Sportive
The Col Collective take on Mount Teide (VIDEO)
The latest film from the Col Collective film features Mike Cotty tackling Mount Teide in Tenerife. The climb well known for being used by Team Sky and others whilst preparing for the Tour de France climbs from sea level to 2,100 metres. Below is Mike’s description of the climb. Just off the north-west coast of Africa, Tenerife is the largest and...
Tragedy as 56 year-old Irishman dies riding Tour of Flanders cyclosportive
A 56 year-old Irishman has died while taking part in the Tour of Flanders cyclosportive today according to Belgian media. Metrotime.be reported that the cyclist became unwell on the climb of the Oude Kwaremont, the longest climb of the event. First-aid was administered by Red Cross workers who were quickly on the scene. Unfortunately, they were unable to resuscitate...
2016 An Post Cycle Series launched
The 2016 An Post Cycle Series was officially launched yesterday by the 2016 ambassadors; eight time All-Ireland winning hurler and former Kilkenny sharpshooter Richie Power, former Irish International women’s rugby captain, Fiona Coughlan, Cycling Ireland Paracyclist Peter Ryan, musician Bressie and cycling legend Sean Kelly. The five event series which is a joint initiative between An Post and Sport...
The Col Collective and Lac de Cap-de-Long (St-Lary-Soulan) (VIDEO)
Lac de Cap-de-Long from St-Lary-Soulan is the latest climb to be taken on by Mike Cotty of The Col Collective and here is Mike's take on the climb. Surrounded by a mecca of prestigious peaks it’s sometimes all too easy to follow the beaten track from valley to summit. There’s something special about the Hautes Pyrénées and the remote tranquility...
Tour of Flanders Cyclosportive sells out all 16,000 places
The organisers of the Tour of Flanders cyclosportive have announced that all 16,000 places in the event have now been sold. The event takes place on April 2nd, one day ahead of the Men's and Women's professional races. The cyclosportive also sold out last year, but three weeks later than this year. Riders from sixty countries are set to take...
The Col Collective on Pikes Peak in Colorado (VIDEO)
The latest video from The Col Collective sees Mike Cotty tackle the climb of Pikes Peak in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. This is how Mike describes the climb: I’d been captivated and intrigued by Pikes Peak ever since I saw legendary Manx TT racer Guy Martin thrash his motorbike up to its 14,115ft / 4,302m summit to win the...
The Col Collective on Monte Zoncolan (VIDEO)
The latest video from The Col Collective sees Mike Cotty take on Monte Zoncolan - the incredibly steep climb used in the Giro d'Italia. Below is Mike's description of the climb. The direct answer to the Vuelta’s a España’s Alto de l’Angliru, it wasn’t until 2003 that the mighty Monte Zoncolan claimed worldwide notoriety when the Giro d’Italia used it...
Plans to extend the Blessington Greenway to more than 40kms (VIDEO)
Blessington Greenway is a new 'hidden gem' right on Dublin's doorstep. It links the historic town of Blessington with the Palladian mansion of Russborough House. It is virtually all 'off-road' and covers 6.5kms along the shores and through the forests adjacent to Blessington Lakes - ideal for a leisurely stroll or cycle. Plans are now being prepared for the...
The 24 Hours of Le Mans Teaser Video
The 24 Hours of Le Mans bike races takes place on the 20th and 21st of August 2016 and more than 4000 riders from France and abroad are expected to take part in the endurance event on the legendary Bugatti Circuit of Le Mans. The aim of the race is to cycle the longest distance during the 24 hours. You...
The Col Collective ride to the Großglockner (VIDEO)
The final Col Collective film of the year features Mike Cotty tackling the pass of the Großglockner. The mountain which at 3,798 metres above the Adriatic is the highest mountain of Austria and the highest mountain in the Alps east of the Brenner Pass. The pass at 2,576 m is the highest in the country. Below is Mike's description of...
The Col Collective ride Arcalís with Dan Martin
The latest Col Collective film sees Mike Cotty take on the climb of Arcalís ski station in the company of Dan Martin. Below is his description of the climb. Our first visit to Andorra so we thought we’d call on a little pro knowledge to help us out, this time we’re honoured to be joined by Dan Martin from Cannondale-Garmin...
British Cycling launches new Ridesmart campaign (VIDEO)
British Cycling has responded to the ever-increasing popularity of sportives by launching a series of videos, collectively called Ridesmart, to help cyclists improve all aspects of their riding. The intention is to educate riders participating in sportive events, training or just everyday cycling on the public highway, about the need to ride safely and responsibly. The Ridesmart videos have been...
Dan Martin to feature in Season Two of The Col Collective
Below is a teaser from season two of the Col Collective to whet your appetite. The series of films focuses on well known climbs such as the Col du Tourmalet, Passo Giau, Passo dello Stelvio and Col du Galibier. The second season will feature more well-known climbs both in Europe and the USA and will also have guest appearances from...
Tour of Flanders sportive sells 4,000 entries in just 24 hours
The Tour of Flanders cyclosportive has sold 4,000 entries in just 24 hours. Entries for the sportive which takes place the day before the actual race opened on the 1st of November. Entries are limited to 16,000 for the sportive, which takes place on Saturday April the 2nd. Entries were not always limited but due to the popularity of the...
The Col Collective on the Passo Pordoi
The Passo Pordoi in the Dolomites might not be the most difficult climb we've ever tackled, but it's definitely one of the most spectacular. The climb which is a feature of Maratone dles Dolomites and is often used in the Giro d'Italia, is the latest in the series of climbs to be filmed by The Col Collective. Below is Mike...
30 Years of the Maratona dles Dolomites (VIDEO)
Next year will mark the 30th edition of the Maratona dles Dolomites, one of Italy's biggest Gran Fondos and arguably the most spectacular. The first Maratona was held on July 12, 1987 as part of the tenth anniversary celebrations of the Alta Badia-Raiffeisen Cycling Club. 166 riders raced in this first event covering 175 km and 7 passes in the...