WORLD CLASS CLIMBS

Innsbruck, in the heart of the Tyrol, is home to some of the world's greatest mountain scenery. For the cyclist, that means outstadcing climbs with the reward of stunning alpine views, cosy mountain cafes, and awesome downhills. For some riders, the most re warding routes are the smooth, intimate, lithe-known back lanes vaulting up to farms and inns high up in the mountains. Innsbruck is the perfect gateway to the cul-de-sac up Otztal. which is the second highest cyclable tarmac road in Europe (only Spain's Sierra Nevada is higher) and rises b 2830m. No wonder Jens Vogt, veteran of 17 Tours de France, wanted to 'call the mountain resat,' upon tadding the area. But Innsbruck boasts plenty of grand classic circular rides, too. Fora quick introduction -maybe the evening you arrive -try the 'After Work', a favourite local spin on quiet roads with a few climbs (501en, 31-r, 700m ascent). The next day, move onto the circuit out 10 KOhtai. In winter it's a busy ski town: in summer the icodest thing is the sound of cowbells. It's flat at first, but the 18km climb up there touches 18% at times as it reaches 2200m. The route (110km, 5hr, 1800m) is a test of strength and endurance, but offers fantastic panoramas, idyllic villages, plenty of mountain huts for coffee and cake, and a long descent back to Innsbruck. There's plenty of route choice. For an all-layer that mixes good paths and back roads with sightseeing of fortress towns and medieval cities, enjoy the ride to Kufstein (133km, 900m, 8hr), start point of the 2018 Men's Elite Road Race at the UCI World Road Championships. For a challenging but thrilling half-day to northern Tyrol's most beautiful valley surrounded by 3030m peaks, do the Liisens circuit (75km, 1300m, 3.5hr). Or for a big day of climbs and descents exploring pristine valleys on deserted mountain roads, tackle the Wipp valleys (160km, 2603m, fir). Looking fora pro-level challenge? Follow the course of the Otztal Marathon (240km, 9hr, 5500m), a famous annual sportive. The Innsbruck-based circuit takes you over Austria's highest passes. There are plenty more options from the sublimely challenging to the ridiculously hard. Check Bike City Innsbruck's website for details on these routes and plenty more, including sections that you can ride from last April's Tour of the Alps, and from this September's UCI World Road Championships. This cycling country is still being discovered, so get in there now. Around Innsbruck, you'll frequently have the roads, and those astounding views. to yourself. Strava boasting doesn't come any easier than this...