 The Raid Alpine is the sister randonnée to the Raid Pyrenean, with a 740km traverse of the Alps from Thonon-les-Bains next to Lake Geneva, to Antibes on the Mediterranean coast. Like the Raid Pyrenean the route takes you over many of the cols which feature so prominently in the Tour de France including the Iseran, Mont Cenis, Izoard, Vars, Restefond and the Bonnet which is known to be the highest pass in Europe.
You will leave Thonon-les-Bains on the Sunday and the aim of the Randonnée is to complete the distance in 7 days covering an average of 100km per day, thus arriving in Antibes on the Saturday.
There will be 2 support vehicles. A van will carry your luggage each day from overnight stop to overnight stop, and there will be a mini bus which will give rider support and it will also act as a back up for any serious mechanical breakdowns.
Accommodation has been booked at equidistant locations, on Half-Board basis (Bed, Breakfast and evening Meal).
 for a profile of the Raid Alpine route.
Itinerary:
Saturday 27th of July:
Arrange your own flight to Geneva
On arrival you will be met by our representatives, and at 12h00hrs, 15h00 and 17h00hrs we will operate coach transfers for the short distance to our hotel in Thonon-les-bains. After the evening meal there will be a welcome meeting which will explain in detail about the tour and you will also have the opportunity to meet your fellow riders and reps.
Sunday 28th of July: Thonon les Bains to Notre Dame de Bellecombe, 119km with 2839M of Ascent
We will leave the shores of Lake Geneva and head into the Alps with a 119km ride that takes in the climbs of the Col de Jambaz and Col de Ramaz.
Monday 29th July: Notre Dame de Bellecombe to Bourg St Maurice, 74km with 2019M of Ascent
Leaving Notre Dame de Bellecombe we climb the Col des Saisies and pass through the beautiful village of Beaufort (famous for its Cheese) before tackling the little know Col de Pre and the Col du Cormet de Roseland, which descends to our hotel in Bourg St Maurice.
Tuesday 30th July: Bourg St Maurice to Susa (Italy), 117km with 2848M of Ascent
From Bourg St Maurice we follow the Isere River and we have short climb to the ski village of Ste Foy Tarentaise.
Leaving Ste Foy Tarentaise we commence the 37km long climb of the Col de Iseran (one of the highest cols in Europe). We are passing through the famous ski resort of Val d'Isere. After summiting the Col d'Iseran we descend to Lanslebourg where we turn left and climb the Col d Mont Cenis which takes us into Italy. After this we descend to the town of Susa.
Wednesday 31st July:
Susa (Italy) to Vars, 117km with 3560M of Ascent or 145km with 4789M of Ascent (some sections are unpaved)
Leaving Susa you will have the option of two routes to Vars. The shortest option climbs steadily up the valley to Cesana Torinese where you will climb the Col de Montgenevre back into France. You'll pass through Briancon and climb the famous Col de l'Izoard and on the descent you'll go through the scenic Causse Desert and the Coppi Bartoli memorial stone before arriving on the outskirts of Guillestre. After Guillestre you climb the 12km up to Vars.
Alternatively you can make the ride longer and harder by starting the day with climbing the Col de Finestre, a climb made famous recently with the passage of the Giro d'Italia and the last 8km is unpaved. From here you descend and then climb to the ski station of Sestriere and descend to Cesana Torinese from where you'll pick up the rest of the route above to Vars.
Wednesday 31st July:
Susa (Italy) to Vars, 117km with 3560M of Ascent or 145km with 4789M of Ascent (some sections are unpaved)
Leaving Susa you will have the option of two routes to Vars. The shortest option climbs steadily up the valley to Cesana Torinese where you will climb the Col de Montgenevre back into France. You'll pass through Briancon and climb the famous Col de l'Izoard and on the descent you'll go through the scenic Causse Desert and the Coppi Bartoli memorial stone before arriving on the outskirts of Guillestre. After Guillestre you climb the 12km up to Vars.
Alternatively you can make the ride longer and harder by starting the day with climbing the Col de Finestre, a climb made famous recently with the passage of the Giro d'Italia and the last 8km is unpaved. From here you descend and then climb to the ski station of Sestriere and descend to Cesana Torinese from where you'll pick up the rest of the route above to Vars.
Thursday 1st August: Vars to Auron, 83km with 2371M of Ascent
Today we climb the highest col in Europe, the Col de la Bonette / Restefond at 2813mts high. Prior to that we start the day with climbing the remainder of the Col de Vars. From the desolate heights of the Col de la Bonette we plunge to the town of St Etienne de Tinee before climbing 6km to the ski station of Auron.
Friday 2nd August: Auron to Grasse, 179km with 3546M of Ascent
This is the longest stage with 179km from the ski station of Auron to the perfume capital of Grasse. The scenery is spectacular as we exit the Alps passing through numerous gorges and enter the countryside of Provence. At the end of this long day we can almost see the Mediterranean and enjoy the scents of Provence as we spend the night in the perfume city of Grasse.
Saturday 3rd August: Grasse to Antibes & Nice, 36km with 208M of Ascent
With only 36km of mainly downhill riding from Grasse to Nice today gives you the chance to enjoy your arrival at the Mediterranean. Maybe a well earned dip in the Mediterraneanwe you will have a 16km flat ride on the coast to our hotel at Nice and the Promenade des Anglais and close to the airport for your departure tomorrow.
Sunday 4th August:
Short transfer from the hotel to Nice airport for your return flight.
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