Looking for a new challenge for the new year?
Give yourself added incentive to get out on the bike in 2022 by booking yourself in for a famous cycling event that will keep you motivated and focussed on your fitness.
Here are the seven best bike events from around the globe, from charitable rides in the UK to big days out on the city streets of New York and the mountains of France.
MALLORCA 312
- APRIL 30
- SPAIN
Looking for the ultimate test of your training mettle this winter? Sign up for the Mallorca 312.
The monster 312km ride through the cyclists’ paradise of Mallorca is one of the biggest and best sportives in the world. Some 8,000 riders from around the globe have taken on the smooth tarmac and long climbs of this beautiful island for several decades now, elevating Mallorca 312 to a true bucket-list day out.
If you’re not sure your legs will take you 312km, the slightly kinder 225km and 167km options are also available.
Spots sell out fast, so get in quick!
GRAN FONDO NEW YORK
- MAY 15
- USA
Gran Fondo New York is a ride that everyone can love.
The iconic city centre event caters for all riders, whether you’re looking to test yourself against the clock or simply enjoy the sights and sounds of one of the world’s most famous cities.
No matter what you’re aiming to achieve, you’ll be welcomed into Gran Fondo New York’s global community as thousands of riders take to the saddle in the vivid green jerseys handed to each participant.
Two different route lengths are available and everyone’s welcome, so why not get involved in New York’s biggest party.
RIDE LONDON
- MAY 29
- UK
Want to ride through the streets of London without dodging taxis and tourists? Ride London is the one for you.
Ride London returns in 2022 after being cancelled due to COVID in 2021, and it’s set to be bigger and better than ever. Taking riders through central London and into the heart of Essex on entirely closed roads, it’s the ultimate way to cycle in England’s capital and beyond.
The event is so popular it’s close to selling out already, but you can still enter via a ballot or seek entries through charity partners.
UNBOUND GRAVEL
- JUNE 4
- USA
Looking to get off-road and explore some of the USA’s most wild landscapes? Unbound Gravel is an bike ride you’ll never forget.
Unbound Gravel takes riders on an epic adventure across the gravel tracks of the Flint Hills of Kanzas. The tricky terrain and sun-baked stony roads have made Unbound the most mythical gravel ride in the world, and it’s credited with leading the growing shift toward gravel riding.
Six distances from 40km up to a mind-boggling 550km are available for a ride that will test your bike, your legs and your willpower all at once.
Get your fat tyres and bar bags ready for what will be the cycle of your life.
BHF LONDON TO BRIGHTON
- JUNE 19
- UK
The BHF London to Brighton is perhaps the biggest charitable bike ride in the world.
The 54-mile event from the capital to the coast sees proceeds and fundraising efforts go directly to the British Heart Foundation’s life-changing research into heart and circulatory diseases.
The London to Brighton ride is a beautiful day out for everyone to enjoy, from thoroughbred roadies to newbies on mountain bikes. The charitable, all-inclusive event is full of fun and camaraderie – all with the promise of an ice cream on the beach at the end.
Entries are available via a ballot. You can get charitable and get involved in 2022 here.
DRAGON RIDE
- JUNE 19
- WALES, UK
If you want a sample of the alpine experience but can’t make it to Europe, the long climbs of the Brecon Beacons are a perfect alternative.
The Dragon Ride is a stunning challenge that takes thousands of riders over the wild mountains of south Wales. Four different routes ranging from the beastly 304km ‘Dragon Devil’ to the more moderate 100km shorter course means there’s something for everyone.
The ride is so popular that a large proportion of tickets have already sold, but you’re still in with a chance of getting your chance to slay the dragon by entering the waiting list.
ETAPE DU TOUR
- JULY 10
- FRANCE
The Etape du Tour is as close as most of us are ever going to get to being a pro for the day.
This iconic gran fondo uses the route of one of the key mountain stages of the Tour de France every year. The 2022 edition follows stage 12 of this year’s Tour and will take participants from around the world over the mythical Col du Galibier and Alpe d’Huez.
Packing nearly 5,000 meters of mountain climbing into 170km of tarmac, this is no easy ride. However, with closed roads and the full pro experience, it’s the perfect event to keep you focused through the winter and will give you the motivation to keep riding all-year long.
ZWIFT FONDOS!
ANYWHERE, ANY TIME
Ok, so let’s face it, sometimes work, family or budget mean big-event bike rides aren’t possible.
But fear not, the answer is at your fingertips!
Zwift offers a huge range of online sportives and races all-year round, giving you the opportunity to take on a big biking challenge from your living room.
Zwift’s online platform makes indoor training more fun and interactive than ever, so if you can’t make it to a big ride on the road, commit yourself to an online challenge that will keep you motivated and stoked for cycling.