Introduction to the Alps

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
Sun	Arrival day	-	-
Mon	Core Skills	Col des Fleuries, Gorges du Borne	79km / 1,425m+
Tue	Descending	Col des Aravis	40km / 1,030m+
Wed	Climbing	Col du Marais, dol de l'Epine, col de la Croix-Fry	72km / 1,650m+
Thu	Pacing	Col des Glières	73km / 1,750m+
Fri	Pacing, group riding	Col des Aravis, col de la Colombière	98km / 2,280m+
Sat	Departure day	-	-

Sunday 3 July

You will be picked up at Geneva airport and taken to the Hotel Beauregard in La Clusaz. La Clusaz is 69 km from the airport and the transfer will take around 1 hour and 15 minutes. There will be only one transfer, but we can organise a taxi if you arrive at a different time.

The camp begins with a welcome drink and briefing at 18:30, followed by dinner with the coaches and other riders.

 

Monday

We begin the week with a fairly easy ride around the massif des Glières, during which the coaches observe your basic bike-handling, cornering and climbing skills. After the descent to Thônes we take the very quiet old Roman road to Thorens des Glières and climb the (easy) col des Fleuries. Once over the top there is a nice descent to La Roche sur Foron, before turning east and skirting the mountain round to the entrance to the Gorges du Borne. We follow the river all the way up the valley for 15 km before turning off for the final climb to La Clusaz. Throughout the ride, we pay close attention to your pacing to ensure you stay at the right level for a long endurance ride.

 

Tuesday

Descending is a crucial skill to master if you are going to ride in the mountains. Our goal today is to help you make a big improvement in your ability to descend confidently. We begin by warming up on the 6 km climb to the col des Aravis., 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 continue the descent to Flumet and an optional loop on the lower slopes of the Saisies before stopping for a wellearned coffee. Back over the col des Aravis and home for lunch!

 

Wednesday

The route today takes us over three cols, of which we save the toughest for last! We start with the descent to Thônes, then over the very easy col du Marais and down to the bottom of the valley. Back over the col de l’Epine and finally the col de la Croix-Fry – both these climbs used recently in the Tour de France. The coaching focus is on climbing technique and pacing. 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. There’s a great café on the Croix-Fry for a coffee (or even a beer) before the final few kilometres into La Clusaz.

 

Thursday

It is an exciting ride today on part of the 2018 and 2020 Tour de France routes: we go up to the Plateau de Glières and over the famous gravel section! This is nothing to worry about: the gravel section is a gentle rise, short and very hard-packed. Back on tarmac there is a beautiful descent to practice on before we pick up the old Roman road back through Dingy St Clair. After a coffee stop in Thônes we take a quiet road back to La Clusaz, through fields and past traditional chalets. Today is the fourth day in the mountains: once again pacing will be a critical skill

 

Friday

This is the highlight of the week: the Tour des Aravis, including the mighty Colombière, from the tough side of course! The ride begins by the now familiar climb to the col des Aravis and the descent to Flumet, where we turn left and go through the famous ski-station of Megève. Descending from Megève we enjoy stunning views of Mont Blanc before the flat ride out along the valley floor to Cluses, where we will regroup and refuel before tackling the Colombière. The climb is 16 km long, rising 1,100m. There’s an easy bit in the middle at Reposoir, and the hardest bit is at the end. Your reward is a delicious blueberry tart in the summit café!

 

Saturday

Departure day; transfer to the airport.

The Hotel Beauregard 4*, La Clusaz

We loved the Beauregard at first sight and have brought hundreds of guests here over the past five years.

Built in traditional Alpine wood and stone and tastefully decorated throughout, it is set on a slight rise and nestled in a copse of trees, giving it a secluded and exclusive feel. The rooms are cosy, luxurious and comfortable. There is a spa with hot tub, sauna and indoor swimming pool.

The staff are lovely people, warm and welcoming, and thoroughly understand the needs of cyclists.

The “Symphonie” restaurant is a real high point, offering excellent food that is great for hungry cyclists. The chef is very flexible and is always ready to cater to specific needs and requests. He also knows how important it is to start the day with an excellent breakfast!

The hotel is rated “Excellent” (4.5) on TripAdvisor and 88% on Booking.com in over 2000 reviews.

Feedback from our own guests has always been overwhelmingly positive. This is a great place to be on holiday!

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 Sun 3 July to Sat 9 July (6 nights)

• Twin-share: €2,250
• Single supplement: €300
• Non cyclist: €1,300

INCLUDED IN YOUR PACKAGE

• Airport transfers (to and from Geneva, at a fixed time only)
• 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

• Travel to/from Geneva
• Hotels in Geneva
• Bicycle hire
• Minibar or drinks at the hotel bar
• Coffee or snacks during café stops
• Massage (optional extra)