Off into the sun: When the sun disappears, we want to travel after it. As soon as COVID-19 releases us from its clutches and sets us free again, we can set off - until then, we can start making plans. Here are the top spots in the sun:
Italy: Sicily
Sicily is a true freeride destination with guaranteed sunshine. Even in January, temperatures often rise to 20 degrees, making it possible to bike in shorts and a shirt. There are many super trails on the largest Mediterranean island with its striking volcano Etna (3340 metres). You can take a shuttle, but also use the cable car to swing through the volcanic sand slopes and hone your scree surfing skills. "Finding the trails isn't always easy," says Oli Dorn. He relies on locals for his missions - for example the guys from tri-ridemtb.com
Journey: 20 hours from Munich | Temperature14 degrees (January) Trailsflowy to technical Ideal bikeEnduro, Bigbike | Tip provider: Oli Dorn, Enduro pro
FLOW FACTOR: 3 out of 6 stars
Portugal: Sintra Trails
Portugal has only really popped up on the biking map in recent years - which is surprising, as it has long enjoyed cult status among surfers thanks to its tame winter temperatures, mild maritime climate and many hours of sunshine. The reason for its growing popularity is Portugal's industrious trail builders. For example, the Sierra de Sintra (30 minutes by car from Lisbon) is criss-crossed with a dense network of trails. "Flowy, technical, challenging, rough - it's all there!" says bike celebrity Steffi Marth. We were also thrilled. Package deals including accommodation and shuttle are ideal here. If you're looking for something more challenging, the Algarve has some awesome stunt tracks. Great: you can combine freeriding with surfing. The Guincho super spot is located directly in front of the Sintra trails. Check out: weride.pt
Arrivalby plane (3 hours), tickets from 200 € | Temperature10-15 degrees (January) Favourite bikeEnduro/ Bigbike | Tip provider: Steffi Marth, bike pro, Team Trek
FLOW FACTOR: 4 out of 6 stars
Italy: Punta Ala
The Enduro World Series (EWS) put Punta Ala in the bike spotlight. Idyllically situated on the Mediterranean Sea with a wide, white sandy beach - backed by the wooded coastal mountains. Flowing trails run directly behind the beach like a trail centre. All within easy reach. Even the uphill section of around 100 metres in altitude is fun. Downhill, the trails are flowing, fast and winding. Ideal enduro terrain. If you want it rougher, head a little further into the hinterland. This is where the shuttling takes place and where the EWS also took place, as the terrain is steeper, rockier and rougher. A full-face Eldorado for enduro riders who want to hurtle down into the valley like Sam Hill.
Arrival8.5 hours from Munich | Temperaturemax. 13 degrees (January) Trailsrather flowy | Ideal bikeEnduro/E-Enduro | Tip provider: Sven Martin FREERIDE photographer
FLOW FACTOR: 6 out of 6 stars
Italy: Finale Ligure
When winter chokes Germany with sub-zero temperatures, snow and ice, we test our bikes in Finale. No wonder, because here the Mediterranean Sea roars like a huge central heating system. Great: the coastal hills are teeming with trails, and a tight organisation with shuttle services guarantees plenty of time on the bike instead of wasting it waiting. We particularly love the trail classics: H-Trail, Rollercoaster, the Tobogan curvy trail or the Pino Morto bumpy track, but the surrounding area also offers plenty of trails. Of course, Finale also has Italian flair. In the off-season, the small coastal town is particularly charming when the streets are empty and the beaches deserted.
Journey: 7 hours from Munich | Temperature10 degrees (January) Trailsfrom flowy to rough Ideal bike: Enduro to DH Tip provider: Matt Wragg, FREERIDE photographer
FLOW FACTOR: 4 out of 6 stars
Italy: Piombino
"Piombino is the perfect alternative to Finale Ligure," says photographer and trail hunter Kirsten Sörries. "Above all, the trails here actually lead down to bays where you can go for a great swim." The small harbour town of Piombino is located directly opposite the biking island of Elba on the Tuscan mainland. Locals have created the finest enduro trails in the wooded coastal mountains. "It's only 300 to 400 metres uphill - you can pedal or shuttle yourself," says Sörries. Super: The trails are like licked and create a lot of flow. There is even a jumpline. If you want something longer and rougher, you will find descents of up to 800 metres in altitude in the hinterland. Piombino, with its old fortress and many restaurants, is the ideal place to round off the evening.
Journey: 8 hours from Munich | Temperature8-12 degrees (January) Trailsflowy | Ideal bikeEnduro | Tip provider: Kirsten Sörries, FREERIDE photographer
FLOW FACTOR: 6 out of 6 stars
Atlantic island/Portugal: Madeira
Eternal spring reigns on the flower island 700 kilometres off the Portuguese coast. Even in December, temperatures rarely drop below 20 degrees. Many professional bikers flee here. For example, full-throttle shredder Bryan Regnier. "I love the baller trails through fragrant eucalyptus forest. First and foremost: the legendary Vicious Path." So it's no wonder that the Enduro World Series always makes a stop here. The volcanic island is steep, very steep - there's no getting round a shuttle service; long, self-pulled tours are arduous. There are many shuttle providers. Their guides know the ever-growing network of trails. Great: many trails end right by the sea. Very good: the variety. From technical trails with steep descents and stone fields to smooth jumptrails over the rust-coloured earth, you can find everything here. We say: You should definitely visit Madeira once!
Arrivalby plane (4.5 hours), tickets from 200 € | Best timeall year round Favourite bikeEnduro | Tip provider: Brian Regnier, Enduro pro, Team YT
FLOW FACTOR: 4 out of 6 stars
Spain/Canaries: La Palma
Once you've been to La Palma, you'll want to go again and again, as the small Canary Island offers an ideal overall package of the sound of the sea, bathing fun, holiday feeling and bike adventure. The trail trips are well organised and the variety is huge. Legendary: the Roque Trail, a technically demanding enduro descent that starts at the volcanic peak of the Roque de los Muchachos (2426 m) and winds its way down to the sea. In favour of the Canary Islands: weather, Spain, sea, flair, direct flights. Against: only shuttle, lots of rough terrain. Popular organisers: dansdesktop.com, atlantic-cycling.de or magic-bike-lapalma.com
Arrivalby plane (5 hours), tickets from 300 € | Best time: November to May | Temperature: 21 degrees (January) | Favourite bike: Enduro with fat tyres | Tip provider: Wolfgang Watzke, FREERIDE tester and photographer
FLOW FACTOR: 2 out of 6 stars
South of France: Provence
Fabien Barel trains here, Loic Bruni loves the hinterland of Nice to get in shape for the racing season, and racing icon Nico Vouilloz learnt his superhero skills on the slopes of Provence. The terrain is so varied that one lifetime is probably not enough to ride all the world-class trails. Super: the combination of French Côte d'Azur flair and wild mountainous terrain. "I keep coming back here," says ex-enduro pro Maxi Dieckerhoff, "I'm particularly fond of the Esterel mountains near Cannes. It's like a huge bike park and ideal for enduro riders." We can only agree with Maxi!
Arrival9.5 hours from Munich | Best time: November to May | Temperature: 13 degrees (January) | Favourite bike: Enduro | Tip provider: Kirsten Sörries, FREERIDE photographer
FLOW FACTOR: 3 out of 6 stars
Southern Spain: Malaga
An average of 220 hours of sunshine in March! The coastal town in Andalusia is spoilt by the sun, with the Mediterranean providing a mild climate. No wonder the English downhill elite regularly escape the English rain and train here. Danny Hart, the Athertons, Steve Peat. "Malaga has great trails for testing new products and training for the season - I always enjoyed coming here in my racing days. Because the mix of sea, Spain, city and trails rocks!" says world champion Steve Peat. The terrain is suitable for both downhill biking and enduro biking.
Arrivalby plane (3 hours), by car: 22 hours Temperature17 degrees (January) Favourite bikeEnduro, Bigbike | Tip provider: Steve Peat, DH World Champion, Team Santa Cruz
FLOW FACTOR: 3 out of 6 stars
Dimitri Lehner
Editor
