Cyclosportives

Cyclosportives are the big thing in European cycling these days. They're timed circuits with each age group having specific time limits for bronze, silver and gold 'Diplomas'. Often there are two or three distances of about 90km, 130km and 180km over challenging terrain.

The events are extremely well organised with police escort, mechanical assistance, food stops, marshals stopping the traffic and even drug testing. All along the route the locals turn out to shout encouragement. You may even find yourself riding alongside professionals and ex-professionals. They are now officially recognised as competitions, a helmet must be worn and you need a medical certificate to enter.

We organise trips to the following events:
The Challenge du Dauphiné Libéré
The Ardechoise
The Marmotte
The Vercors-Drome

A quick comparison

The Challenge du Dauphiné, based in the Vercors, has a popular 120km (80 mile) circuit and a very challenging 180km (112 mile) circuit.

The Ardechoise, with about 15 000 participants, is a real festival of cycing. There is a good choice of routes suitable for all fitness levels.

The Marmotte is one of the hardest circuits passing over the Croix de Fer and the Galibier before finishing with the climb to Alpe d'Huez. You need to be fit and experienced to enjoy this one.

The Vercors-Drome has a choice of three circuits through the Vercors. A highly acclaimed event for its organisation, ambiance and food, not to mention the fantasic scenery.