ANZA Cycling share their top international trips!

Trix Winter

Giro di Münsterland, Germany

“When Tim and I travelled to see our families in Switzerland and Germany last summer, a cycling event popped up: Giro di Münsterland, a race that attracts big names like Jasper Philipsen, John Degenkolb, Pascal Ackermann, and Nico Denz.

Signing up to my first race, expectations fell between curiosity and ‘let’s see what happens’. Back in SG, me and my ANZA Cycling buddies debated what my average moving speed would be in a European race. I registered with an optimistic 35km/h.

On race morning, it was eight degrees and lightly raining. I had a meticulously planned race strategy incorporating goals, course, pacing, fuel, tactics, mindset, kit – it was full gas, whatever the conditions. Somewhere between the peloton’s chaos and the pure joy of speed, I crossed the line at 37.1km/h average. No podium this time (5th AG), but plenty of fun and another tale for an ANZA club breakfast or chat on TMCR.”

Tadhg O’Callaghan

Seorak Granfondo, South Korea

“Seorak Granfondo has been on my bucket list for years, and in 2025 I finally lined up for it. The course is no joke: 204km with 3,900m of elevation, a true test of legs, lungs, and stubborn determination. From the first climb to the final stretch, it was everything I hoped for: brutal, beautiful, and unbelievably rewarding. Crossing the finish line felt like closing a chapter I’d been waiting to write for a long time. I kept the event sticker on my bike, not as a souvenir, but as a reminder: I’m returning this year. The goal? Sub-8 hours. But this time, I know exactly what conditions I’m riding into.”

Mark Pedevilla

Seoul, South Korea

“Last year, I reunited with an ANZA Cycling friend who’d relocated to Seoul, and he introduced me to South Korea’s cycling scene. Together, we conquered the famous 550km ride from Busan to Seoul in two days.

What amazed me was how Seoul feels purpose-built for cyclists: smooth tarmac, patient motorists, scenic climbs on the city’s fringes, and hundreds of kilometres of immaculate paths tracing the Han River. Even the traffic lights switch to green when a rider approaches! The city is packed with top-end bike shops, stylish cafés, and well-equipped service centres – the dream!

Just as striking is how Koreans genuinely embrace cycling. From city commuters to weekend riders, there’s a shared respect on the road which creates a sense of calm confidence and belonging. Just note that Kakao Maps works better than Google Maps. All in all, with world-class cycling, modern infrastructure, incredible food, and a fitness-driven culture, South Korea was a cycling paradise. I can’t wait to visit again.”

Joanna Zablocka

Chiang Mai, Thailand

“They say it takes two to tango, but it takes at least two ANZA cyclists to have a getaway that’s within budget! In Chiang Mai, you’ve got it all: long flats for base rides (200km? Absolutely), sharp climbs like Doi Suthep, and muscle-building loops that test legs and mindset (take on the Samoeng Loop if you want to meet those 17% climbs head-on).

Outside the city it’s all quiet roads and nature. If you’re chasing competition, don’t miss the famous Saturday Club 55 ride: hundreds of cyclists, structured intervals (30km to warm up around 40ishkm/h, 15km full gas, regroup, 30km to breathe, then a final 15km that’s pure speed), lead motorbike, support car, and big-race buzz. The ’55’ isn’t the average speed by the way, it’s named after the owner’s ramen shop!

One brilliant plus of cycling in Chiang Mai is that recovery is practically a sport here. Post-ride, book a two-hour massage at amazing prices, and refuel on endless cheap food options. Stay at the cyclist-friendly Vanilla Residence (vanilla-residence.com) where riders from all over the world swap stories, trade tips, and form friendships that last.”

Tony Munroe

Santa Fe, New Mexico

“On a springtime visit to see my parents in Santa Fe, I seized the opportunity to rent a bike and explore the high-desert roads of northern New Mexico. The elevation took getting used to as Santa Fe is above 2,000 metres, but the dry air prevented me from being drenched in sweat (like in Singapore!). There was also wind. The scenery was stunning: mountains, desert, historic villages, and endless sky. The roads can be rougher than in SG though, and I managed to destroy a tire on the rental. The rugged terrain means gravel and mountain biking are more popular here than road cycling, but I still had some great days out and about.”