La Marmotte

[trevorhough40]

What an amazing race we rode last Saturday. It happens each year on the first weekend of July and follows the same route each year. It starts in Le Bourg-d'Oisans at the base of Alps d'Huez and traces it's way over the Col de Glandon, Col de Telegraphe, Col de Galibier and finally up Alps d'Huez. 175 km's and 5180m of climbing.

 

The race has around 8000 competitors and is really well run. We rode in the alps for 4 days prior to the race riding all the big col's and used a French cycling company called Cyclomondo whom I can't say enough good things about.

 

For those a little tired of the standard South African races this is an amazing alternative and definitely my hardest day out on a bike. Wasn't prepared for 32 km climbs of 2000m.

[ScottCM]

Wow now that sounds awesome. Any photo's?

 

What type of budget does one have to look at for a race like this? 20K? 50K? 100K?

Edited July 10, 2014 by ScottC-M

[trevorhough40]

Hi there will upload some photos soon.

 

As for cost it was really reasonable. We used a company called Cyclomondo who were excellent. The trip included 7 nights accomodation in great hotels. Three meals a day, including lunch on road whilst cycling. A backup vehicle to follow every day and another one to transport bags, a mechanic who followed each day and serviced bikes each night. 4 days of riding prior to race- 100kms per day including 2 big Cols. Entry to the race and the hiring of bikes (carbon Italian) for a week. Transport to and from Geneva airport. All for e1400. I'm going to make it a yearly trip for that price, way better value than epic.

[trevorhough40]

Hi there will upload some photos soon.

 

As for cost it was really reasonable. We used a company called Cyclomondo who were excellent. The trip included 7 nights accomodation in great hotels. Three meals a day, including lunch on road whilst cycling. A backup vehicle to follow every day and another one to transport bags, a mechanic who followed each day and serviced bikes each night. 4 days of riding prior to race- 100kms per day including 2 big Cols. Entry to the race and the hiring of bikes (carbon Italian) for a week. Transport to and from Geneva airport. All for e1400. I'm going to make it a yearly trip for that price, way better value than epic.