Iconic cycle routes in the Tarentaise for 2018 TDF
Did you know the Tour de France visits our local areas 3 times in 2018 and covers 2 of the iconic climbs on our doorstep? With postcard scenery and displays of superhuman strength, no sporting event gives fans in-person access like the Tour de France. It’s been tipped as the most unpredictable (and therefore most exciting) race we’ve seen in years! It’s no wonder that Tour de France fever is taking hold….
Yes, you can follow the race live on the TV – but why not hop across the channel and take the excitement and atmosphere for real? Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to join the fun! Stay in one our fabulous properties, watch the race, get inspired, go cycling yourself and take in some of the beauty of the French Alps in the summer months. Don’t miss out, accommodation is booking up fast!
Stage 11 TDF: Albertville – La Rosiere
On Wednesday 18th July, the riders will set off from Albertville and face Montée de Bisanne, Cormet de Roselend (via Col du Pré) and finish up in La Rosiere. Three big climbs and the first mountain-top finish of the Tour. We love this stage; it’s expertly planned, challenging and most importantly stunning!
After passing through Beaufort, the Tour will climb the fantastic Cormet de Roselend via Col du Pré. This route choice makes the climb far tougher yet breathtakingly beautiful. Col du Pré offers towering views of Lac de Roselend and its dam, which the peloton will ride over! Hugely exciting and spectacular to watch!
It’s a huge descent of Roselend down to Bourg St Maurice (you can see a local map including that part of the route on our Premiere-Velo.com site) The riders will then tackle the last climb to La Rosière ski station. This final ascent to is a gruelling 20km, at which point the riders, with their burning thighs, will really appreciate the overwhelming cheering and support from fans on from the side-lines! This year will be the first time La Rosière have organised a stage finish. To mark the occasion, they’ll be pulling out all the stops to ensure it is celebrated in style!
Whilst being somewhat shorter than the other stages at 108km, this stage race is gruelling and set to be jam packed full of action!
Stage 12 TDF : Bourg Saint Maurice – to Alpe d’Huez
Stage 12 will be just as exciting, starting in Bourg-Saint-Maurice (a 12km downhill cycle from Sainte Foy) with a summit finish in Alpe d’Huez. Will the favourites save their legs for this showcase stage that takes in the awesome trio of Col de la Madeleine, Col de la Croix Fer and the 21 hairpins up to Alpe d’Huez? That’s over 5000m of climbing!
Col de la Madeleine, a firm favourite and one of our local cols, has regularly featured in the Tour de France (over 25 times!). It’s a beautiful climb which connects the Maurienne and the Tarentaise valleys in the French Alps. The iconic French Alps mountain pass peaks at an impressive 2000m and a day in the saddle will earn you serious bragging rights. Most definitely one to add to your bucket list! Find out more about our local routes here
Col de la Croix de Fer may not be quite as well-known as its more celebrated siblings but that’s not to say it’s any less of a spectacle. Tumbling waterfalls, petite villages, souring mountains and fabulous vistas!
Finally, the riders will tackle their last climb head towards the Alps d’Huez finish line. The 21 hairpins weave unsteadily up to the resort, bouncing the riders from one corner to the next. It is a wondrous sight!
There’s nothing quite like hearing the roar in the valley below, giving away the location of the leaders. You can cut the excitement and anticipation with a knife, then in the distance you can take a glimpse of the leaders followed by the main pack a few minutes later! The sheer number of fans, banners, road drawings, flags, colours and make for an unforgettable couple of days!
You can’t make the Tour dates? No problem
Don’t worry if you can’t make the TDF dates, you can still get involved in the action! Not only will there be a wider choice of accommodation, but the area will be calmer, with clear roads. Why not book one of our self-guided cycle holidays and experience these iconic routes at your own pace? You’re in charge of the route and distances dependent your interests and fitness levels. You can also dip in or dip out of extra mileage, depending on how your legs are holding up! We’ll take all the work out of it for you, providing maps, first-hand knowledge, accommodation, bikes, transfers & van support if needed, and of course, fantastic food should you choose a catered option.
For a full list of all our summer accommodation visit our sister site Premiere-Summer.com