You Just Missed La Marmotte…Here’s Why You Need to Know About European Gran Fondos
Photo: Marmotte Gran Fondo Alpes
If you’ve ever dreamed of racing your bike up the Glandon, Telegraphe or Alpe D’Huez, you just missed your chance. The Marmotte Gran Fondo just happened. If you don’t know about the Marmotte, it’s a 177 km bike race with over 5,000 meters of climbing that finishes up the famous 21 bends of Alpe D’Huez. It might sound like a pro race, but anyone can enter.
Dream Roads
Europe has a continuing history of incredible bike races–and not just the World Tour ones you see on television. Famous in their own right, gran fondos–which roughly translates as “big ride” from Italian–offer incredible experiences on the most illustrious roads and legendary mountains for amateur riders with respect and status to everyone who can finish. The mass start events have thousands of participants and are found all across Europe in the most famous cycling places. Charge across the cobbles in Flanders, be one of the 8,000 riders to take on Liège-Bastogne-Liège, or race up the Stelvio, Galibier or Tourmalet–if there’s a race or place you’ve dreamed of riding, there’s probably a gran fondo that can make it happen.
Race or Ride
Now, just because these are amateur races doesn’t mean they aren’t competitive. Ride your pace if you want (in fact, that is highly recommended), but the front guys will start fast and finish fast. Often those going for the win are aspiring or retired pros, some still racing at the domestic level. At the Marmotte, 25-year-old Italian Luca Cavallo, who retired from pro cycling last year as a rider for Team Technipes #inEmiliaRomagna, finished in 5:17:38, taking almost three minutes off the course record. Second place was amateur Thibaut Clement, who was a mere 31 seconds behind. Rounding out the podium was another just-retired pro, Canadian Jack Burke. On the women’s side, it was German neo pro Stephanie Meder, who finished in 6:43:09.
There are incredibly strong and fit amateurs making up the rest of the ranks in every age category so, if you want to get involved in racing, you can. However, no matter your level, you won’t be alone. With thousands of riders, you’ll more than likely have a group to ride with or, at the very least, you won’t be alone. The last finisher at the Marmotte, the “lanterne rouge,” was a male in the 70+ category who took 13:49:04. Of the 4,829 riders to enter, 4302 crossed the line.
Logistics
Often the roads are open for gran fondos with partial closures and course security from marshalls. Dangerous descents are often neutralized for safety. There are aid stations along the route and, if you book with a private tour company or have friends and family support along the way, you’re sometimes free to take advantage of having extra feed stations or mechanical aid. Most races will require a medical certificate to participate, even if you hold a racing license.
A Few Favourites
The Haute Route, France
Dubbed a “professional cycling event for amateurs,” the Haute Route is the closest you will get to experiencing the Tour de France outside of a pro team. The full experience is a seven-day stage race that traverses many famous peaks in the Alps. The course changes from year to year, but you’re guaranteed big, iconic climbs. Although notoriously expensive, the organization is also notoriously impeccable with fantastic logistics support and on-course and post ride aid and amenities.
La Marmotte, France
One of the toughest gran fondos, La Marmotte isn’t for the faint of heart. With 5000 meters of climbing up legendary climbs including Alpe D’Heuz, you’ll be immersed in the pleasure and pain of bike riding at its finest. Join almost 5,000 riders to take on the challenge at the start of the French summer and see how your legs fair on the final 21 bends before the finish of the 177km test.
Mallorca 312, Spain
With a mass start of 8,500 riders (across the three distances offered), the Mallorca 312 is an experience unto itself. The 312 km distance isn’t just massive, there is also 5,000 m of elevation–and time chasers. Get caught by the time-cut group and you’re officially out of the race (although you’re allowed to continue). While the aid stations can be swamped at the start, the entire route is closed to traffic and you’ll be treated to some of the best roads Mallorca has to offer.
Strade Bianche, Italy
Take on the famous white roads of Tuscany with 6,500 riders. The 139 km route begins and starts in Siena and covers the same roads and gravel sections as the pro race (which typically happens the week before).
Tour of Flanders, Belgium
Race the cobbles the day before the pros. Take on the exact 229 km route, or opt for a shorter distance. All distances include the Koppenberg, Paterberg and the Oude Kwaremont (yes, you do it twice like the pros).
Tour de Stations, Switzerland
While it may not emulate a pro race route, the Tour de Stations shows off the intoxicating sublimity of the Swiss Alps. With several routes on offer, each more demanding than the next, the “ultrafondo” is the toughest and covers the elevation of Everest (actually, a bit more: 9,242 m) over 242 km. The women start at an eye-watering 2:30 am and the men roll out at 5:00 am. As you twist up the climbs, you’ll be treated to unforgettable mountain views and the sounds of cow bells ringing in the distance–all while your legs are crying in pain.
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Participants
I did Marmotte in 2006 (with a group of 7 friends from NY. We started our trip out doing Mt Ventoux then driving to Alp D Huez and riding and eating our way there. It was the hardest athletic event I have ever done. After completing it in about 10 hrs I went on to have my best half marathon, fastest local short course tri and best IM time
That year. I would love to get back to the kind of shape it took to “race” it but sadly (or not) I am now on the event production side of things and ride casually for “fun”. To anyone thinking of doing Marmotte, it was awesome, but train hard bc for a flat lander you have climbing, crazy descents, and altitude to make this a challenge. The scenery- lavender fields and blue skies (on our drive from
south to Grenoble), and the sheer excitement was something I’ll
Never forget
Rich
A fair bit older than the Haute Route is Tour Trans Alps - 7 days on a varying route each year. This year included the Stelvio on day 3 and Mortirola on day 4. Last year included the stunning Dolermites and Monte Grappa - about 800 riders and absolutely first class event. They now offer 3 or 4 day events at the same time for those that don’t want to do the full 7 days. Highly recommended if you want to experience a stage event or if you like, race!!! Typical day is 2000m to 3500m of vertical.