E-Bike Days
Our first stop is Munich, where the annual E-Bike Days will be held between the 26th and 28th of April. Ever since the pandemic, e-bikes have become an ever-growing trend that deserves every rider’s attention. Even if you are pessimistic about having a motor on your bike, you should give this festival a chance. The venue will be Olympiapark, which is the perfect place to change your mind with a quick test run.
The three-day event will give you ample opportunities to learn why e-bikes are not as bad as they are perceived to be. Moreover, you will have the chance to get some information, see, and even ride e-bikes that no one would ever guess have a motor. The festival will gather more than 150 e-bike industry leaders who will showcase the best in their collections. Moreover, you will enjoy various interviews, presentations, and a free-of-charge e-bike riding technique session.
So, if you are visiting Munich at the end of April, the E-Bike Days festival is a must-see.
CYCLE WEEK
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Cycle Week may have started as a national bicycle festival but today, it most certainly gathers the international cycling community rather than just local enthusiasts. No wonder this event will take 4 whole days.
Cycle Week is Switzerland’s largest bike expo, and this year, it will be held between the 23rd and 26th of May near Zurich. During the event, visitors will be treated to a vast number of attractions, demonstrations, and presentations. Riders will enjoy over 150 workshops, international contests, and shows. Of course, what would a cycling festival be without test rides?
This year, the organizers went a step further and for the first time, there will be a dedicated bikepacking event. It’s quite fitting for the pristine alpine setting.
The workshops are definitely the showstopper for this festival. If you come with your entire family, don’t worry. There will be workshops for kids that will not only give you some free time but will also teach them how to ride safely and responsibly. During this time, you can join one of the dozens of workshops for grownups that will improve your riding style. You can also learn crucial skills like how to teach your child to ride or how to become a bike guide. There is literally a workshop for every taste and need.
So, join in on the fun at the end of May and enjoy this massive cyclist gathering that will inevitably give you a new perspective on riding.
EuroBike
Come July the cycling season is in full swing. The Tour de France is front and centre, and despite UEFA’s EURO 2024 and the upcoming Olympics, cycling still has a notable presence around Europe. The EuroBike festival certainly helps this trend and offers a safe haven for people who want to diversify their pastime from sweaty men kicking a ball. But EuroBike is much more than that. From the 3rd to the 7th of July, Frankfurt am Main will host the 32nd edition of the grandest of all cycling festivals in Europe. The first three days will be industry-oriented and will be rather boring for the regular cyclist.
It will be all corporate talk, striking partnerships, and making deals. The 6th and 7th of July, however, will offer one truly inspiring programme for the wider public. It will include various races and competitions, marvellous shows, and handy workshops. Naturally, you will be able to test as many bikes as you can get, along with some innovative products and various cycling-adjacent products.
EuroBike is one of the few festivals that gathers all cyclists in one place. Whether you are a BMXer, MTB rider, roadie or an e-bike lover, there will be something for you. So, if you plan to visit just one bike festival this year, EuroBike should definitely be at the top of your list.
Italian Bike Festival
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Italy has a long-standing tradition of cycling, so it is no surprise that one of the biggest and most beloved European bike festivals is precisely there. More than 500 brands will participate in this year’s edition of the Italian Bike Festival, which will take place between the 13th and 15th of September at the Misano World Circuit near Rimini. This is the perfect place for any bike lover to find out the newest innovations in their respective discipline directly from the source. Now, you can test a new bike at almost any festival but only here can you go around a world-class circuit. Plus, there is a special off-road arena for MTB and cyclocross enthusiasts.
Of course, there will be a lot of talks, interviews, presentations, workshops, and shows. Along with them, you will be able to enjoy a pump track, mingle with various athletes, and join some friendly competitions. However, the creme de la creme is the La Gialla Cycling races. There is a race for everyone. If you are a roadie, prepare to enjoy the Misano World Circuit or the Tipo Pista. You can even enter a family race, including your significant other and kids. If your kids want their independence, they can try to take the Junior Trophy. Of course, MTB riders are not forgotten – the XC Eliminator will make their blood boil like no other festival event can.
So, if you are looking for an end-of-summer getaway, you have the opportunity to join in the fun while having the Adriatic Sea just a few kilometres away.
Sea Otter Europe
Finally, we are heading off to Spain. Sea Otter is a US invention but Spain got the rights to recreate it for European cyclists. It is by far one of the most successful cycling festivals globally, with more than 64,000 visitors last year.
This year, Sea Otter promises to be even grander. The festival will be held in Girona—Costa Brava between September 20th and 22nd. This festival is focused on competitions. Ample amateur and semi-professional events boast more than 5,000 participants each year. In 2024, the organizers plan on at least 10 separate races to accommodate every cyclist, regardless of their preferences.
Furthermore, the exhibition area is nothing short of mesmerising, with more than 400 brands showcasing their products and finding new friends in the cycling world. Like other festivals, participants can enjoy multiple panels and a fun and entertaining show programme. Moreover, there are state-of-the-art demo circuits for joyrides or bike testing.
So, if you didn’t manage to catch the earlier festivals, Sea Otter is more than a conciliation price. It’s a unique experience that deserves changing your schedule and an annual vacation.
See you there
Now you know where to spend your vacation. Yes, riding your bike is fantastic, and joining in semi-professional and amateur races across Europe is an outstanding idea. Still, taking a weekend to see what the leaders in our beloved industry are doing is well worth your time. Especially if you join one of these 5 festivals. So, see you there.
