Imagine this: The world's most beloved cycling climb isn't nestled in the majestic Alps or the rugged Pyrenees—it's smack in the heart of Colombia, drawing cyclists from every corner of the globe. But here's where it gets intriguing—why this unexpected hotspot? Let's dive in and uncover the surprises in Strava's latest Year in Sport report.
Contrary to what you might expect, the top Strava cycling segment of the year, as revealed in their fresh Year in Sport data, isn't found in the bike-friendly havens like Mallorca, Copenhagen, or Amsterdam. Instead, it's located in Colombia—a vibrant country where cyclists aren't just seen as enthusiasts but as integral threads in the nation's cultural fabric. This standout segment is the Alto de Patios, a challenging ascent just outside Bogotá, often called the Patios climb. For beginners new to cycling analytics, Strava is an app that lets users track and share their workouts, turning rides into competitive segments where people aim to set the fastest times, known as King of the Mountain (KOM).
Specifically, the segment in question is titled 'Mi Segmento: de la redomita a Patios,' spanning about 5.5 kilometers along the road from Bogotá to the town of La Calera. It's not just any hill; it's a real test of endurance, with steep inclines that demand both strength and strategy—think of it as a mini-mountain stage in a grand tour, perfect for training or bragging rights. Strava reports that over 34,000 unique individuals tackled this stretch in the first 11 months of 2025 alone, equating to roughly 102 new riders per day. That's a staggering level of popularity, showing how global cyclists are drawn to this spot, perhaps for its accessibility within a major city or the thrill of conquering a climb that's become legendary in cycling circles.
The current KOM holder is elite Guatemalan rider Julio Ispache, who blazed through it in just 13 minutes and 37 seconds last October, maintaining an average speed of 22.8 km/h. To put that in perspective for newcomers, that's like sprinting uphill at a pace that would exhaust most of us in seconds—it's elite-level performance requiring peak fitness and technique. Adding to the excitement, Colombia's cycling icon, Egan Bernal—the nation's first and only Tour de France yellow jersey winner—nearly snatched the crown this year, posting the quickest time on a related, longer segment called 'Belisario-Patios' and finishing just a second behind. Imagine the buzz in the cycling community when a homegrown hero like Bernal gets so close; it highlights how these segments fuel global rivalries and inspire local pride. For example, segments like this often encourage cyclists to train harder, turning casual rides into epic challenges, much like how local trails in your neighborhood might become personal battlegrounds.
Strava's second most popular cycling segment shifts gears to São Paulo, Brazil, featuring a shorter 1.49-kilometer riverside path dubbed ‘Hebraica-Rebouças x Cidade Jardim.’ It saw over 26,000 distinct users this year, proving that urban rides with scenic views can captivate just as much as mountainous ascents. And the third spot? It's in London, specifically the Wandsworth borough, known simply as ‘Bridge Sprint.’ While we couldn't locate it directly on the platform, it's likely referring to the bustling Wandsworth Bridge, a key commuting route into the city that got a dedicated cycle lane a couple of years ago. This setup underscores how infrastructure improvements can transform everyday roads into cycling hotspots, making urban cycling safer and more appealing—even if, as some critics argue, these lanes sometimes feel disjointed or underutilized.
But here's the part most people miss: The rise of Colombia's Patios climb sparks debate about the true cost of such global popularity. Is it boosting tourism and local economies, or is it overwhelming quiet communities with hordes of competitive riders? Strava itself has grown immensely since its 2009 launch, now boasting 180 million users worldwide, turning fitness tracking into a social phenomenon.
Their Year in Sport data covers activities from September 1, 2024, to August 30, 2025, and while running dominates the report, cycling nuggets stand out. For instance, among road bikes, Trek leads the pack in popularity, followed closely by Specialized and Giant. This preference might stem from their reliability and performance in varied terrains—imagine a Trek bike handling both city commutes and weekend climbs effortlessly. Interestingly, for gravel and mountain bikes, Specialized takes the top spot over Trek, with Scott claiming third for gravel and Giant for mountain bikes. These shifts could reflect how cyclists tailor their gear to adventure-seeking rides, like gravel biking through off-road paths or mountain trails that demand rugged durability.
Strava subscribers can look forward to personalized Year in Sport recaps starting next Monday, December 8, offering insights tailored to their own rides.
And this is where controversy brews: Does the obsession with segments like Patios promote a healthy, inclusive cycling culture, or does it prioritize speed demons over casual riders, potentially alienating newcomers? What do you think—should apps like Strava focus more on community building than competition? Agree or disagree in the comments below; I'd love to hear your take!
