#1 - BACKDROP OF THE YEAR

The return of Morocco. Snow covered Atlas Mountains and a visit from the locals.

It is an on-going love affair between Café du Cycliste and Morocco. You only have to go 50km south west of the nation's capital to be at the feet of the Atlas, where multi-coloured rollers meet snow-covered backdrops and endless empty roads disappear over vanishing point crests that lead to the peaks above 2,000m.

#2 - RIDE OF THE YEAR

Rolling on the edge of the 'Île Magique', off-season but still in the sun

The first of Le Week-End Prolongé series was a roll-on, roll-off ferry ride to explore the northern roads of Corsica. It was a father-son affair which, of course meant the gloves were off any time weakness was shown. But riding the dramatic west coast of Cap Corse after the Best Charcuterie In The World, towards the sunset on Nonza beach was a cycling memory that will live forever.

#3 - AUDAX OF THE YEAR

Due North, from Nice to London to join the Café du Cycliste dots with an on-saddle sommelier to guide by the glass through the regions.

Audax can be whatever long distance audaciousness you want it to be.

This year we challenged three riders to put the Audax range to the test in a shop to shop adventure from Nice to London.

The seven day, 1,200km voyage gave plenty of time for musings on what is long, why is long, and how is long. Plus the opportunity to raise a glass in every region of la France.

#4 - PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Océane, a culmination in Riviera style that has evolved since the beginning of la Belle Époque. Inspiration and escapism from the Côte d'Azur.

Inspired by the French Riviera, Grace Kelly and the glamour and sparkle of life beside the Mediterranean.

The Océane jersey was a limited edition pièce de résistance of the summer. Shelves were emptied as quick as monsieur Richie Porte climbs Col de la Madone.

Shot in the sun on Cap Ferrat, apparently the most expensive real estate in the world.

#5 EVENT OF THE YEAR

The Fête des Zinzins : a celebration of craziness on all three sides of Col de Turini

Group riding the Brevet des Zinzins. First approach from L'Escaréne, second from Sospel and third and last from La Bollène-Vesubie. From half-wheeling to survival of the fittest to the rise to top of the cream of the climbers.

Nine strong riders, 170km on the horizontal axis and 4km on the vertical axis. Only five men finished but everyone plus more will return next year.

#6 - MOUNTAIN OF THE YEAR

This year our badges for cols went global. The snake that is Sa Calobra proved the most popular.

Sumitting mountain roads delivers many rewards, but another one doesn't do any harm. Badges are now available for a selection of les Montagnes du Monde, from Taiwan to NYC's Bear Mountain and including the Tour classic Tourmalet.

With more to come in 2019 make sure you claim a deserved badge of honour.

#7 - OFF ROAD ADVENTURE OF THE YEAR

Magical misty river scenes were the reward for a pre-dawn gravel start to go fly-fishing with Solenne

Fly fishing was not only the new excuse to ride but also the reason to stop and enjoy nature's finest offerings. On the last day of the fishing season, le serpentine river, up a dead-end road out of the Allos valley, was a special start to a great day out.

#8 FUEL OF THE YEAR

Fuel is one of the key parts of a good ride. Even better if it's picked from the Mother Tree of Col d'Eze

We all know how important fuel is during any ride. We've had an over-dose of tajine in the Atlas, savoured the Best Socca In The World, but what is better than picking fresh figs off the Mother Tree on a late summer's evening ride up the Grande Corniche?

If we had to pick only one source of fuel, the fruit of the Garden of Eze would be our choice of the year.

#9 - LIGHT DELIGHT OF THE YEAR

A burning sky in the crisp cold of the Arctic Circle.

We chase sunrises and sunsets all over the world, but this year we found the best one in Alta, Norway.