The ten climbs you have to ride before you die

Climb connoisseur Simon Warren assembles a jaw-dropping bucket list of the world’s most spectacular – and challenging – cycling ascent

Cyclist climbs Great Dun Fell
(Image credit: Future)

If money and time were no barrier, which climbs would you book a ticket to ride? Which would top your must-ride list?

Here are 10 crazy ascents from around the world that, when those lottery numbers come in, you need to be heading for. You’ll see no ratings attached to these climbs, and that’s because they are all 10/10 – they are the elite, the very top of the pile. Yes, some are tougher than others, but to create a pecking order would be disrespectful to the immense challenge each one presents.

100 climbs author Simon Warren
Simon Warren

Simon Warren, author of 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs, has scoured the world for unforgettable ascents

Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Simon Warren

Simon has been riding for over 30 years and has a long connection with Cycling Weekly, he was once a designer on the magazine and has been a regular contributor for many years. Arguably, though, he is best known as the author of Cycling Climbs series of books. Staring with 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs in 2010, Simon has set out to chronicle and, of course, ride the toughest cycling climbs across the UK and Europe. Since that first book, he's added 11 more, as well Ride Britain which showcases 40 inspirational road cycling routes. Based in Sheffield, Yorkshire, Simon continues to keep riding his bike uphill and guides rides, hosts events and gives talks on climbing hills on bikes!