France
The Big Six
La Marmotte with Sportive Breaks
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! 2021 saw a tweak to the classic route and a new Ultra route option with over 6500m of climbing
Please book the 4-night package if you want to take part in the Grimpee de L'Alpe; Alpe d'Huez Time Trial on Friday morning.
Weekend Highlights
Weekend Highlights
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Private Feed Stops: Drop off your day bags, re-energise with sports nutrition + savoury food on the Glandon, Galibier & the final mighty climb.
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Mechanic support: Expert mechanics on hand all weekend
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Guided Warm Up Rides: On Friday & Saturday before the sportive to some great local routes close to Alpe d'Huez.
| Sportive Distance | Sportive Elevation | Sportive Difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Route | 177km | 5000m+ |
5/5
Back to back long days with plenty of climbing. Suitable for good club riders.
|
What's Included
Accommodation
Choice of 3* hotels
Transfer
From Lyon (LYS) and Geneva airport (GVA)
Included Meals
Bed and Breakfast
Guided Warm Up Ride
On Friday & Saturday
Private Feed Stop
Access to our private feed stations
Sportive Entry
Optional Extra
Mechanic
On hand all weekend
La Marmotte
La Marmotte is known to be one of the hardest sportives to participate in. Taking place in September this year, our travel packages include tackling the four 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, and the Glandon. 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 18.00 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.
Itinerary
Expand All
30th June // 1st July : Arrival days
3 day // 4 day packages: Fly into Lyon or Geneva where our team will meet you. The transfer takes just over 2 hours from Lyon and 3 hours from Geneva.
1st of July : Arrival Day and Alpe d'Huez ITT
| Distance | Elevation | Difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Short Route |
14 | 1125 |
4/5
Plenty of climbing but suitable for most regular riders.
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Arrival day. Fly into Geneva or Lyon where our team will meet you. The transfer takes just over 2 hours from Lyon and 3 hours from Geneva. Today is the Grimpee de L’Alpe Event (book our 4 day package for entry). This is the official ADH time trial. Also today 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 14.30. This afternoon you have the opportunity to go to the expo to collect your race bib for tomorrow and 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 in Smithy’s Tavern.
2nd July : Preparation Day
| Distance | Elevation | Difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short Route |
45 | 1203 |
2/5
Flat to rolling day with max one main climb.
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After breakfast and preparing the bikes, we will take you on a supported, guided ride that takes in the Vilard Reculas climb which is the easiest way to get back up to Alpe d’Huez. We will descend down 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 Smithy’s for the meal night.
3rd July : The Marmotte
| Distance | Elevation | Difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Route |
175 | 5516 |
5/5
A Queen Stage day: multiple classic climbs and an epic ride.
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We have an early start this morning. Early breakfast is arranged. The Marmotte start is done in waves. You will be allocated a start pen with a time that you have to enter the pen plus a start time. Previous editions have started between 07:00 and 08:30. This afternoon and early evening we’ll assist you with re-packing your bikes ahead of travel. The evening is free for you to eat out in one of Alpe d’Huez’s many restaurants or you can join us at Smithy’s for the meal night. After the meal, we’ll have a celebratory get together at Smithy’s bar to celebrate your achievement.
4th July : Departure Day
After breakfast, we offer our optional transfer back to Lyon or Geneva airport.
Sportive Options
Route Overview
| Distance | Elevation | Difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Route | 175 | 5516 |
5/5
Very challenging: multiple tough sectors and a full day epic ride.
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Accommodation
Langley Hôtel Le Petit Prince
Route de la Poste, 38750 Alpe d’Huez
Langley Hôtel Le Petit Prince is a family-friendly 3-star hotel. The town centre of Alpe d'Huez, with a bank, newsagent, small supermarket, outdoor swimming-pool, and sports centre is within a 5-minute walk. All rooms are modern and cosy, some of which have balconies overlooking the beautiful valley.
Airport Transfers
Our optional transfers take just over 2 hours from Lyon and 3 hours from Geneva.
Transfer 1 : Depart Geneva Airport at 11.00 (for flights arriving by 10.00)
Transfer 2 : Depart Geneva Airport at 16.00 (for flights arriving by 15.00)
Lyon Airport
Transfer 1 : Depart Lyon Airport at 11.00 (for flights arriving by 10.00)
Transfer 2 : Depart Lyon Airport at 17.15 (for flights arriving by 16.15)
Transfer 1 : Depart Alpe d’Huez at 07.00 (for flights departing after 12.00)
Transfer 2 : Depart Alpe d’Huez at 10.00 (for flights departing after 15.00)
Lyon Airport
Depart Alpe d’Huez at 13.00 (for flights departing after 17.00)
Dates & Book Now
As you may know, Sportive Breaks has recently been acquired cycling travel experts, Destination Sport Experiences. When clicking on the booking link below, you will be taken to the Destination Sport Experiences booking engine. If you have any questions, please do contact our team [email protected]
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