Which apps or websites are useful for gran fondo riders? We list 8 of them.

1. Join

How about training in a structured way with a customized schedule, but without having to hire an expensive trainer? You can with JOIN. Unique to JOIN is that the app is adaptive, the schedule adapts itself automatically. You can try the app for free for 2 weeks. Is available for iOS and Android.

2. Climbfinder

If you're climbing, you better come prepared! If you're going to climb, of course you want to know how long and steep it will be. On Climbfinder you will find more than 23,000 climbs. Of course, there are plenty of alternatives. For example, we're also fans of Cyclingscols.

3. Weather apps

Nothing is more unpredictable than the weather in the mountains! The choice of a weather app is almost religious, everyone has their own favorites. At CycloWorld, we like local weather sites. For France, that's Meteo France. In Switzerland, MeteoSuisse has a fine app (with radar). For Austria, you can visit ZAMG, and Bergfex for mountain weather. For Italy you can look at Il Meteo and 3BMeteo. If you go to the Dolomites then Meteo Dolomiti is recommended, despite its outdated look. If you're going to Spain check out Eltiempo. Are you just looking for a rainfall radar? The Dutch app from Weatherplaza works in almost all of Europe.

4. Maps.me

If you get lost and your bike computer can't help you, many riders will reach for Google Maps. But with no reception that's not going to work. Not unthinkable in the mountains! That's where the app Maps.me comes in. This app allows you to save the well-known OSM maps offline. The app is also completely free, unfortunately only available for iOS.

5. Wind app

Headwind on the way there and a tailwind on the way back? Or would you rather have it the other way around? Either way, a wind app will help you map out your route the right way. Windfinder is a fine app (and website) that has an incredible number of measuring stations. A nice alternative is Headwind, an app that integrates with Strava.

6. Komoot

Komoot is one of the nicest tools to build and share a route with. Of course, there are many more good route apps, including Strava and RidewithGPS. One advantage of Komoot is that it is free to use as long as you limit yourself to one region. If you want more regions, you pay a one-time fixed amount, so no monthly subscription. You can map out your route via the website, but Komoot also has an app for the smartphone which you can use to navigate. Do you follow CycloWorld already on Komoot? We have the official routes of many gran fondos and sportives on our channel.

7. Trainingpeaks

Of course you can also analyze your training data with Strava. Especially if you have a paid account that's fine. However, the analysis capabilities of Trainingpeaks are unsurpassed, it is not for nothing the choice of many racers of all levels. Trainingpeaks also has a free version, but that is pretty limited. If you want something really free check out the Elevate Strava extension (for the Chrome browser).

8. EatMyRide

With the app EatMyRide you get more insight into your energy consumption on the bike. The app comes from the Netherlands and is constantly being developed. Want to know more? Read our extensive review.