La Marmotte Granfondo Alpes gets even harder with extra climb of Cold du Mollard!

Climbs of the Col de la Croix de Fer and let Col du Mollard proceed the mighty Telegraph, Galibier and 21 bends of Alpe d’Huez with 5,530m of brutal climbing

The descent down the Col de la Croix de Fer will be neutralized

Photo: The descent down the Col de la Croix de Fer will be neutralized

La Marmotte Granfondo Alpes is one of the hardest Gran Fondo's in Europe, this year the usual 174 km route with 5,000m of climbing takes on an additional 530m of climbing up the 6 km Col du Mollard for safety reasons.

The Col du Glandon will be shut because of gravel all over the road, so the route will turn right up and over the Col de la Croix de Fer (The Iron Cross). The route won't descend down into the Saint Michel de Maurienne valley via the Col de la Croix de Fer, it will and take in the climb and twisty wooded decsent of the Col du Mollard to descend down into the Saint Michel de Maurienne valley this way. The descents down the Col de la Croix de Fer to Col du Mollard will be neutralized for safety reasons.

La Marmotte Granfondo Alpes starts at dawn, in the centre of the village of Bourg d’Oisans. Once the starting shot has sounded, the tension makes way for adrenaline and determined pedalling, all to the soundtrack of loud applause of the overlooking crowd. After a flat 10 kilometres, the first real obstacle can be seen in the distance: Col de la Croix de Fer (2 067 m). A long but unconsistent climb of 20 kilometres with steep passages of up to 10%. After reaching the top, the chrono is frozen for the descent due to safety regulations. This gives time to recuperate and focus on the technical and steep descent.

Once below, this is Col du Mollard that rises in front of you as the second difficulty of the day, be carrefull the downhill is winding. Saint Michel de Maurienne is the starting point of the toughest challenge of the day: the succession of the Télégraphe (1 570m) and the Galibier (2 645m), or 2000 altimeters over 35km. The refreshment station in Valloire is most welcomed and lets participants know they have reached halfway. It is recommended to stock up on reserves as the ascent of the Galibier, known for its white snowed flanks, is just around the corner. The descent of the Galibier brings the participants over le Col du Lautaret towards Bourg d’Oisans.

Warning: due to numerous successive tunnels with low lighting, individual lighting is essential and COMPULSORY (light kit / visibility vest).

The 21-hairpin bends of Alpe d’Huez mark the ultimate difficulty of the day. And no less since it is a real challenge that awaits cyclists with the first 2 laces at 13% average. What a beautiful image to see all these cyclists battle their way up, mirroring numerous pros who did the exact same thing in the Tour de France. Once the finish line is crossed a mix of emotions, relief, pain and pride can be seen on the faces of the happy Finishers.

2023 La Marmotte Granfondo Alpes

Start :07:00 | Bourg d’Oisans
Finish : Alpe d’Huez
Km & dénivelés : 186 km | 5530 m/d+
Refreshments station : Col de La Croix de Fer| Valloire| Col du Galibier| Bourg d’Oisans
Barrière horaire : 16:15 – Galibier // 18:30 – Pied de l’Alpe
Cols : Col de La Croix de Fer 31.5km 4.3%, Col du Mollard 6km 6,8%, Col du Télégraphe 11.5km 7.3%, Col du Galibier 17.6km 7%, Alpe d’Huez 13km 8%

For more information, please visit: https://marmottegranfondoalpes.com/en/marmotte-granfondo-alpes or click the button below to enter now: