Velodrom — Stories

The French Job - French Alps

A unique experience through the French Alps

Velodrom is what it is today thanks to its desire to share authentic and unique cycling experiences with its clients and friends. That's why with our trip to the French Alps you will enjoy an adventure through the unique terrain and breathtaking landscapes of the mythical mountains of the Tour de France. This trip is not a competition of any kind (although one day we will make way for some "healthy" competition), however a way to enjoy the cycling frenzy, mountain passes and cycling culture. We take care of everything: transport, refreshments, mechanical assistance, luxury 4* and 5* hotels, and everything else you need or require. 

The French Alps is one of the most impressive and majestic places in the world for cycling. This mountainous area offers all the aspects to make this trip a once in a lifetime experience. From the grandiose Col Alpe d'Huez to the incredible landscapes of the Col de la Croix de Fer, this is a feat you should take part in at least once in your life. The Cols we will face on this tour are some of the most extraordinary you will ever cross: Col De Sarenne, Col de Oz-en-Oisans, Col Alpe D'Huez, Col du Galibier, Col du Granon, Col du Glandon, Col de la Croix de Fer, Col de Chaussy, Lacets de Montvernier and the Col de la Madeleine.

We are finalising the details and will be sharing the exact dates soon, however so you do not miss out on this opportunity, so we have opened a reservation list for you to save your place for next year. By making a small, fully refundable payment you will be guaranteed to join us! 

WHY VELODROM?

  • Because you will have the best atmosphere and are welcomed like family.
  • Because our tours are designed with 1 or 2 hotels throughout the trip without or with a transition stage, meaning don't have to change hotels every day.
  • Because we have the best rental bikes on the market.
  • Because our ratio of 1 staff for every 4 clients means that you always have someone to help you.
  • Because our refreshments are from another planet- Local food, freshly prepared and different every day.

DATES AND PRICES

  • Prices: From 2899€.
  • Dates: June and September 2023
  • Start/Finish: Geneva Airport or Lyon Airport.
  • Duration of the trip: 7 days / 6 nights / 6 Stages
  • Type of cyclist: Experienced
  • Hotels: Saint Jean de Maurienne // Le Bourg-d'Oisans // Briançon
  • Bike rental options: Aurum Magma with Sram Force AXS and disc brakes (limited availability) + 380 eur
  • Route preparation: Route track with elevation and crossings

WHAT IS INCLUDED

  • Transport: All transport from the start of the trip to the airport at the end of the trip. All the necessary transports between stages if necessary are also included.
  • All hotels + All breakfasts + All lunches en route + All dinners.
  • Massages: 3 sports massages of 30 minutes are included in the price of the trip.
  • 1 laundry service for cycling clothes included in the price of the trip.
  • Welcome Pack: Includes a Scicon kit bag, T-shirt, cap and a complete Velodrom VCC kit (Welcome pack valued at more than 600 euros).
  • Support vehicles and mechanical assistance.
  • 2 x refreshment stations during each stage.
  • 2 different level groups so that you can adapt to the pace you prefer.
  • Staff ratio 1 staff x 4 clients (1 cyclist guide for every 8 clients).
  • General photography of the event by Tour Pics

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

  • Airline tickets
  • Staff gratuity.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Personalised photo kit.
  • Alcoholic drinks at the hotel.

STAGES

STAGE 1

We start with one of the most famous passes of the French Alps, the "Lacets de Montvernier" and head towards the "Col de Chaussy" to descend towards Albertville. We make sure our gears are set to tackle the imposing "Col de Madeleine” and descend straight to the hotel to rest for Stage 2. The first day is complete.

STAGE 2

Transition stage towards Le Bourg d'Oisans, a mythical village where one of the most grand passes of the French Alps begin. First, we will have to get there and will not do so in the easiest way, however in the most impressive way possible. We will head towards the "Col de Télégraphe" first to cross the village of Valloire, then finish climbing the final part of the grand "Col du Galibier”. Upon cresting the climb, we will start to descend for almost 50 kilometres to our next destination Le Bourg d'Oisans.

STAGE 3

Once rested, we are ready for the third day in the French Alps. This stage tackles most important pass of the area, the "Alpe d’Huez, a 14km pass at 8% average gradient. We will continue to climb upon the summit of Alps d’Huez, adding the "Col de Poutran" to reach an altitude of 2080m. At the "Lac Besson" we will descend back to Huez and towards the "Col de Sarenne, a small hidden pass at the back of the “Huez”, where we will navigate through small roads back to Le Bourg d'Oisans. Optionally, we have also included in the route an extra pass on the other side of the Huez valley that will take us through small tunnels and balconies to a village called "Villard Notre-Damme”. 

STAGE 4

From "Le Bourg d’Oisans", we will head for the "Col de la Croix de Fer”, a long pass of 24 kilometres at a gentle 5% gradient with many variances in gradient and the occasional steep ramp. Once we reach its 2066m altitude we descend towards "Sant Jean-de-Maurienne" and head towards the small roads of the "Col du Moullard”, before finally climbing the "Col du Glandon". We will make sure to keep you well fed throughout the refreshments stations during this long enjoyable day on the bike. 

STAGE 5

Following a great day on the bike and a well deserved rest, we will make a transfer to the small village of "Val Cenis" by bus with our bikes. Our luggage will go directly to our next destination “Briançon”, however to get there we will enjoy some of the most beautiful passes of the Alps. For few kilometres we will pass into Italy, through the "Colle delle Finestre”, back over into France, and directly to "Briançon".

STAGE 6

Last stage of the French Job, and it could not be less spectacular than the others. During the dawn, we will depart Briançon and head straight towards the Col d'Izoard climbing it during the night and to reach its 2361 metres of altitude just at sunrise. This experience rounds off our impressive French Job.

Congratulations, you have completed The French Job!

Do you want to join our journey?

Contact us through our email [email protected] or book your place for the year 2023 through the link.

Reserve your place