RAID ALPS

Vence – Barcelonnette – 148 km – 3 030m D

Welcome to your first ride of the Raid Alps — the longest and highest day* of the week! Starting from Vence, almost at sea level, you’ll climb all the way to the Cime de la Bonnette, the highest pavec road in Europe at 2 800 m of altitude, before descending to Barcelonette.
*It’s possible to shorten the ride by driving you over the first 50 km.

Hotel: Azteca****

Barcelonette– Briancon – 99 km – 2 450m D

Starting from Barcelonette, after a long gentle uphill, you’ll climb the Col de Vars from its easier side, followed by a beautiful and smooth descent. Then, after a long and possibly windy false flat, you’ll reach the start of the Col d’Izoard.
The climb begins with 11 km at a steady 8% gradient before reaching the famous Casse Déserte, where you can take a breather before the final 2 km to the top. Then enjoy the descent all the way to Briançon, where you’ll spend the night.

Hotel: Le Vauban***

Briancon – Allemont – 122 km – 3 000m D

An epic day ahead! Right from your hotel, you’ll start the long but steady climb to the Col du Lautaret. From there, you can choose to continue the extra 8 km to reach the top of the Col du Galibier, the highest summit of the week.
You’ll then descend the same way back to the Lautaret, before enjoying a long 30 km downhill to the base of the legendary Alpe d’Huez and its 21 hairpins. Once you reach the summit, you’ll ride back down to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Hotel: La Douce Montagne***

Allemont – Brides-les-Bains – 109 km – 3 300m D

Two big and beautiful climbs await you today. The first is the Col du Glandon, offering stunning views over the Grand-Maison Lake (the largest dam in Europe). From the top, you can add a few extra kilometers to reach the Col de la Croix de Fer.
A technical descent follows — watch out! — bringing you quickly to the base of the Col de la Madeleine, a long but steady climb all the way to the summit.

Hotel: Golf Hotel****

Brides-les-bains – Praz sur Arly – 112 km – 3 150m D

Today starts with about 40 km of almost flat terrain to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, before climbing the Cormet de Roselend and feeling small amidst the vast Alpine scenery.
The descent leads you past Lac de Roselend, with spectacular views. After Beaufort, you’ll soon begin climbing the Col des Saisies, entering the Haute-Savoie region and reaching your hotel in Praz-sur-Arly.

Hotel: La Griyotire***

Praz sur Arly – Annecy – 80 km – 2 000m D

Your last day of the Raid Alps! You’ll begin with a 10 km descent to the foot of the Col des Aravis — not a hard climb, but enough to warm you up. After descending, you’ll immediately tackle the Col de la Colombière, your final major pass of the trip.
But don’t use all your energy just yet — a few short climbs still await before reaching the beautiful Lake Annecy, where your adventure comes to an end.

Hotel: TBC