A new year has a habit of making us restless. For cyclists, new routes start creeping into your thoughts, familiar roads feel a little too familiar, and suddenly you’re looking for something that pushes you a bit further — physically, mentally, or both.

Whether you ride for fitness, adventure or the simple satisfaction of a long day in the saddle, 2026 is a good year to set yourself a proper challenge. From legendary road climbs to remote gravel crossings and technical mountain trails, these are rides that give you something to train for — and something to remember.

Road Cycling: Iconic Climbs Worth the Effort

Mont Ventoux, France

Few climbs carry the reputation of Mont Ventoux. Long, exposed and unforgiving, it’s a test of pacing as much as fitness. The landscape changes dramatically as you climb — wooded lower slopes give way to bare, lunar rock near the summit — and the wind can be as challenging as the gradient. It’s not a climb you rush; it’s one you respect, prepare for, and remember long after the descent.

Stelvio Pass, Italy

With its famous switchbacks stacked like a ribbon up the mountainside, the Stelvio is one of Europe’s most iconic cycling routes. The altitude and constant climbing demand steady legs and patience, but the reward is a ride that feels genuinely monumental. It’s a bucket-list climb that feels earned rather than gifted.

North Coast 500, Scotland

Less about one single climb and more about endurance, the NC500 is a test of stamina, weather tolerance and planning. Long coastal stretches, sudden elevation changes and unpredictable conditions make it a serious undertaking — but also one of the most scenic road rides in the UK.

Gravel Riding: Big Distance, Big Landscapes

The Badger Divide (Scotland)

Running coast to coast from Inverness to Fort William, the Badger Divide is a true test of endurance gravel riding. Remote, rugged and wonderfully quiet, it demands self-sufficiency and good planning. It’s not technically extreme, but the distance and isolation make it a genuine adventure rather than just a long ride.

The Trans-Cambrian Way (Wales)

This route cuts straight through the heart of Wales, crossing mountains, forests and remote farmland. Expect long days, minimal services and varied terrain that ranges from smooth gravel to rough, testing climbs. It’s a proper challenge that rewards preparation and patience.

The Tuscany Trail (Italy)

Combining gravel roads with rolling hills and vineyard-lined routes, the Tuscany Trail is as beautiful as it is demanding. Heat, elevation and distance all play a part, making it a physical test as well as a visual feast. It’s one of those rides that stays with you long after it’s over.

Mountain Biking: Technical, Physical and Unforgiving

Fort William World Cup Track (Scotland)

This is mountain biking at its most serious. Steep gradients, rock gardens and fast, technical descents make it a true test of skill and nerve. Even riding sections of the course gives you a huge appreciation for what elite riders tackle at full speed.

Afan Forest – The Wall / W2 (Wales)

Afan’s trails are long, demanding and brilliantly designed. You’ll climb for extended periods before being rewarded with flowing descents that test both fitness and focus. It’s a ride that feels earned from start to finish.

Finale Ligure (Italy)

A mecca for mountain bikers, Finale combines alpine descents with Mediterranean views. Long shuttle-assisted climbs lead into technical, rocky descents that demand confidence and control. It’s challenging, exhilarating, and unforgettable.

The Takeaway

You don’t need to ride all of these in one year — or ever — for them to matter. What makes these routes special is that they give you something to work toward. A reason to train through winter, to plan ahead, and to chase a goal that goes beyond mileage or speed.

Whether your idea of a challenge is a brutal mountain climb, a long gravel crossing or a technical trail that tests your limits, 2026 is a good year to pick a ride and commit to it.