Alps Week

Over this week we ride from Annecy to Nice, taking in classic climbs and some great local routes.

Ride Highlights

Relax at Lake Annecy - We start the week on the shores of Lake Annecy, one of the most amazing places in France. Surrounded by mountains, this Lake is the place to gather your thoughts before a massive week of riding.

Climb the Galibier - One of the World's best climbs, the Col du Galibier from Valloire. Ride this beauty with fresh legs, arriving at the summit by 9am and take in this amazing place. One of the highest paved passes in Europe at over 2,600m. This is a glorious, varied climb with huge views in all directions. Enjoy! 17.6km.

Ride the Casse Deserte on the Izoard - From the Galibier we descend to Briancon and then climb the incredible Col d'Izoard. Near the summit is the unique landscape of the casse deserte, an unforgettable place to ride. 14.1km.

Climb the Col d'Izoard - One of our favourite climbs in world cycling. Starting with the gauge ride from Giullestre, the climb proper starts as you turn left off the main road and gets more and more beautiful. As you get close to the top you see the famous memorials to Coppi and Bobet as you ride through cliffs with amazing views down the valley.

Our Alps Weeks start on a Monday with a transfer from Geneva to Annecy. We then ride Tues to Sat, 5 big stages covering over 500km through the heart of the Alps, finishing in Nice on Saturday evening.

Day One - Monday

Annecy

Arrival day. Our transfer is at 2.30pm and we should get to the hotel for 3.30pm. Help is on hand with bike builds, and we will go for a quick spin before dinner.

Day Two - Tuesday

Annecy to Bourg St Maurice

Our first stage takes us over the incredible Cormet de Roseland to Bourg St Maurice. This is one of the most beautiful climbs in the Alps, and a fitting start to the trip. Ride Distance 101km; Elevation Gain 2714m.

Day Three - Wednesday

Bourg St Maurice to Valloire

We are now in the heart of the Alps and today's stage takes us over two classic climbs, the long and high Col de l'Iseran at over 2,700m, and the Telegraph, before finishing in Valloire. Ride Distance 123km; Elevation Gain 2978m.

Day Four - Thursday

Valloire to Giullestre

One of the great rides in Europe, today's stage takes us over the Galibier, before descending the Lauteret to the base of the Col d'Izoard, then a classic descent down the gorges to Giullestre. Ride Distance106km; Elevation Gain 2799m.

Day Five - Friday

Giullestre to Auron

We start with the delightful climb of the Col de Vars, before hitting the Col de Bonette, another monster over 2,700m. We finish at the picturesque mountain town of Auron. Ride Distance 95km; Elevation Gain 3243m.

Day Six - Saturday

Auron to Nice

Our final ride is a stunner in the southern Alps, with the main climb of the Col du Turini. The whole day is lumpy before a final descent to the beach in Nice. Ride Distance 132km; Elevation Gain 2755m.

Day Seven - Sunday

Nice

Departure day. A lazy morning with time to pack bikes before a transfer to Nice airport.

Included in your booking

• 6 nights in 3 & 4* hotels
• All breakfasts, dinners & ride nutrition
• Return airport transfers
• Mechanical support
• Daily guided rides with expert guides & support vehicle

Not included in your booking

• Flights
• Insurance
• Lunch (budget for €10 per day) and drinks with dinner.

Airport Transfers

Fly into Geneva and out of Nice. Our team will meet you in arrivals in Geneva and all transfers include bike boxes. We drive bike boxes down to Nice and drop off all day on Sunday for your return flight.

Arrival

Fly into Geneva for a 1hr transfer to Annecy. Arrive before 2pm for 2.30pm transfer

Departure

Fly out of Nice (NCE) which is close to our hotel. Depart after 1pm (transfer arrives at 11am)