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The road races amid the undeniable beauty of the
Alps combine sport and spectacle. What better way to
experience them for yourself than from the saddle of
your bike, following the most famous and beautiful cycle
routes, taking in the vistas of the valleys and lungfuls
of the mountain air.
Each is a challenge, and
100 Alpine Passes is the essential overview as to
which is best suited to your level, ambition or
imagination. Through Germany, France, Italy, Slovenia,
Austria and Switzerland, the pass roads are presented
with accurate on-bike directions, ride characteristics
and detailed location and elevation maps. Along with the
stunning photography, there is a summary of the natural
beauty and attractions along the route.
While
many of the passes appear or have appeared in
professional tours and mass-participation long-distance
cycling races - sportives - the emphasis here is on
complete coverage of the best Alpine cols and passes to
ride. The most spectacular, rewarding and testing routes
are featured, whether well known or those gems only
locals are acquainted with. The basic composition of
each ride is given, along with practical advice, tips
and the lay of the land, including:
* assessment
and statistics on the level of difficulty
* the
length of time each route should take and the distance
* gear configurations and road conditions
* the
time of year the pass is open
* selected round trips
for ambitious cyclists
* overview maps for the
eastern and western Alps
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