Tour des Alpes

Love the big cols? Want to experience the best of the French Alps in six days of riding? This is the trip for you. Iseran, Petit St Bernard, Telegraph, Galibier, Les Deux Alpes, Alpe D'Huez, Croix de Fer, Madeleine, Roselend... 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 1600m of climbing.

The Schedule

Saturday June 15
Arrive Geneva between 1300 - 1600. Met by our minibuses and taken to the our Tarantaise 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 16
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 17
The Col d'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 18
The Telegraph and the Galibier await us today, classic Tour stuff where you can relive memories of the 2011 Tour. A stunning descent takes us down to the Col du Lauteret and then on towards our summit finish in Les Deux Alpes, full of memories of Marco Pantani.

100km 2700m climbing

Wednesday June 19
The morning is all about the legendary Alpe D'Huez, scene of much drama over the years. You'll soak up the atmosphere with hundreds of other riders at the 'Mecca' of road cycling. Keep something in reserve for the afternoon though as we scale the Col de la Croix de Fer before reaching our hotel in La Chambre.

110km 2600m climbing

Thusday June 20
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. If you've got the legs we'll head up to Notre Dame du Pre before returning to our base.

100km 2500m climbing

Friday June 21
Lots of choice on the last day, Cormet de Roselend and the Col du Pre could be the major contenders to fill the day, a spectacular way to finish off the week.

95 km 2400m climbing

Saturday June 22
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 £825

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 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 consist of around 100km 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.


Please contact us to find out more and to make a booking