Overview
The legendary Col du Galibier and Alpe D’Huez conjure up images of pristine mountain roads, glorious alpine backdrops, and endless switchbacks as far as the eye can see. During this epic five-day trip you’ll climb and descend five classic climbs in this iconic region of France, staying in relaxing hotels and eating in local restaurants throughout.
All logistics are taken care of, so you can just turn up, ride, and follow in the footsteps of some of the greatest cycling legends in the world in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.
This is a very tough 3 days cycling so you will need to prepare to climb for extended periods each day. Whilst the days are not particularly long in distance, there are significant climbs throughout this trip so you will need to have plenty of climbing experience if you’re going to enjoy this fantastic trip.
This trip will run on a minimum number of 10 persons. Please do not book any transport to/from the trip until it has been confirmed by email that it will definitely run.
You must prepare before coming on the trip, anything cardiovascular will help in addition to of course cycling. Importantly you need to do some 6+ hour cycles so you will know what is required. You will need to get some hill practice in!
We can provide you with a training plan but you will need to be comfortable cycling for several hours at a time through hilly terrain. If you are unsure or require our training plan, please contact us on info@moreadventure.co.uk.
Our Star Ratings
Here is an explanation of our cycling trip grades. Please bear in mind that total ascent, wind and general riding conditions can play as important factors as the daily distances involved. Whilst we have stated some example distances, the overall difficulty assigned to each trip will encompass a range of these factors. If you are at all unsure of whether you think the trip is suitable, please contact us.
Easy: Suitable for those new to cycling seeking an introductory and very relaxed yet active experience on two wheels. Easy riding on short, flat and/or gently undulating routes. Approx 20 – 40 miles a day
Relaxed: Undulating terrain with occasional minor undulations for semi-regular novices who wish to develop fitness and ability. May include a few short steep climbs. Approx 40 – 50 miles a day
Moderate: Designed for cyclists with a good level of riding experience and fitness, and are comfortable riding for full days in the saddle. Routes will include some steep and/or sustained climbs. Not for those new to cycling. Approx 50 – 80 miles a day
Challenging: Routes with multiple steep and sustained climbs and technical descents and/or long distances. Riders need to be have a high level of fitness and stamina in addition to experience in riding over extended distances and/or tackling long ascents and descents. Approx 70 – 110 miles a day
Advanced: Designed for experienced cyclists with an excellent level of fitness and stamina. Routes are consistently long with multiple serious and steep ascents and descents throughout. High altitude ascents may be undertaken followed by technically demanding descents. Approx 80 – 120 miles a day
Itinerary
Day 1: Fly into Geneva, transfer to Saint-Julien-Mont-Denis
You will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel in Saint-Julien-Mont-Denis. Here you’ll meet the rest of the group and will hopefully have plenty of time to relax, explore and prepare for the days ahead.
Day 2: Col du Galibier – (40 miles – 7700ft Ascent)
Today the cycling starts with a bang! The Col du Télégraphe and Col du Galibier await, two classic climbs that have near-mythical status. The monster that is the Col du Galibier is over 21 miles of climbing, averaging around 6%, and just so you can’t daydream your time away on the way up, there are kilometre markers all the way! A regular addition to the Tour de France, it was first used in 1911 when all but two riders were said to have walked! A very welcome rest awaits in La Grave where we overnight.
Day 3: Alpe D’Huez – (38 miles – 6630ft Ascent)
Not quite as much ascent as the previous day but still a huge challenge as we tackle the switchbacks of perhaps the most famous of them all…the Alpe D’Huez. With ‘only’ 9 miles of climbing, what it lacks in length is made up in sheer beauty and its’ iconic hairpins are recognisable all over the world. Who can forget the sight of Marco Pantani in 1995 and 1997 with his trademark ‘out of the saddle’ style, flying up in just 36 minutes! What will your time be? We overnight in the small town of Le Bourg-dʼOisans.
Day 4: Col de la Madeleine – (68 miles – 12,000ft Ascent)
Today is the big one – 68 Miles, 12,000ft of ascent, two cols! After a fairly flat 10 mile start, the climbing starts in earnest as we tackle the Col du Glandon & Col De la Madeleine. With an average gradient of 8% the Col De la Madeleine is a tough challenge for anyone, it too features the kilometre markers so you can track (and pace) your progress up the stunning climb. A well deserved rest awaits in Aigueblanche where our cycling for this trip ends. Here we’ll have a celebratory meal and reflect upon the last three days of epic riding!
Day 5: Transfer to Geneva
After breakfast you will be transferred to Geneva airport for your return flight.
Single room supplement for this trip is £205.
Map
Includes
- Cycle Leader(s)
- Support driver/vehicle
- 4 x night’s hotel accommodation
- 4 x breakfasts
- Bicycle mechanical support
- Transfers from/to Geneva airport on scheduled arrival/departure dates
- First aid cover
- All luggage transported during your trip
- GPX files of the route (if requested)
- Photos and video of your trip
FAQs
Will there be the chance to cycle more passes on this trip?
Absolutely! Whilst our itinerary will test even the strongest of cyclists, there are always opportunities in the area for more hills. Your cycle leaders will advise you on some good ones to get stuck into if you fancy it at the end of the day.
How does the bicycle transfer service work?
The bicycle transfer is a door-to-door bicycle and luggage transfer service. Basically a few days before the trip begins your bicycle and main piece of luggage will be picked up from an agreed address at a specific time slot and driven to the start point of the trip. At the end of the trip they will be returned to an agreed address a couple of days after the trip ends. The price will depend upon how many others in the group require the service and where your pickup point is, it is however usually cheaper than hiring a bike box, checking your bike box onto the plane and the logistics of getting your bike to the airport. You do not need a bike box and your bicycle will not need to be dismantled. It saves you a lot of hassle and time, and allows you to fly with hand luggage only!
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