Le Tour Mont Blanc Cycle Challenge

A major four-day Alpine cycle tour, through France, Switzerland and  Italy, encircling the Mont Blanc massif. 

The Tour du Mont Blanc (TDMB) is firmly established as a classic ride: in a recent Sunday   Times feature, it was  described as one of Europe's toughest cycle events, with a total vertical gain of over 9000m and a distance of  over 420km. The route constantly climbs and falls through spectacular mountain scenery.

​

Trip Information

Dates & Prices: View Prices
Price Rate: £tbc
Grading: D (more info)
No of People: 8-10

ook Trip

Itinerary

Thursday - arrive into Geneva

Arrive at Geneva airport in the afternoon or evening. You will be met and driven by private bus 
to Chamonix: transfer time approx. 90 minutes.


Friday - Chamonix to Champex Lac - 56km

After breakfast, we assemble and check the bikes before setting off up the Chamonix Valley, climbing Col des Montets (1,461m) and descending into Switzerland. The next climb brings us to Col des Forclaz (1,527m) for a fast descent into the Rhône Valley. The third climb of the day starts on the valley floor, in the outskirts of Martigny, and ends at our hotel in the quiet and beautiful lakeside village of Champex, high in the Swiss Alps.

Saturday - Champex to Pré-Saint-Didier -110km

The day begins with a swift descent through picturesque villages to Orsières on the floor of the
historic Val d’Entremont. There is a long and gentle ascent up the main valley road before forking off to climb the Col du Grand St Bernard (2,473m). In June, this climb can be spectacular, with walls of snow banking the higher sections of the road. Once over the border into Italy, there is a long, fast downhill to Aosta, followed by a steady climb up to our base for the night in the old spa town of Pré-Saint-Didier. Note: There is an option to ride Colle san Carlo, adding 30km.

Sunday - Pré-Saint-Didier to Hautluce -105km

The day begins with a steady 23.5km climb to Col de Petit St Bernard (2,188m). We cross back into France for the descent to Bourg St Maurice. This is the southern end of the Mont Blanc massif and there are superb views of the high mountains ascending Cormet de Roseland (1,968m) – a tough climb where Miguel Indurain ‘bonked’ during the 1996 Tour De France, ending his chance of a record sixth consecutive victory. A long, fast descent past the turquoise Lac de Roseland and through pine forests ends in Beaufort. The final climb brings us to village of Hautluce.

Monday - Hautluce to Chamonix -149km

The final day is tough. It starts with a short warm up spin on a flat section, before climbing Col des Saisies (1,633m) – another hard climb that features in the Tour de France: Floyd Landis famously launched his ‘miracle charge’ in 2006 on this mountain, later testing positive for testosterone! We then race down to the small town of Flumet before launching into Col des Aravis (1,498m). After a short descent through La Grand Bornand we climb the Col de la Colombière (1,618m), a leg-breaking pass with an arduous final stretch, connecting the Arve and Borne valleys. There is a thrilling, technical descent to Cluses and a flat section before the final, gentler climb on back roads, to reach Chamonix. Overnight here unless you have an evening flight back to the UK, in which case there will be time to shower and pack before transferring to the airport for flights departing 9.00pm onwards. Note: There is an alternative final day route via Megeve which reduces the distance by 50km.



What's Included

1. Private airport transfers for you and your bike.

2. Forward transfer of your luggage to the designated hotel for each night.

3. 5 nights B & B accommodation based on a twin room share.

4.  Vehicle assistance throughout carrying baggage and spare bikes etc

5. Assistance with bike assembly and mechanical support throughout your trip.
 

6. Cycle guides and dedicated support from our team vehicle including first aid trained staff.

Not included

Air travel is not included in the price and has to be booked by you. All Alpine weekends fly in and out of Geneva Airport .
Please note recommended flight times are included in the joining instruction that is sent to you with confirmation that we have received your deposit. If you have any questions regarding flgiths prior to booking your trip please feel free to contact us.

Other Information

Group sizes are limited  to a maximum of 12  (unless otherwise stated on the trip page) 

If you would like a single room please indicate this on the booking from and we will contact you directly to confrim availability and price.

Each ride is professionaly guided by experienced cyclists and constant vehicle support with 
the challenge vehicle. Essential spares and medical supplies are carried in the support vehicle at all times. 

You do not need to be a professional athlete to enjoy this trip but you will need to be in reasonably good shape. Our tours combined, with the terrain in which we operate, are designed to be a challenging but rewarding experince for any cyclist. If you are comfortable with the daily mileage (including climbs) and ride times of between 4-6 hours we will get you through the mountains. 

What do I need to bring?

Your bike in good mechanical working order. We strongly advise you to get your bike checked and serviced before you leave and insure you have good tires and brakes that work!

A helmet which we advise you to wear at all times. Cycle clothing for both summer and winter conditions: especially warm gloves, over shoes and a waterproof jacket

NOTE: Mountain weather can be very changeable, we have experienced snow in June,  so it is advisable to have a spare set of clothing to change into if required.

Riding  at a high altitude means an increased risk of UV exposure and we strongly reccommend you bring sun block and a cycling cap.

A hand luggage size bag or rucksack (55x40x20cm) to be carried in the support car for you personal belongings and additional items of of clothing you may need during the day. Your main luggage wil be forwarded seperatly to the designatd hotel for each night.

NOTE: Try to avoid packing your cycle helmet, shoes, pedals and clothing in with your bike. In the unlikely event your bike does not arrive we can try to source a temporary replacement.​

​