers an exciting and challenging climb for any cyclist.
Maybe it doesn’t have the epic of other mountain passes, but without a doubt the Pico Veleta happens to be one of the most demanding that you can find. With an altitude of 3,392 metres above sea level, it is the highest point of the Iberian Peninsula that can be reached by bicycle. The climb to the pass begins in the town of Capileira, in the province of Granada, and extends along a path of about 16 kilometres to the summit.
Mont Ventoux
What to say about a mountain pass that has even had books written about it? Of all the climbs in the French round, this Mont Ventoux is perhaps the one with the most stories: Marco Pantani, our beloved Chris Froome or Wout van Aert have written their name in gold ink on the palmarès of this pass.
Imposing limestone colossus, it reaches 1,912 metres high and offers a breathtaking view from the top. Its winding and steep road is the perfect challenge for any cyclist looking to test their skills.
Passo dello Stelvio
Moving on to Italian lands, Passo dello Stelvio will take us up to an altitude of 2,757 metres, making it the second highest mountain in the Alps and the second highest in Italy.
The road leading to the top is long and steep, but the panoramic view from the top is simply breathtaking.
Col du Tourmalet
With an altitude of 2,115 metres, it is one of the highest passes of the Tour de France and its summit is already mythical, with its statue and the tradition of filling the monolith with stickers. At home you won’t be able to do it, we know, but you can get a medal inside if you are able, in a BKOOL session, to climb it in its entirety.
By the way, our recommendation for this pass: regulate. Although the gradient is between seven and eight percent, it ends up leaving you dry. Don’t overdo it in the first few kilometres and feed and hydrate yourself.
Passo Giau
Passo Giau is a famous mountain biking route in the Dolomites of Italy. It is located at an altitude of 2236 metres above sea level and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the surroundings.
The route is close to 11 kilometres long and has an elevation gain of 952 metres, making it a challenge for the most experienced cyclists. However, the spectacular scenery that can be enjoyed during the ascent makes it worth the effort.
It is an obligatory stop on the famous Giro d’Italia, which increases its attraction for cyclists: in 2021, the last year it was climbed, Egan Bernal left sentenced the final triumph. It is also one of the most popular routes for cyclotourism in the Dolomites.
Alpe d’Huez
We’ll save the best for last. If Mont Ventoux or the Tourmalet transcend beyond the Tour de France, what can we say about Alpe d’huez that hasn’t already been said?
Port par excellence of the French Alps, it is located at an altitude of 1850 metres and its 13.8 kilometres have a drop of 1116 metres, which makes it a challenge for the most experienced cyclists. However, the spectacular scenery that can be enjoyed during the ascent makes it well worth the effort.
In addition, Alpe d’Huez is an obligatory stop on the Tour de France, which adds to its appeal for cyclists. It is also one of the most popular routes for cycle touring in the Alps.
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