I’m not going to do this one this year, but having a week-long stage race in Thailand hits me as being a very good excuse to go back to SE Asia for a holiday. The event is run by Peter Pouly, eternal winner of Haute Route and former Vicious Cycle interviewee, along with Singha, makers of beer that tastes really great, especially when served ice cold on a Thai beach. The route runs through Chiang Rai province, which I know a little, having ridden a motorcycle through it years ago. It’s good and hilly and surprisingly cool.

Word of caution for Westerners thinking about this event: take it easy on the Tom Yum and green curry for dinner; your digestive system might make you regret it on the road.