Alpe D’Huez is as famous for cycling and mountain biking in the summer as it is for skiing in the winter. There are many popular cycling events staged in the resort throughout the summer season including a legendary leg of the ‘Tour de France’.

The ‘Tour de France’ in Alpe D’Huez

The world renowned ‘King of the Mountain’ stage of the Tour de France takes you right to the heart of Alpe d’Huez. This exciting race includes the final ascent of 1000m up the 21 ‘hair-pin’ bends over a distance of 14 km. During this tough hill climb the cyclists are encouraged and supported by the hundreds of thousands of followers of this great sporting spectacle. The people who are lining the route travel from all over the world and contribute to the multi-national feeling that Alpe d’Huez welcomes.

Amateur Road Biking event (end June/beginning July)

“Le Marmotte”

Also for road bike enthusiasts there are amateur races for example “le Marmotte” that covers a route over three mountain passes and 174km in a single day. This attracts approximately 6000 participants from around the world. This race is surely the ultimate climbing challenge and one of the oldest and most difficult races around.

Even if you are not champion level you may wish to experience the satisfaction of completing the Alpe d’Huez hill climb at your own pace.

Amateur Mountain biking event (usually the last weekend in July)

“Megavalanche race”

This challenging downhill race gives thrills and spills to 1000 competitors and their enthusiastic supporters each summer as they descend from the glacier on the top of Pic Blanc covering a vertical drop of almost 3000m to the valley below. The time to beat for this race 58 minutes 7.29 seconds!

Mountain Biking Trails

Thanks to the efficient and extensive lift system in Alpe D’Huez mountain bikers of all abilities have easy access to the 200km of trails of mixed terrain.

26 routes – all ability levels
18 downhill trails.
8 cross country trails.

154 routes make up a prestigious free ride area including infamous ‘Megavalanche’ route. It is possible to enjoy up to 10,000m of descents in one day, if you are mad for it!!!

Information about instruction courses including group or private tuition and bike hire is available on request and in resort.

Other competitions/events

Superbike competiton - 7th/ 8th August 2004.

"Maxxis Superbike Nations competition " This competition for the motorbike enthusiast has three categories and welcomes international teams of competitors and spectators. There is relaxed vibe of motorbike mania around the town at this time with a rumble of the engines being heard in the background as they race around the track during this two day event.

French mountain biking cup – 21 st/ 22 nd August 2004.

For more info please email or phone (France): +33 (0) 4 76 80 31 19 or phone/FAX (UK) +44 (0) 1208 813 744