Cyclosportives 2012
The Vercors offers superb Alpine training for the Etape or the Marmotte. The 4 local sportives we support are well organised events that attract a wide range of cyclists' and have a buzz and atmosphere similar to Top Amateur and Professional races. They are on marshalled on closed or low traffic roads. Local villages embrace the events offering support and a warm welcome for all the riders with local town bands, animations and a festival atmosphere. There are regular feed and drink stops and a buffet at the finish. Timing chips will also be given to record an accurate time and place. We will be supporting riders on the following local events and offer weekend and weekly packages priced on a per person rate on a shared basis in our gites. A guests' personal account of La Dromoise Sportive.
Increasingly popular are our 'Training and Sportive Challenge Weeks' combining 6 days training and coaching, in particular concentrating on Alpine climbing techniques with accompanied rides and post ride advice with Roger (ex-GB/International semi-pro) finishing with the sportive challenge.
The Vercors-Challenge
Sunday 27th May
A very popular early season event with over 1000 particpants. Formerly called le Dauphine-Libere, it is now organised by Sports Communication who organise the Marmotte event and is part of the Grand Trophy series. It departs and finishes from Meaudre in the north of The Vercors and climbs all the major climbs and cols including Col d'Herbouilly, Col de la Machine, Col Chaud Clapier, Col de Lachau and Col de St.Alexis showing the unique landscape and natural wildlife of the Vercors in all its glory. The route also passes the Combe Laval, Europe's largest and most spectacular gorge as well as paying homage to the French Resistence as it passes by the Memorial at Vassieux on the plateaux.
As it is the first mountainous event of the season it attracts serious competitive cyclists as well as those using it as training for bigger sportives such as the Marmotte and Etape later in the year.
Your level of fitness depends on what distance you choose. The Tourist route has 2 col climbs so a general level of fitness is fine. Last years winner finished in 1hr 47 min with the last person taking 4 1/2 hours.
The 130km route requires much greater fitness with 4 mountain climbs. It took last years winner 3 1/2 hours with the last rider taking 6 hours.
The longest and most challenging route taking in a total of 6 mountain climbs requires a high level of fitness and great stamina. Last years winner finished in 7 1/2 hours with the last rider taking 9 hours.
Distances and Ascents
- Tourist: 66kms 2 Cols and 110 m climbing
- Most Popular: 122kms 4 Cols and 2100m climbing
- For the serious sportivers: 158kms 6 Cols and 3200m climbing
Entry to the race can be made on the morning of the race but with a 8am start it is advisable to enter in advance. Let us know if you need help with this.
A Medical Certificate is required for entry
For more information visit sportcommunication
For more info go to prices and bookings.
L'Ardechois
Saturday 19th June
One of the biggest organised cycling event in Europe for the competitive and tourist rider who wants to experience the fun and challenge of riding with others. 2010 broke all records with over 16000 cyclists taking part over the 4 day period!
Choose from 6 routes:
- Le doux - 66kms (2 cols)
- Boutières (120kms (5 cols)
- The Volcanic 171kms (8 cols
- The race queen l 'Ardéchoise 216kms (10 cols)
- The saps 223kms (14 cols)
- The Terrible Ardéchoise Bike Marathon 268kms (15 cols and 5175m of total climbing!)
For more information visit www.ardechoise.com.
For more info go to prices and booking.
Vercors-Drome
Saturday 25th Aug
An end of season event with over 1000 participants in its 16th year. Starts and finishes in nearby Romans-sur-Isere and ventures into the heart of the spectacular Vercors National Park.
Routes to be announced but usually there are 3 alternative distances of 90/130/160kms
For more info go to prices and booking.
La Dromoise
Sunday 30th September 2012
The 2011 event was a great success both for the organisers who attracted over 3000 riders at the start line and us, here at Velo Vercors who rode with 6 guests. .JPG)
Starting and finishing in Die, this is the 4th year of La Dromoise which last year attracted up to 1000 riders. A great way to explore the southern part of the Vercors in the Drome Provencal area where the landscape becomes drier, hotter and flatter meandering through little villages and hamlets. Great atmosphere, warm atmosphere from all the local villages and a real party atmosphere.
There are 2 alternative distances for the 'Rando' tourist route
- 36km climbing 420
- 70km climbing 765m
and 2 distances for the sportive
- 116kms climbing 1265m
- 143kms climbing 1800m
A good level of fitness is needed. Last years winner of the 100kms finished in 2 hours 47mins with the last rider taking 5 hours 57 mins.
The winner of the 143km route took 4 hours 12 mins with the last rider taking 7 hours 45mins.
For more info visit www.cyclodromoise.com. For inscriptions go to http://www.velo101.com/epreuves/la_dromoise_2011/inscription
For more info go to prices and bookings.
All Weekend or Weekly Sportive packages include the following:
- 3 or 7 nights accommodation in gite
- Gite stocked with everything needed for hearty breakfasts
- 2 or 4 home cooked evening meals inc. wine
- Towel and bedlinen rental
- Coaching, training and accompanied rides
- Comprehensive choice of cycle routes
- Transport to and from Sportive
Transport to and from Valence TGV or Lyon St Expury airport can easily be arranged but is not included in above package. Price does not include Entrance fee as we encourage you to enter directly. If however, you have any problems we are here to help.
A medical certificate is required at the signing on or else you won't be allowed to ride.