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SOME DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
The French are passionate about their cycling and almost every town hosts some form of cycling event during the summer months. The biggest event on the calendar is of course the Tour de France.
Morzine gets a good dose of the tour this year with a stage finish in Avoriaz on July 11th, a rest day on July 12th and the restart again on the 13th.
Full details of the summer's events will follow.
We will happily arrange entry to any of the events that we list. A medical certificate (stating that there are no contraindications to you participating in a cycling event) is essential for all entries.
FULLY SUPPORTED ROAD CYCLING HOLIDAYS WITH ENDLESSRIDE
We offer week long fully supported road cycling holidays from our chalet Berger in Morzine during June when the roads are quieter and the temperatures are not too high.
The tour itinerary includes a range of rides varying in length from 40 to 130 km, a sample is gven below.
Day 1: Introductory Ride - Col du Corbier
Even for the most experienced riders their first day in the Alps can be quite a challenge. Start off with a gentle introduction to Alpine road touring with a circuit through the villages of Le Biot and La Forclaz.
Day 2: Megevette Circuit, Avoriaz Hill Climb (Climb Optional)
Today's 75km route follows part of the day 1 circuit but diverges after 15km to climb the steady Col de Jambaz. A rolling descent follows, taking you to the village of Mieussy. The travel along the Giffre Valley to Tanninges before beginning a climb back to Morzine via Les Gets.
Those with legs left to spare can finish the day with a 14km 'contre le montre' or time trial. The route climbs 800m from Morzine to the ski station of Avoriaz. The local tourist office provides timing stations and certificates to compare your time to some of the great names from Tour de France history.
Day 3: Col de Joux Plan - Circuit
60km - The Col de Joux plan is a classic Tour de France climb. Rated HC (hors category), it's one of the hardest climbs in the Tour and even managed to beat Lance Armstrong when he famously 'bonked' on the col during the 2000 tour. It's a shorter ride than the Megevette circuit but nevertheless very challenging. The circuit passes through the picturesque alpine village of Samoens and there's even a restaurant at the top of the col for a rewarding drink before the descent back to Morzine.
Day 4: Staff Day Off
Rest day or self-guided circuit for those with plenty of energy.
Day 5: Two Countries Tour
130km - This is the longest day traveling into Switzerland and back to Morzine along the shores of Lake Geneva. There are only two main climbs on this route (Col du Corbier and Pas de Morgins) but the length can really take its toll on the rider. The descent into Switzerland via Morgins gives incredible views of the Dents du Midi and Dents Blanche mountain ranges. Next comes a rolling descent to the shores of Lake Geneva when the reward is views across the blue water to Montreux and Lausanne. Turn off from the lakeside at the Spa town of Evian - famous for its mineral water - and climb steadily back to Morzine for a quick shower before dinner.
Day 6: Col de Ramaz Circuit
65km - The col de Ramaz is another Tour de France classic col. Start from Morzine under the shadows of the Roc d'Enfer to reach the col de l'Encrenaz. A brief respite through the small ski station of Pras de Lys quickly brings you to the Ramaz itself and 1559m. Descend from here almost 1000m to the Giffre Valley before climbing back to Morzine. It's another testing day on the bike, but the fitness gained during the week should make the trip a breeze!
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