Imagine this: The world's most beloved cycling climb isn't nestled in the breathtaking Alps or the rugged Pyrenees, nor is it weaving through the bike-haven cities of Copenhagen or Amsterdam. Instead, it's a thrilling ascent in Colombia that has cyclists worldwide buzzing with excitement. Dive in to uncover why this unexpected gem tops Strava's charts and what it reveals about our global cycling passion.
According to the latest data from Strava's annual Year in Sport report, released just recently, the top cycling segment for 2025 isn't in the glamorous European mountains or sunny Mallorca. Surprisingly, it's located in Colombia—a vibrant country where cyclists are celebrated as heroes in the national narrative. Specifically, it's the Alto de Patios, a challenging climb on the outskirts of Bogotá, the nation's bustling capital.
This standout segment, officially titled 'Mi Segmento: de la redomita a Patios,' spans 5.5 kilometers along the road leading from Bogotá to the picturesque town of La Calera. Locals affectionately call it the Patios climb, and it's captured the hearts of cyclists everywhere. In just the first 11 months of 2025, over 34,000 unique individuals tackled this route—that equates to roughly 102 new riders per day, showcasing its incredible draw. For beginners wondering what makes a segment so popular, think of it as a virtual race track on Strava, where users log their times and compete informally, turning everyday rides into thrilling challenges.
But here's where it gets controversial: Why is this Colombian hill stealing the spotlight from legendary European climbs? The King of the Mountain (KOM) title for this segment belongs to elite Guatemalan rider Julio Ispache, who conquered it in an impressive 13 minutes and 37 seconds last October, maintaining an average speed of 22.8 km/h. This record highlights the intense competition, even on lesser-known routes. Interestingly, Colombia's own Egan Bernal, the first and only winner of the Tour de France yellow jersey from his country, nearly snatched the crown earlier this year. He set the fastest time on a related, longer segment called 'Belisario-Patios,' coming oh-so-close to the top spot. This adds a layer of national pride and rivalry, illustrating how global cyclists are embracing diverse terrains beyond the usual suspects.
Strava's data, gathered from activities between September 1, 2024, and August 30, 2025, paints a picture of an app that has grown tremendously since its launch in 2009. With 180 million users worldwide, Strava isn't just for cyclists—it's a hub for runners, hikers, and more—but its cycling insights are particularly enlightening. While the report leans heavily on running stats as the platform's top activity, cycling nuggets like this are gold for enthusiasts.
And this is the part most people miss: The second most popular segment shifts the scene to South America again, this time in São Paulo, Brazil. It's a 1.49-kilometer riverside stretch dubbed ‘Hebraica-Rebouças x Cidade Jardim,’ ridden by more than 26,000 distinct users in the year. Then, the third spot goes to London, in the Wandsworth borough, with a segment simply named ‘Bridge Sprint.’ Though we couldn't locate it directly on Strava, it's tied to Wandsworth Bridge, a busy commuter route that got a dedicated cycle lane a couple of years ago. This mix of climbs and sprints underscores how urban and rural rides alike captivate users, perhaps challenging the notion that only epic mountain passes deserve fame.
Delving deeper into Strava's findings, the most favored road bike brand among users is Trek, closely followed by Specialized and Giant. But here's a twist for gravel and mountain bike fans: Specialized edges out Trek for the top spot in those categories. For gravel bikes, Scott claims third place, while Giant holds that honor for mountain bikes. These preferences might reflect evolving trends, as more cyclists explore off-road adventures, blending the thrill of touring with the grit of trail riding.
Strava subscribers can look forward to their personalized Year in Sport recap reports starting next Monday, December 8th, offering tailored insights into their own rides and achievements.
So, what do you think? Is Strava's data skewing perceptions of 'popular' cycling spots, favoring accessible urban climbs over remote, iconic routes? Or does this highlight a true shift toward global diversity in the sport? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree that the Alto de Patios deserves its fame, or is there a hidden bias in how we measure popularity? Let's spark a discussion!
