The Alpine Challenge

Stage 01 - 108km . 3186metres

Morzine > Morzine

No soft launch for the Alpine Challenge 2021 – a seeding time trial and then two Hors catégorie (HC) climbs ending with the iconic Col de Joux Plane.

We’ll leave Morzine for a steady 6km warm up to the bottom of the Col de la Joux Verte and the Individual Time Trial. Don’t be fooled by the first 1km of the climb, the following 9.6km has an average gradient of 7%, with an interesting kick in the middle! After a quick coffee at the top you’ll be allocated into one of three ability groups and descend the 12km towards two of the most beautiful Cols in the area Col de l’Ecrenaz and Col de la Ramaz.

Lunch will be at a traditional restaurant in Sommand where the food is well earned and sports therapists waiting. Re-fueled and ready to go there’s 17km of flat before the final climb of the day, the HC rated Col de la Joux Plane. At 11.4km and average gradient of 9%, this will be a big test for tired legs, but the reward of an 11km descent back to Morzine and the hotel bar awaits.

Stage 02 - 114km . 3170metres

Morzine > Megève

With yesterday’s effort in your legs you’ll appreciate the first real climb of the day not coming until 32km, the HC rated Col de la Colombière. With 14km at 7% average make sure you save something in the tank for the top, the last kilometres are 9%, 10% and 11%! After regrouping at the summit, we’ll descend to a local alpine restaurant for a light lunch of typical regional food and the halfway point of the day.

What follows will be familiar territory for anyone who rode the Hotchillee Alpine Challenges from Annecy with the afternoon’s double header including the Col de la Croix Fry followed by a short descent into the Col des Aravis. With the final kilometre of the final climb at 4% there’s the possibility of some big ring sprinter’s efforts for the final bragging rights of Stage 2. The stage finishes in Megève where your luggage will be waiting and a brand new hotel bar to check out before dinner!

Stage 03 - 112KM . 3444metres

Megève > Megève

The sloping descent from Megève will give you the perfect chance to warm up the legs before the first climb of the day, the Col des Saisies. Don’t be fooled by the 5% average, the first few kilometres reach up to 8% followed by a 3km false flat to recover before the push to the top. From the summit, we’ll take the rural route to Beaufort but there’s the small matter of the Col du Pre/ Col de Meraillet before then. Only used by the Tour de France once due to the steep descent, the 12km climb offers stunning views of the Lac de Roseland to help take your mind off the legs. We’ll soon drop down to ride along the Dam before the 1.5km ascent of the Col de Meraillet and the sweeping 11km descent into lunch.

After lunch, the Grand Finale of the event beckons, the Montee des Bisannes. Cresting here, we return 5km to Col des Saisies, have a quick celebratory coffee and cake before descending back to Megève for a well earned beer and the celebration dinner.

What are the entry requirements?

You must be 18 years or older on 16th June 2021.
As there is a lot of climbing and descending involved you will need a good level of fitness.
If you are in doubt as to your fitness then we recommend you have a medical check-up before registering.

Which airport should I fly to?

The nearest and recommended airport is Geneva Airport. Transfers are included in your entry and times are as follows:
Wednesday 16 June 2021: Transfer from Geneva Airport at 13:00 (transfer approx 1.5hrs. Includes luggage and bike box*)
Sunday 20 June 2021: Transfer from Event Hotel to Geneva Airport at 12:00 (transfer arrives at Geneva Airport at 13:30. Includes luggage and bike box*)

Will you accept E-Bike entries?

If it’s been on your bucket list to climb some Cols, or you’re missing the call of the mountains, now is your chance to join us!
Hotchillee can transport your E-bike to / from the UK and take all of the stress out of travelling. This is an available add-on.

What bike should I ride?

The event is restricted to roadworthy road bicycles or E-bikes only. If you are in any doubt then contact the organisers whose decision is final. The ride takes place on tarred or cobbled roads.
Note that no bicycle is permitted to have unconventional handlebars including triathlon bars, aero bars, clip-ons, prayer bars, and cow bars.

Do I need insurance?

Yes! We ask that all riders take out travel insurance.

What happens if Hotchillee cancel the event?

If Hotchillee cancel the event for any reason not listed in the conditions of sale, your entry fee is fully refundable.
If the event is postponed due to COVID-19, your entry will automatically be transferred to the new date. If you can’t make the new dates, you’ll receive a credit to use against any other Hotchillee multi-day event. The credit expires on 1 July 2022. If you have not used the credit by the expiry date, you’ll receive a refund equal to the original booking amount.

What happens if I need to cancel my entry?

If for any reason you need to cancel your entry there are several options available:

1. You are able to nominate a substitute rider for your entry (up to 30 days before the event start date).
2. You may defer your entry as a credit towards another HotChillee event in the same or following calendar year (up to 12 weeks before the event start date).
3. You are entitled to the following refund on your entry:

• 17 Weeks + before the Event start date: 66% refund of the full entry fee paid including any extra services and upgrades
• 13-16 weeks before the Event start date: 33% refund of the full entry fee paid including any extra services and upgrades
• 0-12 weeks before the Event start date: 0% refund of the full entry fee paid including any extra services and upgrades