Sun June 29 to Sun July 6 2008

It's over 20 years since the first Marmotte Cyclosportive was held and it is still regarded as the hardest of them all. is With 5000m of climbing over 174 km (110 miles) course that takes you from Bourg d’Oisans, climbs the Col de Glandon, descends into the Maurienne Valley, climbs the Col de la Telegraph, then the Col de Galibier, drops down to the Col de Lauteret, then down to Bourg d’Oisans and, just for the hell of it, climbs up to Alpe d’Huez for the finish. If you can't face the climb to Alpe d'Huez you can finish in Bourg d'Oisans and given a time for the 'Marmotton'. But as our accommodation is located at the top of the hill there's no point in stopping there.

In the UK the Etape du Tour has had overkill coverage in the media and the Marmotte is run in a similar fashion except that the roads are not closed to traffic. The standard is fairly high at the front with many top amateurs and budding pros taking part. The rest of the field of about 5000 consists mostly of Dutch cyclists and increasing numbers of British cyclists. The winner finishes in about 6 hours whilst the last takes about 14hrs. And there are sag wagons for those who drop out. Food and water stations are positioned at strategic places along the route.

The Itinerary

The ordeal starts in the Vercors National Park where the climbs are long but nicely graded. We usually do 80km to 100km rides on the Monday and Tuesday with a couple of long and gentle climbs. The pace is relaxed as the aim is to get used to climbing for an hour or so and get some confidence on the winding Alpine style roads. On the Wednesday we do a 100km or so on a flatish circuit with a good lunch stop half-way. On the Thursday we transfer to Alpe d’Huez to stay in accommodation close to the finish of the Marmotte. Some people ride the 120km route but most are happy to go in the minibus all or part of the way. On the Friday we register for the Marmotte, relax, panic and gernerally faff around.

How fit do you need to be?

You really need to have a good level of fitness for this one and be a competent descender. Unlike many of the other cyclosportives there's no easy circuit that you can opt for. It's all or nothing, which all adds the stress of it. Gearing-wise a 39x26 is recommended for good climbers otherwise a compact with 34/50 chainrings or a triple with a 12-25 cassette, or more depending on your climbing proess.

Not only is it a tough circuit but the weather (notably in 2001 and 2002) can be horrendous with freezing rain, snow, thunder and blustery winds to cope with. If it's clear skies, then temperatures might be below freezing first thing in the morning then climb to over 35c on the climbs later in the day. In 2007 it reached 39c at 3pm on Alpe d'Huez.

In other words, it's not an event to be taken lightly and requires commitment and dedication to a suitable training programme.

Price : £645

Includes: 7 nights dinner, bed and breakfast (based on two people sharing), transfer to Alpe d'Huez on the Thursday, route maps, local information and training advice. Marmotte entry fee and a 10 euros refundable deposit for your timing chip.

Supplements:
Private room for 7 nights: £225
Transfers: Grenoble airport £40. Lyon airport £60.

Joining the Tour

Also see Gastrobiking travel section for more detailed information.

You can fly by Ryanair to Grenoble or take the train to Grenoble or Valence. From outside Europe it’s best to fly to Paris then take the train. .