Holiday pics you can’t miss

As autumn settles in across Europe and many of us dream of sunnier days, our riders made the most of their off-season and raceless time with well-deserved vacations in the sun. We caught up with a few of them to hear about their holidays and look through their photos. Enjoy reading their reports and let the photos transport you back to summer! 

Tim Naberman 

“We started our trip through Thailand in Bangkok, diving straight into Thai culture with tuk-tuks and plenty of street food on display. It took some time to get used to the street food markets, but by the end of our trip, we were enjoying all that Thai cuisine had to offer!  The first part of our trip was mainly about sightseeing and activities. We traveled to Chiang Mai to explore more of Thailand’s cuisine, then visited Khao Sok National Park to experience its stunning natural beauty. We wrapped up our holiday with a few relaxing days at the beach.“ 

Rachele Barbieri:

“I always love my off-season! It’s a time to enjoy every day, ride different bikes, and try activities I don’t usually have time for during the season. Riding my MTB around my parents’ home was fantastic, especially with the beautiful trails and the company of friends and my boyfriend. 

I also enjoy walking and running in nature, and the off-season is perfect for that. Every year, I choose a warm holiday destination with a beautiful beach, and this year, my boyfriend and I picked Kenya. It was our first time there. Going on safari was a dream of mine, I’m so happy we made it happen! 

The holiday exceeded all our expectations. Based in Watamu, we explored nearby cities, visited stunning beaches, went snorkeling, and enjoyed delicious local food, especially the fresh fruits and vegetables. The safari was an incredible adventure—spending whole days searching for wildlife was thrilling. We were lucky to see lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and more. 

This trip was also deeply emotional. Experiencing a culture so different from ours, we saw firsthand how fortunate we are. We watched children walking long distances for water and asking for food as we drove by. One day, we visited an orphanage and brought rice, sugar, milk, flour, and beans. It was a humbling experience we’ll never forget. 

Kenya was truly unforgettable, and I hope to return one day! “ 

Oliver Peace: 

“My off-season has been great! I spent a few days in Kos, Greece, enjoying some beach time, which was really relaxing. While in Greece, I had amazing gyros and took a walk into the hills, which was a perfect way to unwind. After returning home, I went to London for a day of shopping and dining. It’s been wonderful not having to think about riding my bike for a few weeks, but I’m now looking forward to getting back into training.” 

Fabio Jakobsen: 

“This year, I spent my offseason in South Africa and had an amazing time! We explored the country’s stunning beauty, from breathtaking views to exciting activities and delicious cuisine. A trip to Robben Island was just one of the many highlights.” 

Francesca Barale  

“I had a great off-season this year. First, I went to Krakow with my teammate Josie [Nelson] for a more tourist-focused trip, moving around a lot and doing some sightseeing – it was a proper city break. Then, I went to Ibiza with Charlotte [Kool] for a more relaxed trip, enjoying the beach and the sun. It was a nice balance of activities, and I really enjoyed the time off from cycling. But now, I’m back into training and getting ready for the new season.”