Tour des Alpes
Tour des Alpes June 8-15th 2019
Love the big cols? Want to experience the best of the French Alps in six days of riding? This is the trip for you. Col de l'Iseran, Col du Petit St Bernard, Alpe d'Huez, Col du Glandon, Col de la Croix de Fer, Col du Chaussy, Lacets de Monvernier, Col de la Madeleine, Cormet de Roselend, Col du Pré..... A very full week that combines local riding from our base in the Tarentaise as well as touring the Alps. This Tour will complete around 650km and 16000m of climbing.
The Schedule
Saturday June 8
Arrive Geneva between 1300 - 1600. Met by our minibuses and taken to our Tarentaise base (approx transfer time 2 hours) . Plenty of time to get bikes made up and organised followed by a hearty dinner. After dinner there will be an informal chat to discuss the plans for the following days.
Sunday June 9
After breakfast we will ride locally to find our legs for the week. The Col du Petit St Bernard is the likely goal, with both sides of it to conquer. Not too steep and the prospect of lunch in Italy!
110 km 2300m climbing
Monday June 10
The Col de l'Iseran is the main challenge of the day, a 50km climb! Then, over the top into the beautiful Bonneville valley. We'll forge on through the remote upper parts of the Maurienne Valley before climbing 8km to our hotel for the night in the pretty village of Aussois.
100km 2500m climbing
Tuesday June 11
An epic day with the Col du Télégraph leading into the Col du Galibier, as if that wasn't enough we'll finish the day with the ascent of the legendary Alpe d'Huez
110km 3200m climbing
Wednesday June 12
A beautiful 'balcony' road start to the day as we make our way around to the climb of the Col du Glandon. This will be followed by the stunning Lacets de Montverniers made famous in the 2015 Tour de France. The Col du Chaussy will then finish our day off in style.
110km 2700m climbing
Thusday June 13
Today we'll climb the mighty Col de la Madeleine, again the site of much Tour history. A beautiful descent is the reward into the Tarentaise. The afternoon will see us scale the tough but lesser known Col du Tra.
100km 2500m climbing
Friday June 14
Our final day sees us scale the Cormet de Roselend from both sides with the option of the Col du Pré as an add on to what will be a spectacular way to finish off the week.
95 km 2800m climbing
Saturday June 15
We'll get you back to Geneva Airport after assisting you with packing bikes. We'll head to Geneva airport at around 1000 with a view to catching flights from 1400 onwards.
Cost £1195
What's included?
- 6 days of fully supported rides (mechanical assistance, vehicle support, guides)
- 7 nights accommodation, twin share, 4 of which at our Tarentaise base, 3 of which in comfortable gites/hotels on the route
- Breakfast and dinner included
- Transfers to and from Geneva airport
- Informal evening lectures available from a qualified cycling coach offering training advice in preparation for cycling events
What's not included?
- Lunches
- Flights
- Travel insurance
Who is this trip aimed at?
The Tour des Alpes is a big week of consecutive rides. Each day will average around 110km and 2500m of climbing. This trip is a step up in challenge from our Alpine Workshops and Tour du Mont Blanc. Usually, but not always, riders on this trip will have ridden alpine climbs before. As always, drop us a line to discuss if this trip is going to suit you.
VAM rating
We use VAM as one way of determining a rider's level and therefore their suitability for a given tour. Riders on this trip should be capable of climbing at a rate of at least 700 metres/hour on a long climb. This does not mean that riders have to ride at this level for the duration of the trip but it's simply a measure of what a rider would need to be capable of when they are at or close to their limit. Find out more about VAM in our Frequently Asked Questions.
Please contact us to find out more and to make a booking
