Time Megeve Cyclosportive

This incredible 5 day ride circumnavigates the Mont Blanc massif and incorporates one of the biggest events in France on day 4. 500km of mythical cols and fantastic scenery takes us through France, Italy and Switzerland. An amazing experience of a great event and spectacular riding.

The Schedule

Wednesday June 5
We'll pick you from Geneva airport, arrivals ideally from 1300-1600. You'll be driven to our Tarentaise base, where you'll get plenty of time to make up bikes, have a hearty dinner and a good night's sleep.

Thursday June 6
Bellentre (F) to Pre St Didier (I) 96 km 2100m climbing

Our first day starts with a gentle ascent to Bourg St Maurice. This is where the high mountain action really kicks off as we climb the 28kms of the Col du Petit St Bernard (2188m). This takes into Italy and a beautiful descent into the ski resort of la Thuile. Our descent continues to the pretty spa town of Pre St Didier where our hotel for the night awaits us. For those that still have fresh legs there will be the opportunity to ride up the valley to Courmayeur for a cappucino and wonderful views of Mont Blanc and it's glaciers. Another potential extra challenge is the Colle San Carlo, of Giro d'Italia fame, that we can incorporate into the latter part of the day's ride.

Friday June 7
Pre St Didier (I) to Champex Lac(CH) 105 km 2500m climbing

The day starts with around 30 of kms of flat and gentle descent that takes us into Aosta. Then, the climb to the Col du Grand St Bernard awaits us, over 30 kms of climbing up to an altitude of 2469m. We cross into Switzerland and enjoy a fantastic fast descent down to Orsieres. We'll climb again to reach our overnight stop in the pretty town of Champex Lac.

Saturday June 8
Champex (CH) to Megeve (F) 97 km 2300m climbing

We start by descending to Martigny before tackling our first climb of the day, the Col de la Forclaz, 1526m. A short descent get us to the French border followed by another climb up the Col des Montets, 1461m. Then we descend into the Chamonix valley with fantastic glaciers spilling down on our left side. On we go to our next climb up to St Gervais and on to Megeve. Those wishing to ride in Sunday's big event will have plenty of time to check in and collect race numbers, timing chips etc.

Sunday June 9
Time Megeve Cyclosportive

This prestigious event is very popular with 2500 riders participating every year. You can choose between 3 different distances with different amounts of climbing within them. The courses take you over the Col des Aravis, Col de la Croix Fry and the Col des Saisies. A fantastic event and a great atmosphere guaranteed. (This event is highly recommended but not an obligatory part of the trip. This day could also be used as an easier riding day. Hence the fact that the race entry is not included in the price of this trip. We can organise your entry for a cost of £40 for which you will receive a limited edition Time Megeve jersey)

Monday June 10
Megeve (F) to Bourg St Maurice (F) 93 km 2500m climbing

Three classic cols to conquer today as we continue and complete our big circuit. First the Col des Saisies, 1650m, followed by the Col du Pre, 1748m, and Cormet de Roselend, 1967m. A spectacular day to finish our circuit and passing through the towns of Beaufort and Bourg St Maurice. Then it's back to base camp in Bellentre to enjoy our final dinner together and celebrate our achievements.

Tuesday June 11
Transfers back to Geneva at 1000 with a view to catching flights from 1400.

Cost £775

What's included?

• Fully supported rides (mechanical assistance, vehicle support, coaching, guides, snacks, energy drinks).
• 6 nights twin share accommodation, 2 in our Tarentaise base with breakfast, afternoon tea and cakes and three course evening meal with wine. 4 nights in comfortable hotels in Pre St Didier, Champex and Megeve (2 nights).
• Onward transport of baggage to next accommodation.
• Transfers to and from Geneva airport.
• Informal evening lectures from a qualified cycling coach offering training advice in preparation for cycling events

What's not included?

• Flights
• Lunches
• Travel insurance
• Race entry to Time Megeve event

Who is this trip aimed at?

Tour du Mont Blanc and Time Megeve Cyclosportive involves 5 consecutive days of challenging riding. In our experience 5 days is manageable for most riders and some of the riders on this trip will be riding in the Alps for the first time. Each day on this trip involves an average of 95km and 2300m of climbing, not as demanding as Tour des Alpes and Grand Tour du Sud. The Megeve event will appeal to anyone with aspirations to participating in events such as the Etape du Tour, for which it would be excellent preparation.

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