Alexey Vermeulen Video Diary: Changing the kind of bike you race is more difficult than it sounds, and no matter how many times that I say it out loud, I am still convincing myself that I race mountain bikes professionally now.

At 2,236m elevation, the Passo Giau is most famous for its regular inclusion in the Giro d’Italia and for amateurs it’s the fearsome 6th climb in the Maratona dles Dolomites sportive. However, on this occasion we’re taking a look at the northern approach from Cortina d’Ampezzo, which is considered the easier side of the two albeit as equally beautiful.

I had no idea what to expect while going into Old Pueblo 24 Hour this year, my goal was to race my mountain bike hard without much stress. Making the transition from the road to the dirt is a big change and I was determined to enjoy my first race.

Although the Apennines may not be as famous as the Alps to the north that's not to say they are any less of a challenge, often deserted their steep and irregular pitches are a playground of pleasure and pain.

Luz Ardiden: With a prestigious list of winners including Delgado, Indurain, Virenque, Jalabert, Armstrong and more, its close proximity to Spain means it’s one of the rare climbs that has featured in the Vuelta a España as well as the Tour de France.

In this episode of Behind the Ride I thought it’d be interesting to take a look at some of the ways I “try” to survive winter, a time of year I particularly struggle with. From bike set-up to staying visible and some key items of kit that I’ve found particularly useful. I hope it helps you be safe, seen and comfortable during the darker months of the year.

Rising 1,607 metres above the Mediterranean, the Col de Turini may not be the highest pass in the Alpes-Maritimes but at 24.3 kilometres in length, starting from Sospel, it's a climb that definitely needs to be ridden with respect.

At 27.8 kilometres in length Switzerland's Sustenpass can easily have you feeling quite daunted at the prospect of scaling it on two wheels. Lush meadows, dense forests and chocolate-box villages make way for a sensory overload of tunnels, waterfalls, high mountain lakes and glaciers!

Without question the Col du Tourmalet is one the all time greats of cycling, first featuring in the 1910 Tour de France and with over 80 appearances since make it amongst the very oldest, and the most frequently used, climb in the history of the race.