Choices, choices, choices.

Having many is good, particularly for European gran fondo cyclists on 5 July 2020.

On that day cyclists have 7 incredible European Alpine gran fondo choices to pick from.  With stunning bucket-list events in France, Switzerland, Austria and Italy all in close proximity to one another and occurring on the same day, we rank them to help you choose where to Ride-Like-a-Pro on 5 July.

#7 L’Etape du Tour de France, Nice, France.  Giant Tour de France gran fondo ride complete with post-ride yellow jersey award presentations. Expect warm humid coastal conditions, a 177km long queue of 14,000 riders and 3 Alps Maritimes cols – Col de la Colmiane, Col de Turini and Col d’Èze.

#6 Engadin Radmarathon, Zernez, Switzerand. Ride through St. Moritz, Davos, Switzerland’s only national park and over 4 mammoth Swiss passes on a simply stunning course.

#5 Rad-Marathon Tannheimer, Tannheim, Austria.  218km of very difficult climbing and descending in rugged Alpine mountains and through velvet green rural valleys. Registration is only 58€ if you register by February 29.  Showers are common so carry a rain jacket.

#4 La Marmotte, Le Bourg-d’Oisans, France.  An 8000 rider grand gran fondo with 5 legendary Tour de France cols plus 21 famed Alpe d’Huez switchbacks. Luckily, it no longer sells out so last minute entry is easy.

#3 Cyclo JPP Neuf de Coeur, Cluses, France. The best bargain of the bunch at 40€ offers a 130km Northern Alps course ranked as one of the world’s most beautiful, a smaller 1000 rider field and all proceeds benefit charity Neuf de Coeur.

#2 Kitzbühel Radmarathon, Kitzbühel, Austria.  New kid on the block setting the gran fondo bar high with a mountain top finish on one of the steepest Alpine cycling climbs – Kitzbueheler Horn.  Expect 216km of wonderful Austrian roads with 4600m climbing and great beer afterwards.

#1 Maratona dles Dolomites, La Villa, Italy.  Short,  brutal and fabulous 138km route with 4230m climbing accompanied by superb support and organization.  With the race live streamed and broadcast on TV, family and fans might just see you cresting snow covered passes set against a beautiful Alpine backdrop.

GFDN Worldwide Gran Fondo Calendar