Right, I'm going to admit it,
I've been daydreaming
about where I'm going to ride my bike
when this is all over,
been scouring the maps.
You know what? I think this is a good thing.
It helps us stay positive and focus
on what we're going to do when this is all over
because these are tough,tough times
but the will come to an end,
so let's all stay positive
dream about those bicycle rides in the sun.
Without further ado,
here's my top 10 bucket list rides.
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Mallorca, in my opinion,
is one of the all-time best places
to ride a bike.
It has it all really, sun, sea, a varying terrain,
which can mean only one thing,
beautiful cycling roads.
My favorite, the road called the MA10
on the north-west of the island,
which runs between Sóller and Andratx.
It was simply stunning,
but the Balearic Sea
always as a constant backdrop,
the road was perfectly tarmacked,
you had nice, gentle, rolling roads
between bay-to-bay as you went down the island.
When I lived here,
I used to train a lot on this road,
factoring it into my rides
pretty much every day.
I just can't imagine a better loop
when this is all over,
I'm going straight back there.
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The Alps,
obviously a classic riding destination,
but it deserves to be on this list.
I was based in Nice during most of my career
I just love the Alps mountains.
There's nothing like riding in the mountains
with the ocean as a constant backdrop,
simply stunning.
There's even more gravel trails
and high mountain roads
when you go further away from the coast,
I can't wait to show these off to you
on GCM, once we got through all of this.
My last memory of the Alps
was at the 2019 Giro d'Italia,
we were ascending the Mortirolo
somewhere in the mid-point of the race,
I can't remember, I was so tired [laughs].
I was in the grouppetto,
always in the grouppetto,
but the climb was so steep
we couldn't get our clothes on for the descent
and it was getting rather cold at the top,
around three degrees.
We all decided
to just pull over at the side of the road,
in amongst the fans, and get our clothes on
whilst being cheered on by everyone.
It was a great experience, rather surreal,
though I was absolutely shivering to pieces,
we made it to the finish in one piece.
That's why I love the Alps,
it's just a surreal experience in themselves
no matter what you're doing in them,
that's why I love them
and I can't wait to be back soon.
I'm coming for you soon Alps, I promise you.
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The Caucasus Mountains next.
Probably one of the more
obscure destinations on this list.
I rode through them
during the tour of Azerbaijan
and I can't describe how beautiful they were.
Think lush green fields
with these huge dramatic mountains
riding up almost instantaneously
out of the landscape.
They were amazing
and left a lasting impression on me.
Although, I did nearly crash
on the descent of one,
and almost went flying off a cliff
[laughs]. Push that aside,
I can't wait to get back
and explore these mountains more.
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Italy, and especially the Lombardy region,
are going through some tough times
for the moment.
I feel for everyone involved
and my heart just hurts for Italy as a whole.
I raced loads in Italy during my career,
and I love the people and places.
It's just possibly one of the most
beautiful countries you can ride your bike in.
Once this is all over,
I'm going to be straight back there
riding my bike
with as many people as possible,
taking in the beautiful geography and food
that Italy has to offer. Italy, forza.
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You can't beat Australia for a bike ride,
I think the Mornington Peninsula,
south of Melbourne, is quite possibly
the ultimate cycling-cafe ride destination.
Think beautiful roads, rolling hills,
and the best beaches
you have ever set your eyes on. Then throw in
an infinite amount of incredible cafes,
which give you the perfect flat-white,
and you're onto a winner.
I can't wait to get there on my bike.
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Basque Country and the surrounding areas
are a pro-cyclist breading ground,
and for good reason,
this area is teeming with climbs
It does get a bit more rain,
but I think it makes it all the more special
to ride your bike here
because the vegetation is lush
the mountains are all that bit more dramatic.
I did nearly pass out here though
riding up the Alto de L'Angliru
in the 2017 Vuelta a España.
It seems like the GCM presenters.
had quite a tough time riding up it also
back in the day
Don't let this put you off,
this is a beautiful, beautiful area
to ride your bike,
if you haven't been considering a visit,
start planning one.
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Next on the list, Nicaragua,
which not many people think of
as a cycling destination,
and to be honest, not many people
have even heard of it, or even know
where it is on the map.
Just North of Costa Rica and below Honduras,
in Central America
I visited back in 2017
and it was just a magical experience
I love the country so much.
I wouldn't ride too much on the tarmac roads
they are very, very busy and I wouldn't feel
quite as safe on my bike on them
but, there's a huge, huge network
of gravel roads crisscrossing the country
and I'd love to bring my Canyon Grail out there
and ride from East to West
so you're going from the Pacific
to the Caribbean sea.
I think it would just be one epic trip
I can't wait to get out there and implement it,
should be the best,
so I'm going to start planing now
and I suggest you guys do as well.
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My good friend Ian Boswell
recently made the switch to gravel racing
after quite an impressive career on the road.
He's now based in Vermont
and has always been telling me
how good it is for riding
specifically the gravel routes in the area.
When this is all over I can't wait
to take him up on an offer
of a trip out to Vermont
for some of the most special
gravel riding loops.
Sounds like a gem of a place to ride a bike
I can't wait to get out there.
Vermont we're coming for you.
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Finally now the Atlas Mountains,
and I'd like to tie in this trip
with a cheeky little surf mission,
as Morocco is famous for its waves
but for us cyclists is also a Mecca for riding.
Gets yourself off into the Atlas mountains
and you'll soon find yourself
on a high-altitude mountain roads
hairpining and off into the heavens.
Get me out there.
It was actually the Atlas Mountain Race
which first showcased the area to me
and started to get me route planning
and really inspired me
so, all I can say is, "Watch this space."
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talk of all these far-fetched destinations,
I've forgotten my favorite one.
The Comeragh mountains, of course,
County Waterford where else?
Ireland,
best country to ride a bike in the world.
I can't ride in those mountains at the moment
because we're currently under a lockdown
we can't go further than two kilometers
from our house
but that's not stopping me
dreaming about riding those mountains
and as soon as this lockdown is over
I will ride right back in there on my bicycle.
I think if we all stay home,
stay safe during this time
and follow the advice
of our local authorities,
we will get through this thing quicker
and we will be back on our bikes
in our favorite destinations.
Until then I'm just going to keep dreaming
I'm going to add it to the bucket list for now.
Those are some
of my daydream bucket-list destinations.
I know we're all stuck at home now
but we'll get back out there soon
and I really hope we do
share some of those rides together.
In the meantime,
what did I miss off of that list
please let me know
in the comment section below.
That was my top 10 but what's yours?
I'd really love to hear from you.
I guess for now
we have to just do a few loops of the garden,
better than nothing I suppose.
Thanks for watching everyone
most importantly, stay home, stay safe
and we'll get through this together.
Right, come on you,
let's do a few a circles of the garden.
Zoe, you're looking forward
to going riding again, aren't you?
You're looking forward to going riding again?
Where do you want to go riding?
Into the Comeragh's?
Or do you just want to chase rabbits?
Oh, no, not going anywhere soon.