Sportive Breaks

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2025 Tour de France La Marmotte and Etape du Tour

12 Days | 11 Nights

Days

Thu 3rd July to Mon 14th July 2025

difficulity 

HARD

From

$6,928 AUD

2025 Marmotte Gran Fondo, Tour de France and Etape du Tour with Sportive Breaks

Key Features

Our tour starts with the original European sportive and still one of the hardest. The Marmotte takes in four giant alpine climbs, all legendary from the Tour de France finishing with the mighty Galibier and then Alpe d’Huez. A serious challenge! Also part of the Marmotte weekend are the Grimpee Time Trial on Friday

The other big Sportive, the Etape du Tour takes place a week later on Sunday 13 July (date TBC) giving us the brilliant opportunity to ride both! As an added bonus, the Tour de France visits the Alps  after the Marmotte (TBC) so we will stay around for a few days to catch that.

Stay in Alpe d’Huez with us for 3 nights followed by 3 nights in Bourg d’Oisans and 4 nights in TBC. Our support includes mechanic service, guided rides and private feed stations. We also offer Marmotte entry in wave 1 with a 07:00 start or wave 2 with a 07.30 start, a group meal night in Alpe d’Huez and airport transfers for the Etape du Tour.

2025 Tour de France

The 2025 Tour de France dates are Saturday 5th of July until Sunday 27th July. We already know that the first 4 stages will be in Lille and northern France in July 2025. The rest of the 2025 Tour de France route will be announced in October 2024.

2025 Etape du Tour

The 2025 Etape du Tour will take place in the French Alps on Sunday 13th July. Dates and location will be announced at the same time as the 2025 Tour de France route.

Package Pricing

Tour Package Price

  • $6,928 per person based on two people sharing a Twin Room (2 single beds) or 1 double room (1 bed for couple)
  • $8,611 per person based on single occupancy of a room.

Note: Costs listed are per person, not including airfare and based on two persons per room. We recommend Travel Insurance for your trip. As cycling travel experts, we are able to match you with an ideal provider, just mention it when you enquire. 

Optional Add-Ons

Private Transfers are available for those unable to make the 2pm airport transfer from Geneva Airport included in the itinerary. We strongly recommend booking a private transfer if this is the case, the journey to the hotel in Alpe d’Huez can be complex to arrange without a car, and we’d be thrilled to have you arrive before the group dinner! 

We ensure your transfer is completed with a team that will take care of you, and your bike. Please contact us for questions and group bookings of transfers.

Prices from Geneva Airport (GVA) | 3 Hours Driving

  •  1 – 4 people with bike boxes – One-way $680 / $1,365 Return 

Prices from Lyon St. Exupery Airport (LYS) | 2 Hours Driving

  •  1 – 4 people with bike boxes – One-way $485 / $975 Return 

What's Included?

Photo Gallery

2025 Itinerary Guide Itinerary

DAY 1 | Arrival Day

Date

Thursday 3rd July 2025

Location

Alpe d’Huez, France | Arrival Airport: GVA or LYS

Hotel: Petit Prince in Alpe d’Huez

Welcome to the tour of a lifetime! Land in Geneva Airport and we will meet you and your bike to transfer to our hotel in Alpe d’Huez. The transfer departs at 14:00 taking around 3 hours to arrive at the hotel. Please ensure your flight arrives before 13:00 to have ample time to clear customs and meet us in the arrivals hall.

If you wish to arrive at a different time, day, or in Lyon (LYS); we can arrange a private transfer at an additional cost, please see the package pricing section for costs.

Those on the 2pm transfer will arrive in the evening at our bike-friendly hotel, the Petit Prince in Alpe d’Huez. Check-in for your first 3-nights of accommodation on the tour. Our mechanics will be on hand at the hotel to help you assemble your bike before dinner.

Tonight, we host a group dinner to welcome you to the tour and allow our hosts to talk through what’s ahead. Over the two-course meal you’ll have plenty of time to get to know the people around the table you’ll be spending plenty of time with. 

Daily Highlights

Rides

No guided ride today. 

Meals

Group Welcome Dinner

DAY 2 | Shake out & Warm Up

Date

Friday 4th July 2025

Location

Alpe d’Huez, France

Hotel: Petit Prince in Alpe d’Huez

If you are on the earlier arrival, we will run a short (but punchy) guided ride down Alpe d’Huez, over the Balcons and back up the Sarenne departing Alpe d’Huez at 15.30.

This afternoon you can go to the expo to collect your race bib for tomorrow. This afternoon and early evening, our tour leaders and bike mechanics are available for you. The evening is free for you to eat out in one of Alpe d’Huez’s many restaurants or you can join us at our meal night at a local restaurant (included).

 

Daily Highlights

Rides

50km | 1000+m Climbing 

Meals

Breakfast and Evening Meal

DAY 3 | Prepare for La Marmotte

Date

Saturday 5th July 2025

Location

Alpe d’Huez 

Hotel: Petit Prince in Alpe d’Huez

After breakfast and preparing the bikes, we will take you on a supported, guided ride that takes in the Villard Reculas climb which is the easiest way to get back up to Alpe d’Huez. We will descend to Bourg d’Oisans, ride along the valley floor and climb back up to Alpe d’Huez.  

We’ll be back at the hotel in the afternoon for you to rest and get prepared for tomorrow. This evening our bike guides will do a race briefing to run through Marmotte day logistics and of course the route.

The evening is free for you to eat out in one of Alpe d’Huez’s many restaurants or you can join us at a local restaurant the meal night.

Daily Highlights

Rides

La Marmotte

Meals

Breakfast

DAY 4 | La Marmotte 2025

Date

Sunday 6th July 2025

Location

Alpe d’Huez 

Hotel: Petit Prince in Alpe d’Huez

We have an early start this morning. Early breakfast is arranged in the hotel restaurant.

The Marmotte start is done in waves. You will be allocated a start pen with a time that you must enter the pen plus a start time. The Marmotte is a race with one cut off point. You need to have passed the start of the Alpe d’Huez climb in Bourg d’Oisans before 18.15 otherwise you will be eliminated from the race. If you’re eliminated your bike will go on a bike trailer and you will be transported to the finish in Alpe d’Huez or you can still climb Alpe d’Huez and finish in your own time.

Once you finish in Alpe d’Huez, there’s no need to worry as you are staying near the finish.

The evening is free for you to eat out in one of Alpe d’Huez’s many restaurants or you can join us for our meal night at a local restaurant. After the meal we’ll have a few drinks at a local bar to celebrate your achievement.

Daily Highlights

Rides

La Marmotte

Meals

Breakfast

DAY 5 | Recover and Transfer to our next location

Date

Monday 7th July 2025

Location

Bourg d’oisans

Hotel: Bourg d’oisans

A day to chill out and rest after yesterday’s event. Why not go for a walk in the mountains, have a dip in the outdoor pool or sit on the hotel terrace?

In the afternoon we will transport you to Bourg d’Oisans where we will stay for 3 nights on half board basis so with breakfasts and dinners included.

Daily Highlights

Rides

Meals

Breakfast and Evening Meal

DAY 6

Date

Tuesday 8th July 2025

Location

Bourg d’oisans

Hotel: Bourg d’oisans

After breakfast, we will  take you on a guided ride to watch the riders of the 2025 Tour de France as they race into the French Alps.

Evening meal at the hotel.

Daily Highlights

Rides

Guided Ride

Meals

Breakfast and Evening Meal

DAY 7

Date

Wednesday 9th July 2025

Location

Bourg d’oisans

Hotel: Bourg d’oisans

After breakfast, we will leave Alpe d’Huez and take you on a guided ride to watch the riders of the 2025 Tour de France (TBC).

Evening meal at the hotel.

Daily Highlights

Rides

Meals

Breakfast and Evening Meal

DAY 8 | Transfer to Etape du Tour

Date

Thursday 10th July 2025

Location

Transfer to Etape du Tour

Hotel: Near Etape du Tour

After breakfast we say goodbye to Bourg d’Oisans and we will make our way to the Etape du Tour venue.  Your bike will be transported fully assembled.

Evening meal at hotel.

Daily Highlights

Rides

Transfer

Meals

Breakfast and Evening Meal

DAY 9 | Guided Ride

Date

Friday 11th July 2025

Location

Near Etape du Tour

Hotel: Near Etape du Tour

This morning we will take you for a guided ride in the area.

This afternoon and early evening, our tour leaders and bike mechanics are available for you. Evening meal at the hotel.

Daily Highlights

Rides

Meals

Breakfast and Evening Meal

DAY 10 | Prepare for Etape du Tour

Date

Saturday 12th July 2025

Location

Near Etape du Tour

Hotel: Near Etape du Tour

After breakfast, we will take you on a supported, guided ride. We’ll be back at the hotel in the afternoon for you to rest and get prepared for tomorrow.

This evening our bike guides will do a race briefing to run through Etape day logistics and of course the route.
The evening is free for you to eat out at a local restaurant 

Daily Highlights

Rides

Meals

Breakfast and Evening Meal

DAY 11 | Etape du Tour de France

Date

Sunday 13th July 2025

Location

Near Etape du Tour

We have an early start this morning. Early breakfast is arranged in the hotel restaurant.

The Etape du Tour start is done in waves. You will be allocated a start pen with a time that you must enter the pen plus a start time. Please note that Sportive Breaks has no influence on start pens or timings. 

The Etape du Tour is a race with various cut off points. You need to have passed each cut off point at certain times otherwise you will be eliminated from the race. If you’re eliminated your bike will go on a bike trailer and you will be transported to the finish.

Evening meal and support packing bikes this evening.

Daily Highlights

Rides

Meals

Breakfast and Evening Meal

DAY 12 | Departures

Date

Monday 14th July 2025

Location

Transfer to Airport

After breakfast we offer our optional transfers back to the airport at set times.

Daily Highlights

Rides

Meals

Breakfast

More About the Tour

La Marmotte

La Marmotte is known to be one of the hardest sportives to participate in. Taking place in June this year, our travel packages include tackling 4 alpine climbs which have become legendary thanks to the Tour de France. This route is a serious challenge and a fantastic achievement.

What is La Marmotte Sportive? 

La Marmotte is the ultimate cycling test and also the oldest sportive in the cycling calendar. At 174km, this one-day classic includes conquering famous climbs from the Tour de France including the Galibier, the Glandon and the Croix de Fer. The Marmotte has one cut off point. You need to have passed the start of the Alpe d’Huez climb in Bourg d’Oisans before 18:15 otherwise you will be eliminated from the race. If you’re eliminated your bike will go on a bike trailer and you will be transported to the finish in Alpe d’Huez. Once you finish in Alpe d’Huez, there’s no need to worry as you are staying near the finish.

First held in 1982, this is still one of the most popular cycling events in the world and a bucket list sportive all riders should try at least once.

Gran Fondo Options

The famous Marmotte Granfondo Alps finishes with the legendary Alpe d’Huez. The famous 21 hairpin bends must be conquered before the final release of the finish. It takes courage to overcome the 174 kilometres and 5,000 altimeters of this epic cycling challenge.
The route features 6 of the most legendary passes in France: in order of appearance on the route: the Glandon, the Croix de Fer, the Telegraphe, the Galibier, the Lautaret, and finally the final ascent of Alpe d’Huez. Whether you aim for a certain time or you just want to finish, every participant leaves Alpe d’Huez with a satisfying feeling and bragging rights knowing that they have conquered this challenge.

2024 La Marmotte Gran Fondo Route

2024 Etape du Tour Route

  • Start: Nice City Centre
  • Finish: Col de la Couillole
  • Finish Village: Beuil
  • Return Transport: Beuil

The 32nd edition of L’Étape du Tour de France will be held on 07 July 2024 on the route of the 20th stage of the Tour de France, between Nice and the Col de la Couillole, a 138km route with more than 4,600 metres of ascent, including the climbs of the Col de la Couillole, Col de Braus, Col de Turini and Col de la Colmiane.

Even though slightly shorter than the 2023 Etape, this is a tough stage with 4,600 metres of climbing over the 138-kilometre rout you need to be perfectly prepared for this challenge. Our team have been present at the last 14 editions of the Etape du Tour and we are looking forward to again helping riders to enjoy a brilliant day out on the bike again.

If you are interested in cycling the most famous sportive in the world, your entry is included with this package. Take on the Etape du Tour (also known as the L’Etape du tour) and ride the Queen stage of the 2024 Tour de France. The 2024 route will again include awesome climbs in one of the world’s best cycling regions.

2024 Etape du Tour de France Route

Tour Dynamic

Daily Rides

We offer a guided ride each day listed in the itinerary. We have an experienced local rider as your bike guide on the road with you. On the ride you will be supported by our vehicle carrying nutrition, hydration and tools for basic mechanical support.

We will ride each day to engage with the day’s stage, the support vehicle will always be close by in case we have any mechanical issues or if you are not feeling up to riding the whole distance.  On some occasions we may have 2 ride options for the day, these will be communicated as short ride and long ride. 

Transportation

We will have the support vehicle close to the riding group at all times, the support vehicle will carry the rider’s day pack, sports hydration powders, water, and some refreshments.

If the day’s stage is a long distance that we can’t safely cover by bike we will arrange additional transport, see itinerary for details. 

Who is this tour for?

Our tours are all about enjoyment and safety, you must be used to riding in a group. That being said, this tour is designed to challenge even avid cyclists. There’s plenty of time to spend recovering, enjoying the Tour de France and culture of France. But you will be taking on the challenge of two of the toughest mass participation events in cycling in one epic trip. 

Riding: Ride 2 to 4 times a week / Average ride distance:  80km+ kilometres | Average ride elevation: Comfortable with 1500+ meters | Average Riding Time: Comfortable being in the saddle for 5+ Hours

My fitness and experience: Fitness is central to my life. I ride my bike regularly every week and am comfortable with rides of 3-4 hours or more at a relatively steady pace. I enjoy all-terrain, with hills and some moderate mountain passes. I like getting some speed on moderate descents.

Hotel: Pullman Adelaide

Hotel 

16 Hindmarsh Square, Adelaide CBD, 5000 Adelaide

 

An explorers playground in the heart of Adelaide. Our 308 rooms and suites offer a fresh, open layout and all-round connectivity; ready to welcome modern-day adventurers and nomads, travelling for business or pleasure.

Stay connected with ultra-fast Wi-Fi in the lobby and throughout the hotel. For those needing to regenerate and re-energise, our lap-pool with spa & sauna is the place. Need to sweat it out? Visit our fully equipped Fit Lounge & Bike Zone. Our Salt Restaurant and Bar infuse impeccable service with a modern, evolving dining experience featuring fresh seasonal and local produce. It’s the perfect place for chance encounters, business dinners or wind-down drinks.

Positioned in the heart of the Adelaide Central Business District and with Adelaide’s world-class dining experiences and vibrant East End right on our doorstep, Pullman Adelaide is perfectly located.

 

You're in safe hands

We have a team of highly experienced professionals who have been organising cycling trips for over 25 years. 

Plenty to choose from

Did you know we offer the biggest selection of European Gran Fondo and Cyclo-Sportive events.

Spread your payments

Our payment plan is an interest-free payment method where you will have the opportunity to spread payment for your booking. *Selected products. Terms and Conditions apply

Logistics covered

We know the routes, we know the roads. We know how the event works and the best hotels for the start and finish. We organise everything for you; transfers, bike transport, additional feed stops, rep support and more.

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