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One of the oldest sportives in the cycling calendar and still the ultimate cycling test. The route takes in some of the most famous climbs from the Tour de France including the challenging Glandon / Croix de Fer, the highest point in the race on the Galibier and then the famous switchbacks of Alpe d'Huez.
This is both a long sportive at 174km and one with an enormous amount of climbing at over 5,000m. On top of this, it is in July in the Alps so temperatures could be uncomfortable hot and you go over high at the Galibier so the chance of very changeable weather is strong. There are not many tougher single day sportives in the world.
The race starts early morning in Le Bourg d'Oisan and after a quick 11km of flat the route heads straight to the Glandon and the first of four tough climbs. At over 20km and climbing over 1000m this is a real challenge. A long descent leads to the base of the Telegraph and the mighty Galibier hitting the highest point of the race at 2642m.
After a long descent down the valley floor there is just the small matter of Alpe d'Huez and the 21 switchbacks to contend with before crossing the finish line and enjoying the glory of completing the hardest one day sportive in cycling.
Starting early from Bourg d'Oisans crossing four major climbs the last being Alpe d'Huez.
Distance: 174 Km. Elevation: 5180 M.
88% of riders come from overseas to ride La Marmotte making it one of the most international
In 2013, Bart Bury completed the course in 5hr32, a course record.
The closest airport to Alpe d'Huez is Lyon about two hours away.
You will need a print out of your registration, medical certificate & ID. Your race entry can be collected by someone else as long as they have those three things. Collection is on the two days before the sportive at Palais des Sports in Alpe d'Huez or before the race start in Bourg
The start goes off in three waves. The first is grid is based on previous times. Bookings through agents (such as us) are in the second grid. The first group sets off at 7am from Bourg at the base of Alpe d'Huez.
The finish line is in Alpe d'Huez where there is a pasta party and expo.
You have two choices for where to stay for La Marmotte. The event starts in Bourg d'Oisans and it is an easy descent back here at the finish. However, preference is to stay in Alpe d'Huez as this is where registrations are, the expo is here and you can be close to your hotel as soon as you finish.
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