The ultimate triathlon bike courses to ride before you die

Whatever triathlon distance you’re racing, you’re probably going to be spending the majority of your race time out on the bike. Which is why we’ve brought you our pick of the most spectacular bike courses going. From incredible scenery, to the races steeped in triathlon history and the events with the most insane spectator support. These are the triathlon bike courses to ride before you die. How many have you ticked off already?

Alpe d’Huez Triathlon

Of course we’ve got to start with Alpe d’Huez triathlon. This is an iconic cycling climb in its own right. Tackling it as just one part of a triathlon will give you the ultimate bragging rights. Those taking on the long distance version of this legendary race will first tick off a 2.2km swim in the clear waters of Lac du Verney, before heading out on a 118km bike ride with 3200m of climbing. Before you even reach the foot of Huez, you’ll already have tackled several testing climbs including the Alpe du Grand Serre (15km at 6.5%), Col du Malissol (2.4km at 8.5%) and Col d’Ornon. With fatigue already burning its way through your legs, you’ll finally begin ascending the fabled 21 bends of Alpe d’Huez. Make it to the top, and your reward is a challenging 20km run at 1800m altitude.

It might be tough, but the scenery is breath-taking. Besides, “I cycled up Alpe d’Huez and then ran a half marathon as a cool down” is sure to win you any game of cycling top trumps forever more.

Challenge Roth

There’s plenty about Challenge Roth that earns the ‘Tour de France of triathlon’ its spot in the triathlon hall of fame. The sprawling expo, the boom of the canon sending each wave of athletes off in style. The lightning fast ‘record breaking’ finish times, and the legendary laser show to celebrate the final finishers. But above all, Challenge Roth is perhaps most famous for its bike course. These are roads where history has been made. And the rolling hills and smooth tarmac make for some seriously fun riding. But it’s the insane atmosphere at Solar Hill as the crowds of spectators part barely enough to get a bike through, roaring encouragement so loudly your ears are still ringing 20km down the road, that’s truly goose-bump worthy stuff.

Singapore T100

The bike course at Singapore T100 is an unforgettable experience. For one weekend only, the usually unrideable roads of this bustling metropolis are closed. Giving you the opportunity to ride across the imposing Benjamin Sheares bridge, and experience the city from a truly unique perspective. Featuring punchy climbs and high octane twists and turns, this is a bike course which is fast, furious and likely to leave you wanting to go and ride it all over again.

IRONMAN 70.3 Zell-am-See Kaprun

Host of the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in 2015, the Austrian ski resort of Zell am See provides an almost ridiculously beautiful backdrop for a day of swim-bike-run. The swim is stunning, and the run takes you on a tour of the quaint downtown and the scenic lake path. But it’s the bike course that really makes this race special.

After a fast start to the 90km course, you’ll soon find yourself up and out of the saddle, making your way up the mountain pass. Let the cries of ‘hup hup hup’ as you ride through the villages spur you on, and don’t forget to look up and appreciate the scenery – no matter how much your legs are burning. Check the route out on ROUVY to see what we mean, and get ready to add ‘book flights to Austria’ to your to-do list.

IRONMAN World Championship Kona

On paper, an out and back bike course along a highway shouldn’t be anything special. But this is the Queen K highway we’re talking about. And that lava rock-backed stretch of road is scorched with triathlon history. It might not be the most exciting course from a technical standpoint. But for the opportunity to ride in the tyre marks of triathlon legends, and experience the intensity of the notorious Kona heat and cross winds for yourself. Riding the IRONMAN Kona bike course has got to go on every long distance triathlete’s bucket list.

Challenge Kaiserwinkl-Walchsee

Nestled in the foothills of the Kaisergebirge Mountain Range, Challenge Kaiserwinkl-Walchsee is an unsung hero when it comes to serious stunning bike courses. USA favourite Sam Long described the course as “one of the most, beautiful one of the best” after racing here in 2022. And it’s a race that’s no stranger to triathlon legends either – Nicola Spirig, Anne Haug, and Sebastian Kienle have graced the race course in Kaiserwinkl over the years.

IRONMAN Nice

If the long straights of Kona don’t do it for you, the more recent host of the now split IRONMAN World Championship – Nice – might be more your thing. Often referred to as one of the most challenging, and scenic, courses on the M-Dot circuit, this bike course takes competitors up and away from the glitz of the French riviera to the winding climbs of the Southern Alps. With 2400m elevation gain and plenty of technical descending to really test riders after burning all their matches on the up hills. This is a bike course that’s designed with the cycling specialists in mind. The good news is you haven’t qualified for the World Championship edition of the race, is you can still compete in the open race earlier in the year.

Escape from Alcatraz

A bucket list race for so many reasons, the bike course at Escape from Alcatraz might be fairly short at just 18 miles. But with the full force of the famous San Francisco hills to contend with – it’ll feel long enough. With the imposing figure of the Golden Gate Bridge providing the ultimate backdrop, the bike course at Escape from Alcatraz is a major part of what makes this such an unforgettable race.

IRONMAN 70.3 Mont Tremblant

Mont Tremblant is a fan favourite. Host to the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in 2014 – the first time 70.3 worlds were held outside of the US – it also featured in the inaugural IRONMAN Pro Series in 2024, which saw home town hero Lionel Sanders take his 6^th win on home soil.

The ski resort location is stunning and idyllic, but what’s unique is the contrast of the wide roads on the bike course with the mountainous back drop. Bring the speed, appreciate the scenery – Mont Tremblant is a race course worth riding.

Helvellyn Triathlon

There are a few UK-based races that could easily have made the cut here – from the legendary IRONMAN Wales to the rugged brutality of the Celtman. But Helvellyn Triathlon is our pick, thanks to the ascent up the infamous ‘The Struggle’ climb on the bike course. After a swim in Lake Ullswater, competitors take a scenic, rolling tour through the Cumbrian countryside on the bike before taking on The Struggle – a steep, demanding 4.5km climb up to Kirkstone pass with an average gradient of 8.5% and a max gradient of 18.5%. Ouch. To finish your day, you’ll stagger off the bike and take on a 9km fell run up Helvellyn – the third highest mountain in England. With such a tough course and rugged terrain, this is an ideal taster race for those with the likes of Norseman or Patagonman in their sights.

Norseman Xtreme Tri

With its tag line ‘This is not for you’, The Norseman is part triathlon, part adventure, part reckoning. And yet, despite it’s notoriously tough reputation, it’s a race that captures the imagination of so many triathletes. An icy plunge off the back of a ferry into the freezing depths of the fjord sets the tone for the day. The bike course features over 3000m of elevation gain, with gradients ramping up to 29% in places. The terrain might be rugged, but it’s also exceptionally beautiful (if the weather plays ball), crossing through the awe-inspiring Hardangervidda mountain plateau. Of course, there are probably easier ways to see some of Norway’s most spectacular scenery. But a relaxed cruise of the fjords doesn’t quite bring with it the same bragging rights.

---

Experience some of the world’s best triathlon bike courses on ROUVY

Indoor virtual cycling app ROUVY have recently announced a major expansion to their range of triathlon routes available to ride on the platform. Already home to almost every Challenge Family route going, their new partnership with IRONMAN also means there are several IRONMAN race routes on the platform – and more coming. Whether you’re looking to recce a route for a race you’ve already entered, or you’re trying to decide which race will best suit your strengths on the bike. Tap the link below to get race ready with ROUVY