5 ideas for cycling challenges

Top 5 cycle routes

In Lisula, cycling can also be experienced as a challenge. With its rugged terrain, long climbs, exposed ridges and technical trails, Lisula offers demanding routes designed for cyclists and mountain bikers seeking a real challenge. It’s an opportunity to push your limits whilst exploring areas with contrasting landscapes, from the sea to the highlands of theGhjunsani.

On the road

The Battaglia Pass

This climb, covering more than 16 km with an elevation gain of over 1,000 metres, is aimed at cyclists looking for a long, steady challenge. As you gradually find your rhythm, the road climbs steadily, without any breaks, whilst the landscape changes as the altitude increases. More than just a climb, this route is a challenge to oneself, testing the consistency of one’s effort. At the summit, the sweeping view over the shores of Lisula is as much a reward as the satisfaction of having pushed one’s limits.

9 - Col de Battaglia

7 - Grand tour des Pieve

2. The Grand Tour of the Pieve

Stretching over nearly 79 km with 1,240 m of elevation gain, starting from L’Isula – L’Ile-Rousse, this long road cycle route links the coast and the villages in a complete loop. Whilst the start of the route follows the T30 to the shore of the Ostriconi on relatively flat terrain, the climb becomes more technical, with gradients alternating between 10 and 20 per cent, all the way to the village of Novella de la Pieve di Tuani, before beginning the ascent to the Col San Colombano at an altitude of over 900 metres. After this exertion, it’s time to explore the villages of Pieve di Tuani and Sant’Andria, all the way to Feliceto, and their village squares for a refreshing break. The route then descends towards the Reginu plain through vineyards and farmland, before beginning the final ascent to Santa Reparata di Balagna via Pieve Sant’Anghjulu. It is finally time to head back down to the coast at L’Isula.

ON A MOUNTAIN BIKE

3. Parasu

This route, starting from Belgudè – Belgodère, offers at least two hours of challenging riding for the fittest cyclists. This mountain bike route alternates between technical singletrack and wider tracks. You’ll ride along the ridge between Pieve di Tuani and Pieve dell’Ostriconi before descending towards the plains of Losari and Reginu. The climb back up to Belgudè follows a more technical trail.

At 22 km long with a 560-metre elevation gain, this loop offers a well-balanced mix of terrain and changes in pace.

4. Codole

This is undoubtedly one of the most varied routes, alternating between the seaside, ridges and valleys. Starting from L’Isula, the route begins with a few sections through the town centre before reaching Caruchettu beach and then the challenging coastal path as far as the hamlet of Saleccia. The Arbo Valley then opens up before a 6 km climb up to the heights of the village ofMunticellu -Monticello, at the hamlet of St François. The view over the Reginu Valley remains a delight, even whilst you’re pushing hard. It’s time to head back down towards the Codole reservoir below, via more technical singletrack. After this descent through the centre of the plain, it’s time to resume the climb along wider tracks and then singletrack to the village of Santa Reparata di Balagna. The climb continues through the village to the hamletof Alzia, which opens up the route towards the heights of Sant’Anghjulu as far as Occiglioni. If you’re feeling the strain, this is a chance to explore the ruins of the Sant’Anghjulu Convent and enjoy its panoramic view over the Gulf of L’Isula. The going becomes easier but remains technical until you return to L’Isula after 25 km of trails.

5. Maltiola

Starting from Olmi-Cappella, this rugged 25.6 km loop – with 960 metres of elevation gain and taking nearly 3 hours to complete – winds its way through the heart of the Corsican Regional Nature Park. The route links theGhjunsani, descends towards the Canale ravine and then gradually climbs back up to the San Colombanu pass. The highest point, Bocca a Leccia, at an altitude of nearly 1,100 metres, marks the peak of the climb before a long descent towards the slopes of Olmi-Cappella. A sporting adventure in a setting far removed from the hustle and bustle, where nature is your only guide.