We've done a fair few sportives and granfondos across Europe - and had our fair share of mishaps too. Learn from our mistakes and apply our top travel tips to get your ride abroad right first time.

The Quebrantahuesos Granfondo straddles the Spanish and French Pyrenees. Over 200km long with more than 15,000 riders, the "bone-breaker" is Spain's biggest amateur cycling event.

The Stelvio and the Gavia are cycling climb royalty. But on this occasion, both were usurped by the scheming Mortirolo, prince of darkness. Join Broleur on our Italian job.

Taking in the cols of Glandon, Telegraphe, Galibier and Alpe d'Huez in one momentous day, La Marmotte is right up there among the elite of European grandfondos and cyclosportives. But is it the toughest?

It strikes me there have been three distinct eras since our cycling journey started nearly four years ago. The first was the distinctly amateur era. Richmond park was a slog. We rode side-by-side. We treated feed stations like tea breaks, stopping for a sit down and a natter. Next came

Based in readily-accessible northern France, La Ronde Picarde is much easier to get to than it is to get around. Yes, it's flat, but oh my Lord, it's fast. Keep up if you can.

Departing from the Coliseum at dawn, the Granfondo Roma is a sportive unlike any other you're likely to do. The combination of historic setting, rolling hills and fine food and wine make it the perfect way to wrap up a cycling season.

Broleur attempts to conquer the big, bad, bald beauty that is Mont Ventoux - one of the toughest and most iconic climbs in cycling.