Discover the Alps by road bike
Our Alpine Cycling Workshop is a great way to enjoy great riding and learn simultaneously.
Spectacular guided rides in the day under the watchful eye of a qualified coach. Evening lectures to inform and improve performance – the perfect combination to enhance riding performance.
This trip combines the coaching aspect of the Alpine Workshop with the opening of the cols as they are cleared of snow.
A spectacular time of year to ride the Alps, with snow-lined cols waiting to be conquered.
The workshop is ideal for riders who have not been to the Alps before but experienced climbers will love it too.
The Alpine cycling workshop schedule
Saturday, May 27
Arrive at Geneva airport (aim to book a flight between 1300 and 1600).
Collection by minibus and return to our Tarentaise base (transfer time approx 2 hours).
Make up the bikes, briefing, dinner.
Sunday, May 28
The climb to La Rosière and onwards to the Col du Petit St Bernard will be our day’s main feature.
It’s a long climb at 28kms but it’s gradients are relatively gentle making it a great initiation to the week.
Coffee and lunch in Italy are a hightlight today!
There will be options to climb the col from both sides and ride the ‘Versant Soleil’ on the way home.
Depending on the options chosen by the participants, today we’ll ride between 80 and 130 kilometres and climb between 1500m and 2600m.
Monday, May 29 – Friday, June 2
The following five days each involve rides of between 90 – 120 kilometres with between 2000 – 2500m of climbing.
A typical day starts with a ride at around 9 am.
You will be in the saddle for four to five hours each day. There will be several breaks in the riding and always a main stop of the day for lunch.
The exact itinerary will depend on the weather and rider levels.
Late spring is an exciting time for the cycling year when the big cols typically open after the winter snow is cleared.
Climbs that are likely to be on the agenda will be Cormet de Roselend, Col de la Madeleine, Col de Tamié, Col des Saisies, Col du Pré and Col du Tra.
We will most likely include the incredible Lacets de Monvernier too.
Each day, the riding will be followed by afternoon tea back at base, an optional massage (additional cost), and a review or lecture on different subjects.
These will include such areas as climbing/descending techniques, training plans, tactics, bike set up and mental approaches to improving performance.
Saturday, June 3
Departure Day.
Return to Geneva Airport with a view to getting flights departing at 1300 or later.
Who would enjoy this trip?
The Alpine Cycling Workshop allows for a variety of rider levels to enjoy themselves.
Riders may have previous experience riding in the Alps but it is not essential. The main prerequisite is being happy to be in the saddle for four to six hours daily.
As with all our trips, our job is to manage the differences in riders’ levels
What we include
- Transfers from and to Geneva airport.
- Seven nights half board accommodation (twin share) in a 3-star hotel.
- Breakfast and dinner each day.
- Six fully guided rides with vehicle support (subject to a minimum of 4 riders).
- Energy drink powder, bananas, pastries in the vehicle.
- Evening lectures from a qualified coach.
What we don’t include
- Travel insurance.
- Drinks, snacks and evening meals.
- Flights.
Contact us to learn more or to book.
IMPORTANT
Please contact us before booking flights. We like to ensure your flight times result in us being able to collect you promptly.
Can’t make it for the whole week?
Let us know if you’d like to join us for part of the ride.
Usually, we can accommodate riders to join us for shorter trips or those who would like to arrive/depart on different days.