Every year summer a few news blurbs from the Alpe D'Huez Triathlon trickle out from France, but it seems so far away both in time and distance. Now with the race barely 6 months away here are some images to inspire you to experience it directly in 2014.

There are a few options actually with the Long Course (2.2k swim / 115k bike / 22k run) race taking place on July 30th and the Short Course (1.2k swim / 30k bike / 7k run) race on July 31st, plus an even shorter Duathlon and a kids race take place a few days earlier. Signing up for the 2014 EDF Alpe D'Huez Tri before March 1 will actually save you a few bucks, but here now as promised are impressions from this magnificent venue.

Stunning views indeed but maybe best enjoyed by the photographers and the fans.

It doesn't matter which we you look, it all appears quite magical.

Just like in any other triathlon, the buoys tend to attract a crowd.

Cameras and support crews are all over.

It isn't all up, but lots of it goes up.

Athletes are spread out all over the mountain here.

Even at higher elevations folks seem to have energy left to smile for the camera.

And it goes up, up and up.

The run course is quite challenging too.

Fighting for positions during the run.

Olivier Marceau in action.

These pretzels are making me thirsty.