Road Cycling

Whether you are an amateur or elite rider, there is a variety of road riding to keep everyone satisfied during a weeks stay. Our unique location offers many unspoilt traditional villages, linked by quiet roads. Many of the major Cols climb at a more moderate gradient than those of the higher alpine passes. However, even among this stunning scenery the terrain still presents impressive challenges for everyone.

The Vercors upland roads have rolling profiles and there are demanding ascents, almost 30 km’s long, to keep the most enthusiastic climbers content. Many of our road itineraries include Col’s of around 1,200m – 1,300m altitude and pass through the narrow gorges that are typical of the region. Depending on the group's ability and objectives we cover about 120km’s on a classic ride, so some preparatory training is advised. For gear choice we would advice a ratio of 39 x 25 or lower. Alternatively, compact drive systems are now becoming increasingly popular.

During our road training weeks we take the opportunity to test your physical and mental toughness by riding the most coveted alpine stage finish in professional cycling, that is Alpe d’Huez. No cyclists’ visit to France is complete without experiencing this classic alpine climb. With a total vertical ascent of 1,120 metres in just 14km’s through gradients of between 7.7% - 12% the Alpe deserves its fearsome reputation. This is where cycling becomes emotional as you experience the most famous stage finish of all.

From the Vercors it is only a short descent and across Grenoble from where we take the steady rise up through the Romanche valley to Bourg d’Oisans. After leaving this alpine town the challenge of Alpe d’Huez starts, through all of its 21 hairpin corners to the finish at an altitude of 1,850 meters (6,070ft). So join us, whether you are riding La Marmotte or training for L’Etape de Tour, or you just want to tell everyone back home that you did it one day with ...….Bikeandski-Vercors.

For our training rides and road camps we aim to meet the needs of every athlete. While we may set a suggested weeks riding, we are happy to tailor routes and intensity according to individual's ability, preference or to reflect a personal training programme. Should coaches, clubs or teams have a specific itinerary that you wish to follow then please contact us to discuss your aims so that we can customize a suitable schedule.

Sample Road Cycling Week

Day 1 - Transfer to hotel

Day 2 - Local ride on the plateau to acclimatise around the villages of Villard de Lans / Lans en Vercors / Méaudre / Autrans. 40 km – 60km

Day 3 - Steady start before climbing up to Bois Barbu and Col de Chalimont. Descend down towards St Martin and on towards La Chapelle en Vercors. Return via the upper reaches of the Gorge de la Bourne. 80km – 100km

Day 4 - Alternative route out towards La Chapelle and head out to Vassieux en Vercors before climbing Col de La Chau (1,337m) and Col de Carri (1,202m). Return via St Julien en Vercors and onto the 2004 Tour de France stage finish near Villard de Lans. Distance 90km

Day 5 - Start the day with a climb over the Col de la Croix Perrin, traversing the Lans plateau before dropping down through the magnificent Gorge de la Bourne to Pont en Royans. Traverse across to St Jean en Royans to join the Tour de France route again and climb up towards Col de la Machine via Col de l’Echarasson (1,146m). A short descent before tackling the Col de Carri (1,202m) and on towards Villard de Lans heading through the Gorges de Méaudre. Distance 100km

Day 6 - A change of pace and scenery by taking the road to St Nizier before the long descent with superb views of the Alps right down into Grenoble. Pick up the traffic free cycle path, alongside the Isère river for several miles before climbing back up through the Gorges d’Engins. Distance 60km

Day 7 - Challenge Dauphiné sportive. Choice of distances 90km, 130km, or 186km.

Day 8 - Optional ride depending on flight time (am). Recovery ride around the plateau. (pm) and transfer to airport.

Please note that this itinerary is not binding but a sample only.

For Bikeandski-Vercors road training weeks, see our full schedule.

Bikeandski-Vercors.com will be attending the following events during 2008:

If you wish to come and train with us outside our scheduled trips, we should be able to accommodate you even at short notice. Please contact us for availability.

Entry to any of these events will require you to complete an entry form & supply the relevant fee in euros €. A medical letter from your doctor stating that you are declared fit to participate in cycling must be provided to the organisation. Wearing of an approved helmet at all times is mandatory.

Other road racing events to see on the professional calendar include Le Critèrium Dauphiné (4 – 11 June 2006) and Classique des Alpes ( 3 June 2006 TBC) held around Aix les Bains, Chambéry and the Chartreuse massif.

Grenoble has a large number of cycling clubs which host several events throughout the year including criteriums & hill climbs. Those riders holding a valid race licence issued by your National Federation should contact us if you are interested in dates and wish to enter any of these races.