If you’re planning an active break on two wheels this summer then you could do a lot worse than heading to Europe for some mountain biking.
There are countless exceptional trails on the continent, and Deutsche Welle recently rounded up some of the top spots to consider if you haven’t picked your mountain biking destination yet.
First up was Lake Garda in Italy. One of the most appealing things about this spot is that it boasts trails to suit every ability. There are downhill, freeride and endurance routes to tackle, not to mention stunning scenery.
Alpe d’Huez in France also draws in mountain bikers each summer. The ascent is best known for its part in the Tour de France, but as any mountain biker knows, the real fun is in the descent.
The Megavalanche trail is what attracts mountain bikers. You’ll need to get a cable car to Pic Blanc some 3,330 metres above sea level and from here you start your descent along steep mountain ridges down to Allemond.
It’s said to be one of the longest mountain bike descents in the world, so it’s easy to see why it’s so popular.
Another destination highlighted by the news provider was Gran Canaria in Spain. The island’s hilly interior is a delight for mountain bikers to explore.
If you’ve got a bit of time before you head off on your holiday, it doesn’t hurt to get in some extra mtb skills coaching before you go, especially if you’ll be tackling long descents.
And you don’t have to head to the continent for great mountain biking this summer though. Scotland has been investing in its mountain bike trails, so there’s a lot to discover north of the border.