Picture this: the globe's most legendary cycling routes, from the snow-capped peaks of the Alps to the winding trails of the Pyrenees, drawing cyclists from every corner of the world. But here's where it gets intriguing – the most frequented Strava cycling segment of the year isn't nestled in those storied European mountains or even in bike-haven spots like Mallorca, Copenhagen, or Amsterdam. Instead, it's tucked away in Colombia, on the outskirts of Bogotá, known as the Alto de Patios climb. And this is the part most people miss: what if everyday urban rides are outshining the epic mountain epics in global popularity?
According to the latest Year in Sport report from Strava, the fitness app that tracks and shares athletic adventures, the top segment for 2025 is called 'Mi Segmento: de la redomita a Patios.' This 5.5-kilometer stretch starts right outside Colombia's capital city and winds up toward the town of La Calera, famously dubbed the Patios climb. It's not just a random road; it's a beloved challenge that showcases Colombia's passion for cycling as part of its national identity, where riders aren't seen as nuisances but as heroes in the country's story.
What makes this segment stand out? In just the first 11 months of 2025, over 34,000 unique individuals tackled it – that's roughly 102 fresh faces pedaling it daily. For beginners wondering what all the fuss is about, think of Strava segments as gamified sections of roads or trails where users compete for the fastest times, adding a layer of excitement to everyday rides. The King of the Mountain, or KOM, title for this particular segment belongs to elite Guatemalan cyclist Julio Ispache, who conquered it in an impressive 13 minutes and 37 seconds back in October, maintaining an average speed of 22.8 kilometers per hour. Not far behind was Colombia's trailblazing former Tour de France champion, Egan Bernal – the nation's first yellow jersey winner – who nearly snatched the crown earlier this year on a related, extended segment called 'Belisario-Patios,' finishing just a second shy of the top spot.
Shifting gears to second place, Strava's data highlights a segment in São Paulo, Brazil, dubbed 'Hebraica-Rebouças x Cidade Jardim.' This shorter 1.49-kilometer path hugs the riverside, attracting more than 26,000 distinct riders throughout the year. It's a prime example of how urban cycling can captivate people, offering accessible thrills without the need for mountain gear.
Now, for third spot, we head to London in the Wandsworth borough, where the 'Bridge Sprint' segment takes the podium. While it might be hard to pinpoint exactly on the platform, it's linked to Wandsworth Bridge, a bustling commuter route into the city that got a dedicated protected cycle lane a couple of years ago – a move that's sparked debates on whether such lanes truly enhance safety or just frustrate everyone with dead ends.
Founded back in 2009, Strava has blossomed into a community of 180 million users worldwide, turning workout sharing into a social phenomenon. The Year in Sport report we're diving into draws from activities logged between September 1, 2024, and August 30, 2025. Though much of it focuses on running as Strava's flagship activity, there are plenty of cycling nuggets to unpack. For instance, among road bikes, Trek reigns supreme as the favorite brand for users, closely trailed by Specialized and Giant. But here's where it gets controversial: is this popularity driven by genuine quality, or are marketing and availability playing a bigger role than we think?
The rankings shift a bit for gravel and mountain biking. Specialized snags the top spot for both, dethroning Trek, with Scott claiming third for gravel and Giant holding that position for mountain bikes. For newcomers, gravel bikes blend road and off-road capabilities, perfect for adventurous trails, while mountain bikes are built for rugged terrains – and these brand preferences might reflect trends in how cyclists are embracing diverse riding styles.
Strava subscribers, get ready for your personalized Year in Sport recap, dropping next Monday, December 8th. It's a great way to reflect on your own riding feats and see how you stack up globally.
What do you think – are we witnessing a shift where city-based cycling segments are eclipsing the allure of high-altitude classics, or is this just a fluke? Do brand loyalties say more about innovation or hype? Share your opinions in the comments; I'm curious to hear if you agree or disagree!
