Regardless of whether you attend as a participant or a spectator, Europe’s sporting events add a good dose of adrenalin to an ordinary trip. Here are a few of the most challenging events on the lineup for late summer and fall: Eddy Merckx Classic

The chance to ride with the legendary Belgian racer comes on the 23rd of September this year at the Eddy Merckx Classic bike race in Salzburg, Austria. The starting point is in Eugendorf, just northeast of Salzburg, and you’ll find excellent accommodation at the Hotel Schloss Fuschl. Racers have until the 21st of September to receive the €55 early-bird registration price at the race’s web site. Spectators should expect to find ample viewing opportunities along the 140km course’s stretch. There are a multitude of delightful towns along the route, but Thalgau where the two groups of competitors—those riding 140k and those riding 108k—branch off.

Read our latest coverage of Salzburg: http://www.gemut.com/content/view/905/193/

 Grand Raid Critalp

A bike race through the Swiss Alps provides an excellent opportunity for intense competition and deluxe, bucolic, accommodations. The Grand Raid Cristalp bike race starts on August 18th in Verbier Switzerland. Those looking to compete should plan on arriving two to three days earlier in order to acclimate to the high altitudes. Accommodations can be found at the Hotel De La Poste. The race itself goes straight through the mountains, so unless you’re up for a mountain hike, the viewing is limited to the villages of Verbier, Heremennces, and Grimentz.

Read our latest coverage of the Swiss Alps: http://www.gemut.com/content/view/296/99/

 The Red Bull Dolomitenmann 

A team-based event that encompasses a slew of relatively unorthodox challenges, the 20th annual Dolomitenmann in Lienz is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Entrants will face unusual challenges such as a whitewater kayak race and a paragliding event, in addition to more traditional 12k run and mountain bike races. One will find clean accommodation at the Altstadt Eck, a hotel that has been in the same family for over 500 years. Registration has closed with 110 teams from around the world. All of the races start and end in the Hauptplatz of Lienz, but the paragliders will be visible from almost anywhere! The race itself is on the 8th of September, with free concerts on the evening of the 7th and following the awards ceremony.

Read our latest coverage of Lienz: http://www.gemut.com/content/view/428/193/