Corsica, with its Italian and French history and rebellious, independent spirit, feels far removed from the mainland – and it is all the better for it. With 650 miles of unspoilt palm-fringed coastline, a spine of wild, rugged mountains soaring to 10,000 ft., and an almost unlimited choice of challenging, winding roads – not to mention a robust and delicious local cuisine – it’s an utterly seductive destination for cyclists.

Ride the Corsican roads that, thanks to the ideal conditions, have become a standard training ground for professionals, with sublime cliffs and wild forests known to inspire riders to perform at their highest level. We should expect the same on the climbs of our ride, and all will be rewarded as we savor the finest cuisine and lodging the region has to offer.