Colombia's Alto de Patios: A Global Cycling Hotspot

Experience the Ascent: Alto de Patios, a Global Cycling Phenomenon!

The Unrivaled Popularity of Alto de Patios

Unlike the famed passes of the Alps or the scenic routes of Mallorca, a specific stretch in Colombia has captured the attention of cyclists worldwide. The segment, known as 'Mi Segmento: de la redomita a Patios', spans 5.5 kilometers from Bogotá's outskirts towards La Calera, affectionately dubbed the Patios climb by locals. Its staggering popularity is evidenced by over 34,000 distinct individuals traversing it in the initial eleven months of 2025 alone, indicating an average of 102 new participants daily.

Elite Performances on the Colombian Ascent

The challenging nature of the Alto de Patios has also drawn elite cyclists, leading to impressive records. The current fastest male time is held by Julio Ispache, an accomplished Guatemalan rider, who completed the segment in 13 minutes and 37 seconds last October, maintaining an average speed of 22.8 kilometers per hour. Notably, Egan Bernal, a former Tour de France champion and Colombia's only yellow jersey recipient, nearly matched this feat on a longer, official version of the climb, 'Belisario-Patios', underscoring the segment's competitive allure. For female cyclists, the fastest time, or QOM (Queen of the Mountain), is an impressive 17 minutes and 23 seconds, achieved by Colombian professional Camila Valbuena, demonstrating the diverse talent attracted to this climb.

Colombia's Deep-Seated Cycling Heritage

The extraordinary engagement with the Alto de Patios is a reflection of cycling's profound role in Colombian society. Ranking as the nation's second most beloved sport after football, cycling is interwoven into the fabric of daily life, serving both as a practical mode of transportation and a cherished leisure activity. This cultural appreciation fuels the widespread participation seen on segments like Alto de Patios, making Colombia a vibrant hub for the sport.

Global Reach: Other Prominent Cycling Segments

Beyond Colombia, Strava's report sheds light on other globally popular cycling routes. The second most frequented segment is found in São Paulo, Brazil, a 1.49-kilometer riverside path named 'Hebraica-Rebouças x Cidade Jardim', which attracted over 26,000 unique users this year. A brief 'Bridge Sprint' in London's Wandsworth borough ranks third, highlighting the diverse geographical spread of popular cycling spots. These examples, alongside the Alto de Patios, illustrate the varied environments where cyclists find joy and challenge.

Insights from Strava's Annual Sport Report

Strava, since its inception in 2009, has grown into a massive platform boasting 180 million users globally. Its annual 'Year in Sport' report, which compiles data from September 2024 to August 2025, offers valuable insights into user activity. While running remains Strava's most popular activity, the report also provides intriguing details for cycling enthusiasts. For instance, Trek is identified as the most favored road bike brand among Strava users, followed closely by Specialized and Giant. The preferences shift slightly for gravel and mountain bikes, with Specialized taking the lead in both categories, indicating the diverse equipment choices of the cycling community. Strava users can expect personalized recaps of their year in sport from December 8th.