L’Etape de Légende

The doyenne of French cyclosportives, and second only to the Etape du Tour in renown, the 174km La Marmotte starts in the village Bourg d'Oisans before climbing the Col du Glandon, the Col du Télégraphe and the Col du Galibier before returning to Bourg d'Oisans to climb the legendary 21 hairpins to the ski station of l'Alpe d'Huez.

Many would argue that La Marmotte is a tougher challenge than most Etapes du Tour, and that a medal from la Marmotte is even more prestigious. Those taking the 3 day option will have the opportunity on the following day of taking part in the Grimpe de l'Alpe time trial from Bourg d'Oisans to l'Alpe d'Huez – every rider receives a personal timing ticket.

French Cycling Holidays have 2 night trips to take in la Marmotte on its own or 3 night breaks to include La Grimpe as well.

We collect you from Lyon airport and Grenoble airport and station on Friday 3rd - you should arrive on the early flights to Lyon (BA and Easyjet) or the Ryanair flight to Grenoble, so that we can register for the ride in the afternoon.

We stay at the 3*** Pic Blanc in l'Alpe d'Huez, idealy placed for the finish of both events. Lodging is on a half-board basis (dinner bed and breakfast).

On Saturday 4th roll down the Alpe to the start in Bourg d'Oisans – our minibus will be there for you to drop off your warm clothes. The ride starts at 7:00am - the FCH minibus will follow to assist with mechanicals etc and to offer a back-up to riders in trouble.

On Sunday 5th those on the 2 night package will be transferred to airports/train station, those on the 3 night package will roll down to Bourg d'Oisans to take part in the Grimpe which kicks off at 9:00 am.

Monday 6th, transfer back to Lyon or Grenoble for onward journeys.

Package A – Marmotte and Grimpe de l'Alpe (3 nights)

Package A – Marmotte and Grimpe de l'Alpe
3 nights (based on 2 sharing)	£525 per person
Single supplement	£150

Package B – Marmotte only (2 nights)

Package B – Marmotte only
2 nights (based on 2 sharing)	£440 per person
Single supplement	£100

What’s included

• Guaranteed entry to La Marmotte 2009 (all packages) and La Grimpe de L'Alpe (3 night option).
• Dinner bed and breakfast at the comfortable Pic Blanc 3***hotel
• Coach transfer to and from the Grenoble airport and train station, and Lyon airport and airport TGV.
• Experienced bi-lingual guides.
• Welcome pack with information pack, route guides, training advice.

What’s not included

• Travel to pick-up points
• Bicycle (you will probably want your own best bike to tackle the Marmotte; we do have a limited number of race bikes in a few sizes – please phone or e-mail to discuss)
• Lunches (we will advise on good spots for lunch)
• Beers, soft drinks and coffee.