L’ANNÉE 2019
Another twelve months, a few thousand kilometres, new friends, old friends, many bikes and the same love of cycling.
From opening the doors to a huge network of gravel roads on our doorstep, to heading Due South in this year's shop-to-shop Audax, and heading north for a wheels to waves bike-surf adventure.
This is, or should we say, that was 2019.
#1 SHOT OF THE YEAR
Getting outdoors, out there, as far or as high or as remote as possible has long been the aim of the game. However, escape within the city can be as much fun. During the heatwave in the middle of summer, Paris still delivered its famous light as we toured the city in the limited edition Bastille jersey.
Let’s see if other cities can provide the same, shall we?
#2 RIDE OF THE YEAR
In less than twelve months Michael Angelo Covino and Kyle Marvin went from shooting the first scene of their film, The Climb, on the Col de Vence to winning the Coup de Coeur prize at Cannes Film Festival.
Having supplied the riding kit and the peloton for the first scene, there was only one thing left to do - organise the first edition of the Tour de Cannes on the Corniche d'Or before the party began…
And the film is due to hit screens around the world in early 2020. Watch this space…and the screen.
#3 ADVENTURE OF THE YEAR
Biking to the beach in Asturias.
First it was a winter adventure from pedals-to-piste with Audrey and Manon up in Auron. Then in Spring it was time to go from wheels-to-waves. Two passions, one adventure. Swapping the blues of the Côte d'Azur for the greens of Spain's northern coast, camping beside the sea to catch the best breaks.
2018 was fly fishing, 2019 was skiing and surfing. Answers on a postcard for 2020, please.
#4 PRODUCT OF THE YEAR
The Atelier Collection has been a joy to develop. The Fleurette sunrise summer jersey and accompanying raspberry Marinette bib shorts were a summer standout. The Solange winter jersey for the rough stuff was literally a sell-out.
Lisette, from the Arrière Pays collection, is in part a celebration of the environment we cycle through. That it proved a popular product goes to show the inspiration is mutual.
#5 AUDAX OF THE YEAR
Due South was the second in the ‘Due’ series, aka our reason to invent the next DIY Audax. The other compass points are on the ‘to do’ list.
Due South’s stagiaire, Sophie Gateau went on to tackle her biggest challenge to date – the NorthCape 4000. She says it was just to avoid the mad dogs (literally) of the TCR. A bit extreme, or just audacious?
#6 EVENT OF THE YEAR
An eventful year of events….The early season saw James Hayden chase down the race leader of Italy Divide only for the two riders to decide enough was enough and finish together.
The second edition of Fête des Zinzins delivered crashes, climbs and a pizza party. But Further lived up to its name. Hike-a-bike across the Pyrenees via roads, tracks and smugglers’ trails.
Next year though, it has to be a return to the traditional for L’Étape du Tour, but surely there is a twist in there.
#7 RIVIERA GRAVEL OF THE YEAR
La Turbie to Fort de la Revère.
Via del Sale is one of the most dramatic gravel routes within riding distance of Nice, and is a 'must-do' for lovers of the loose stuff.
But as part of the Riviera Gravel series, the climb from La Turbie to Fort de la Revère epitomises the flexibility of the cycling in Nice. Off the beaten track yet with a finale that delivers a baclony view over the great big blue and a quick descent back to Nice afterwards.
With new gravel rental bikes arriving in the Café as we type, it's your turn to discover Riviera Gravel.
#8 SWIMHOLE OF THE YEAR
What's better than being able to ride into two different countries (don't forget Monaco stands in the way of the Italian border) via the Riviera coastline on a standard day in the saddle? Answer : being able to ride up a valley through ancient villages and olive groves to a crystal clear river pool to dive into for a mid-ride refresh in the middle of Mediterranean summer.
#9 MOUNTAIN OF THE YEAR
Joining the Montagnes du Monde Series, Japan's tallest mountain made a big impact, helped by a local explanation of its hold over those that live in its shadow. Clouded in history and heritage, it’s definitely one to add to your badges for cols checklist.
#10 ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE YEAR
Le Tour de France & L’Étape du Tour in Nice.
Unless you’ve been hiding in a bunker, you’ll know that 2020 sees the biggest sporting event in the world starting on Café du Cycliste’s front door. Two stages with a surprisingly mountainous second day could shake up the GC from the off.
And with L’Étape du Tour taking place the following week it’s time to ride the Riviera.
Dates for your diary:
Tour de France Stages 1 & 2 : 27-28 June 2020
L’Étape du Tour : 5 July 2020.
See you there.