GranFondo coaching camp, Alpe d’Huez

Here is the programme for the week, including the coaching focus for each day, the major climbs and the distance/elevation you can expect to ride.

Date	Coaching Focus	Climbs	Distance & Elevation
Sat	Arrival day	-	-
Sun	Descending	Col du Sabot	57km / 1,500m+
Mon	Climbing	Col de Sarenne	57km / 2,000m+
Tue	Nutrition	Col de la Croix de Fer, col du Glandon	78km / 2,000m+
Wed	Pacing	Alpe d'Huez, Pas de la Confession	50km / 1,250m+
Thu	Repeated climbs	Col de Solude, col d'Ornon, Oulles	61km / 2,350m+
Fri	All skills	Col de la Morte, col d'Ornon	100km / 2,050m+
Sat	Departure day	-	-

Saturday

Make your own way to Bourg d’Oisans (at the foot of the climb to Alpe d’Huez).

The nearest airports are Grenoble, Lyon and Geneva.

Let us know if you need help with logistics.

Sunday

nding is a crucial skill to master if you are going to ride in the mountains. Our goal on this first day is to help you improve your ability to descend confidently.

We begin by warming up 15km on the flat before the start of the climb to the col du Sabot, where we organise a descending clinic. Each rider has the opportunity to descend multiple times with a coach and to be videoed multiple times. This enables us to provide immediate feedback, and the video allows you to observe your own technique.

We then complete the climb to the col (14.5km at 8.9%) before practicing our newly-improved descending skills on the way back down.

After a coffee in Vaujany we return to the hotel for lunch. There’s an option to extend the return by 13km and 700m+.

Monday

We climb to Alpe d’Huez, not by the main road, but by the quiet back road to the col de Sarenne. We get there by starting up the main road to Alpe d’Huez and then forking right to the balcony road which takes us round to the Sarenne.

There’s an additional loop on the south side of the valley for anyone who wants to do more (13km and 450m+).

The coaching focus is on climbing technique. We look at your seated pedalling technique and how it varies between the moderate and steep pitches, and we look at your standing technique to help you “dance” on the pedals like a pro.

We return to the hotel by descending the 21 bends, thus giving you a preview of what to expect on Wednesday.

Tuesday

The col de la Croix de Fer is one of the giants of the Alps, an old favourite of the Tour de France, with its summit at 2,064m. It is a long climb at 27.5km, but this includes two descents so you get a couple of breaks on the way.

Until the last 3km we will be following the route of the Marmotte, the oldest and toughest of the French Gran Fondos.

The coaching focus is on nutrition, to make sure you are fuelling properly for a long ride in the mountains.

The return is by the same road, with an option to extend the ride via Villard Reculas and the Pas de la Confession for an additional 13km and 700m.

Wednesday

Today is the day! After three days warming up on the local climbs, it is time to tackle the famous 21 bends up to Alpe d’Huez. You can ride this as a time-trial, if you wish, or take your time to enjoy the experience.

A strong amateur can make the climb in less than one hour. The record is held by Alberto Contador in 37’30”, just 5” faster than the Pirate, Marco Pantani.

The coaching focus is on pacing, which is the key to a fast climb. Starting out too fast is a fatal error!

We will enjoy a coffee at the top before returning via the balcony road through Villard Reculas.

There’s an option to carry on above Alpe d’Huez to Lac Besson, for an extra 8km and 250m+.

Thursday

We take you to the little known southern side of the valley and climb the stunning col de Solude. This is a very quiet, narrow road carved out of the rock face, with impressive views across to Alpe d’Huez on the other side of the valley. After 9km at 9.5% we reach the tiny village of Villard-notre-Dame where the road flattens out before a final kicker.

After descending to the main road we will make our second ascent of the day, to the col d’Ornon. This is a much easier climb, 7km at 6%. We turn round at the col and go back down to the turn-off to Oulles, another extraordinary remote mountain village with a fantastic access road for cyclists. More stunning views, and we are in hairpin heaven!

Friday

A change of pace and scenery for our last day, on the Tour du Valbonnais. The first 25km are a great opportunity to practice bunch riding as we begin on the flat and then make a long false-flat descent to the turn-off to the col de la Morte.

This is a relatively easy climb (15km at 6.6%) . Only the fourth kilometre at 9% should make you work hard. Once over the top we make an easy descent to Valbonnais, (with a couple of bumps to get over), where we will stop for coffee by the lake.

If anyone feels they haven’t done enough during the week, there’s an option to climb the col de Parquetout (10km, 5.5%) and then come back to the main route to finish over the col d’Ornon (14km at 3.9%) and back down to Bourg d’Oisans.

We will have a celebratory dinner at the hotel before saying goodbye!

The Hotel de Milan, Bourg d’Oisans

 

The Hotel de Milan was built in 1936 and has been extensively renovated by the charming owner, with a total focus on the sports community. In summer this means mainly cyclists.

There is a sports room with massage zone, spa room, a huge get-together room with a fantastic view of Alpe d’Huez, with a pool table, bridge table, library, darts…, while at the back of the hotel there is a swimming pool, a quiet private terrace and a barbecue zone.

The hotel is ideally located in the centre of Bourg d’Oisans.

Facilities include a secure, locked bicycle room, a washing station for the bikes, free laundry facilities for sports wear, a fitness centre and of course free wifi throughout the hotel.

Breakfasts are copious and have a huge choice for hungry cyclists. We will take the remainder of our meals in nearby restaurants.

The rooms are tastefully furnished, well equipped  and very comfortable.

The hotel is rated 8.8/10 booking.com and 4.5/5 on Google Reviews

I had a great time with you guys. Your organisation of everything but turning the pedals was absolutely spot on. My riding improved lots! (Steve, UK)

This is a MUST experience for every cyclist. The things that stand out for me are your team’s attention to detail – 5 Star personal service (Robbie, Switzerland)

It was so clear you were prepared to do “whatever it takes” with a smile on your face to make our experience special. Felt like I was on a tour team!!! (Scott, Canada)

The experience with Alpine Cols was excellent. I have done several cycling camps, and I must say this one was close to perfection. (Stephanie, France)

Thank you for the photos and a great week.  The organisation, on road support, the hotel and all other aspects were great.  I really did enjoy myself and despite my nerves and the weather I will definitely go another alpine cycling holiday. (Diana, UK)

Thanks very much to you and Emmanuelle for hosting a delightful event.  Great hotel; superb logistics; you assembled a terrific group of people; and the two of you made it all appear effortless.  (Richard, UK)

PACKAGE PRICES

From Sat 10 June to Sat 17 June (7 nights)

• Twin-share: €2,680
• Single supplement: €360

INCLUDED IN YOUR PACKAGE

• Accommodation and meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
• On-the-bike coaching
• On-the-road support vehicle with free energy drinks and snacks
• Mechanical assistance
• Coach’s Corner evening sessions on cycling performance
• Photographs taken during the week (digital copies)

NOT INCLUDED

• Flights
• Airport transfers & travel to Bourg d’Oisans
• Bicycle hire
• Minibar or drinks at the hotel bar
• Coffee or snacks during café stops
• Massage (optional extra)