Challenge Vercors Cyclosportive

Sun 23 May 2009

Formerly called the Challenge du Dauphiné-Libéré, the Challenge Vercors is now organised by Sportcommunication (who organise the more famous Marmotte) and is part of the Grand Trophy series.

Most years it attracts between 1000 and 1200 participants. It's the first mountainous event of the season and attracts both serious cyclosportivers and other cyclists out to enjoy the scenery and the atmosphere.

There are three distances to choose from:

The 130km circuit is the most popular one and offers four 'medium' climbs. It's a good choice for people who haven't managed to get a great deal of cycling in over the winter and want to take part in a cyclosportive.

The full 180km circuit is considerably more challenging as the extra 50km includes the tough climbs over Col de la Chau and the spectacular Col de la Machine, with the fast and technical descent to St.Jean in between.

The event starts in Autrans with a short climb and a fast descent to Lans-en-Vercors. After a relatively flat 10km to Villard-de-Lans, there's the first big climb of the day over the Cote Chaliment. The descent to St.Martin is fast and technical and is followed by a flat 20km before the steady climb to the Col de St.Alexis. The 180km route turns off shortly after the descent to Vassieux. This extra 50km loop starts with the fairly tough climb over the Col de la Chau before a long descent to St.Jean-en-Royans and the tough climb through the gorge of Combe Laval, over the Col de Carri to rejoin the 130km circuit just before at La Chapelle-en-Vercors. Once over a 4km climb to St.Julen-en-Vercors the road drops into the Gorges de la Bourne for the final climb of the day and then the gradual 10km climb back to Autrans. Parts of the route were included in the 2004 Tour de France stage to Villard-de-Lans.

 

Circuit

Distance

Climbing

Touriste

75km

1100m

Middle

130km

2100m

Long

180km

3200m

.

Fitness

The 130km is quite a good circuit with some medium climbs but nothing major. If you can manage an 80km ride you'll be OK. In contrast the extra loop added for the 182km is very demanding and a good level of fitness is required for this circuit.

As a guide the winner of the 180km circuit takes around 5 hrs 20 mins, the last finishing in 8 to 9 hours. For the 130km the winner will take under 4 hours and the last will get back in 7 to 8 hours.

If you are planning on doing one of the big cyclosportives later in the year, such as the Marmotte or the Etape du Tour, this is a good one to include as part of your build-up. If you haven't taken part in a French cyclosportive before this is a good event for getting some experience.

Entry

You can enter in advance or on the morning of the event although it's a bit of a rush. The price is 30 to 40 euros.

NB:You are required to supply a medical certificate.