Sportive Breaks is back in 2022! Destination Sport Experiences has taken over the running of the brand and even though we haven’t been around for very long as a business, the team at Destination Sport Experiences have years of experience creating cycling experiences. We checked in with the guys in the cycling product team to get the lowdown on where they are most excited to head to in 2022:
Cycling Product Manager Simon – The Stelvio
There is nowhere like Bormio & the Stelvio region for the sheer concentration of amazing climbs. Within a short ride you can be on the Stelvio, Gavia, Mortirolo, Cancano & many more stunning mountain passes. The most famous is the Stelvio which has two completely differing routes up (plus a third from the Swiss side). The Mortirolo is one of the toughest climbs in pro cycling and the Gavia is wild and beautiful, Our base is in stunning Bormio, a spa town at the bottom of the Stelvio and the perfect place for a post ride pint. The local food speciality is Pizzoccheri, a buckwheat pasta which the locals love. We are in Bormio again in summer 2022 and we cannot wait to be back! Check out our Four Night Stelvio Weekender, from £699.
Alex product director – Riding the Etape du Tour and watching the Tour de France
I lived in Alpe d’Huez for several years so I’m excited about this year’s Etape and Tour routes. The Etape du Tour was cancelled in 2020 and 2021. Previous to that, the Etape and the Tour de France were a bit too far apart to do both. In July 2022, the Etape du Tour takes place days before the Tour de France arrives in the same area. Take a week’s holiday in the Alpe d’Huez and be there for both. For groups, we offer the opportunity to book a fantastic Alpine chalet in Alpe d’Huez for the week. We offer guided rides throughout the week and airport transfers from Geneva or Lyon are included. Check out our Etape du Tour weekend packages here or our Alpe d’Huez chalets here.
Si Head of Operations – Ventoux & Provence
The best time to ride in Provence is either June or September when the temperatures aren’t too hot and the roads are nice and quiet. The riding in Provence has to be some of the best on the planet. There are some great climbs apart from Ventoux but there are miles of quiet lanes connecting pretty French villages where the air is warm and fragrant. We are based in the small but lively village of Bedoin at the base of Ventoux. After rides we play petanque outside the hotel and refuel on local wine and great food. It’s the cycling version of the good life. Check out our Ventoux & Provence weekends from £649.
Senior Product Manager Stuart – The Dolomites
This is one of the most unique regions in Europe. In North East Italy (Venice is the closest airport), parts of the Dolomites speak German, parts speak Italian and where we are based they speak Ladin. The hotels are almost all locally owned & run with staff wearing traditional clothing and serving hearty local dishes. Apart from the warmth of the hospitality, this region is world beating for its scenery & the quality of the cycling climbs. There is very little flat but the mountain passes come in all shapes & sizes, from gentle short 5% on the Passo Campolongo to the very steep gradients of Tre Cime di Lavaredo. The thing that unites them – unforgettable views all the way up. We can’t wait to finish each day and watch the sun set over the peaks with a couple of beers at our hotel. Check out our Four Night Dolomites Weekend or Six Night Dolomites Raid*
*Our Tour of the Dolomites is sold out for 2022 but we can still offer bespoke dates for groups.
Jade Marketing Manager – Montenegro
Montenegro has been one of Europe’s under the radar hotspots for the last few years since James Bond put it on the map in Casino Royale. But it is still miles off the beaten path for cyclists. That will change quickly as more people discover this amazing country. With a coastline on the Adriatic & an inland mountain range, there is plenty of variety. The riding is mostly quite gentle with a few rolling days. The highlight is probably the 100km Ring of Durmitor, full of empty roads, glaciers & amazing views and a rival of the Sella Ronda for title of the best one day cycling loop in the world. We spend nights on the coast, in the mountains and small local villages to soak up this new cycling paradise. Check our our Six Night Montenegro Raid from £849.
Brendan M.D. – Raid Pyrenean
The Raid Pyrenean is one of the oldest and most famous cycling challenge. The premise is simple, follow a legendary route from the Atlantic to the Med in under 100hrs. Each day brings classic climbs from the Aubisque, Tourmalet, Aspin, Peyresourde and many many more. The Pyrenees is very special, not only is it the birthplace of mountain stages in the Tour de France but it also has a slower pace than the Alps with small farming & market villages in place instead of ski stations. Each evening on the Raid is spent in a different mountain town where we share war stories over a couple of beers and look at the route elevation of the next stage with a mix of excitement & fear! In just one week our groups form a bond and share in an experience that will live long in the memory! Ride the Raid Pyrenees with us in 2022.