 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 28th July:
Arrange your own flight to Geneva.
On arrival you will be met by our rep, 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 29th July: Thonon les Bains to Notre Dame de Belle Combe, 90km
We shall leave the shores of Lake Geneva and head into the Alps with a 90km ride that takes in the climbs of the Col de la Colombiere and Col des Aravis
Monday 30th July: Notre Dame de Bellecombe to Sainte-Foy en Tarentaise, 70km
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 into Bourg St Maurice. From Bourg St Maurice we follow the Isere River and we have short climb to the ski village of Ste Foy Tarentaise.
Tuesday 31st July: Ste Foy Tarentaise to Susa (Italy), 90km
Leaving Ste Foy Tarentaise we commence the 37km long climb of the Col de l’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 and we descend to the town of Susa.
Wednesday 1st August: Susa (Italy) to Vars, 108km or 142km
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 at the town 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 Guillestre and Vars.
Thursday 2nd August: Vars to Auron, 74km
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 3rd August: Auron to Grasse, 152km
This is the longest stage with 160km 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 4th August: Grasse to Antibes & Nice, 38km
with only 22km of downhill riding from Grasse to Antibes today gives you the chance to enjoy your arrival at the Mediterranean. After some time in Antibes and maybe a well earned dip in the Med we shall 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 5th August:
Short transfer from the hotel to Nice airport for your return flight.
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