Next week and for the very first time Corsica will host two pro cycle races in the same week. The first edition of the Classica Corsica and the 84th edition of the Criterium International. The Classica one day stage race has high hopes of achieving 'classic' status and is on the 26 March. This is the Crit's sixth consecutive start on Corsica so it has history and form. This year's three stage race will run over the usual format on the weekend of 28-29 March.
I've been disappointed to note that some of the major teams such as Sky and BMC have been giving Corsica a miss. But take a look at the racing calendar and who can blame them - it's very congested.  At the same time as these two events the following are also taking place: E3 Harelbeke; Volta a Catalunya, Gent-Wevelgem and, the Settimana Coppi e Bartali! 
I haven't yet found any TV coverage for the Classica but Eurosport will be live on the afternoon of Sunday the 29th for what is always a picturesque and usually exciting conclusion on the way up to Ospedale.

One of the most popular questions I get asked is whether or not a particular month or time of year is a good time to ride on Corsica. Out of the main season there are three considerations to take into account depending on your needs: bike hire, places to stay and the weather. The first two can be overcome if you go to the right locations the latter is unpredictable. 
This is a mountain range in the sea with 21 peaks above 2,000m packed into less than 9,000 square kms - that's an area the size of Yorkshire! The density of peaks greater than 2,000m is  75% more than in the French Alps and there are 150 passable road Cols. This is not Majorca, where the highest peak rises to 1,445m, this is Corsica where Monte Cinto soars to 2,706m. It's alpine and consequently riding this time of year means you need to be prepared for a number of eventualities.
I experienced some 'variable' conditions during the first week of March. You can always ride the coast in Corsica and there are some 700 kms of paved roads available to you which unlike inland Corsica very rarely sees lying snow. Coastal temps during the winter range from 5-15˚c. This year my main challenge was the wind which blew all week and regularly gusted over storm force strength. Temps largely remained mild at the coast and peaked at a very pleasant 20˚c. Riding inland and consequently up into the hills requires a little more planning and layers but gives shelter from the worst of the wind. Check France Meteo for the forecast, layer up and Toe Thingy's on especially for the descents. The snow line varied during the week sinking as low as 600m but most of the time stayed above 1,000m. I tend to plan on the temps averaging half that at the coast but much chillier descending.
You do have the roads to yourself during the quiet months like March which is good because as my gallery shows there is some truly rewarding scenery to take in.