CycloWorld Special: Granfondo Col de la Loze by Brides-les-Bains

In cooperation with CycloWorld we offer a fantastic cycling trip to the Granfondo Col de la Loze by Brides-les-Bains. If you really want a new challenge then this event is for you! In 2022 the third edition will be organized; due to corona it has not yet achieved great fame. The distance is 117 kilometers with 4377 altimeters. But make no mistake, this cyclo is not inferior to La Marmotte or Les Trois Ballons. According to CycloWorld it has everything to become a true classic.

With this preparation trip you will explore the high passes in this beautiful area and of course the course of the cyclo. So you will be fully prepared at the start. With our Life as a professional package you will lack for nothing.

By the way, there are also shorter distances of 53, 46 and 30 kilometers. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with riding any of these distances. Everyone is welcome.

The granfondo

The Granfondo Col de la Loze by Brides-les-Bains is still small in scale at the moment, but CycloWorld is convinced that this will soon change. The course is too special; this cyclo will sooner or later become a classic. The Col de la Loze, which you climb twice, is the most difficult climb in France. A name every cyclist wants to have on their bucket list. Moreover, there are big plans to develop the area of Les 3 Vallées into the cycling hotspot of France in the coming years.

After the start in Brides-les-Bains, the route leads towards Moûtiers where the first climb starts towards La Thuile. Some tricky passages will not be an obstacle for fresh legs. You ride on a balcony with grandiose views of the valley; don't forget to enjoy. After a short descent, the first ascent of the Col de la Loze follows from Brides-les-Bains via Meribel. In total it is 22.5 km of climbing, the last 7 km of which are car-free. Count on extremely steep passages, take your lightest gear. After you have passed the col you descend to the valley via Courchevel. Now follows the third climb of the day towards Champagney-la-Vanoise. For those who are still fresh, there is much to enjoy here. A short descent is the introduction to the final chord: the second climb to the Col de la Loze. This time via Courchevel. Also 22.5 km, but numerically slightly less difficult. It's still over 1700 meters that you have to overcome with tired legs. And again, the hardest parts are saved for the last 7 km. Finishing on the col is of course a beautiful ending. You have then really put down an achievement of stature.

There are also shorter distances: 53, 46 and 30 kilometers. If you want to ride those, of course you can. Or you can take your cycling buddy with you, who doesn't have to do extreme performances anymore. Enjoyment is paramount this week, each at his own level.

Attention! For French cyclosportives there is the legal requirement of a medical certificate or license. All information about this granfondo can be found on CycloWorld. It is possible to make an appointment directly with partner ANCORA Health to schedule an appointment for a medical certificate.

Col de la Loze

The story of the Col de la Loze is a special one. Les 3 Vallées is known as the largest contiguous ski area in the world. As the name suggests, they are three separate valleys that are not connected by a road. Cyclists could only ride there and back in one of the valleys until a few years ago. In 2019, that changed. That's when the Col de la Loze was opened as a connection between Meribel and Courchevel. It's a downright spectacular cycling experience. Just think: the road is completely car-free, there is super asphalt and the scenery is breathtaking. Fully equipped for cyclists. From either side it is about 7 kilometers to the col at 2304 meters. Because the road is built on existing unpaved mountain bike trails there are extremely challenging passages.

By the way, the total climb is much longer, because from the valley you first have to climb more than 15 kilometers to get to Meribel or Courchevel. So from either side it is 22.5 kilometers cycling from the valley to the top. The first part you ride on an ordinary road with cars. These roads are well paved and have percentages between 6 and 9%. So doable. Once in Meribel or Courchevel starts the car-free piece to the col. Literally a unique experience, you will find this nowhere in the world.

In 2020, this new climb immediately debuted in the Tour, and it is reported that the extremely steep col will once again be the setting for a Tour finish in 2023.

Further developments

What not many people know is that Col de la Loze is just the beginning of a much larger project. Last year, that plan was halted by corona, but now the French have resumed asphalting. In September 2021, the climb to La Tougnète was realized, following the same concept as the Col de la Loze. The correspondent of CycloWorld followed it closely and made a report.

The preparation for the granfondo

In the days before the granfondo we make sure you are fully prepared at the start. Of course we will do a course reconnaissance on the Col de la Loze. An important part of the preparation. And we have a super ride for you: a circuit over the Col du Pré and Cormet de Roselend, one of the most beautiful cols in France. On top of the Col du Pré you have a fabulous view of the Lac de Roselend. An absolute photo opportunity. Download the route.

Where do you stay?

In the French Alps a super location to for cycling vacations in the mountains. In the center of Vallandry is a small-scale 4-star vacation park of Villaparcs. The luxury chalets and apartments are located near Brides-les-Bains, also known as the Les Arcs ski area. During your cycling vacation in the French Alps, all facilities are at your disposal. Enjoy the restaurant and be pampered after a bike ride. The park is about 9 hours drive from Eindhoven.

Vallandry is a ski village in the French winter sports areaLes Arcs, part of Paradiski. It is located on the territory of the municipality of Landry in the department of Savoie. Vallandry was built in the 1980s to complement Plan Peisey which is located just south of it, in Peisey-Nancroix. Vallandry opened in the winter of 1986. The Peisey-Vallandry ski area has since been fully integrated into Les Arcs, which is located north and east of Peisey-Vallandry. Both Plan Peisey and Vallandry lie between 1550 and 1720 meters above sea level.

Do you think the trip is too short?

Do you have more time? Then you're in the right place, because the big cols are there for the taking in this area. What do you think of the legendary Col de la Madeleine? Or the Col de l'Iseran? With 2770 meters the highest official col of Europe. Or La Plagne, where Michael Boogerd won his legendary victory in 2002. All easily accessible from Vallandry.

With our Early check-in or Late check-out service you can book as many additional days as you like. And you don't have to worry about the routes, we deliver them as gpx files.

Program Wednesday, July 13 through Monday, July 18, 2022

There is a possibility to book a late check-out from Monday, July 18 with an additional fee of €125, - including dinner, overnight stay and breakfast per day.

The cycling program is subject to, among other things, weather conditions of course. We can adjust the program if necessary.

Day 1 - Wednesday, July 13
Travel day and afternoon arrival with tour, introduction, briefing and coffee at the Villaparcs location in Vallandry.
19:30: Dinner followed by briefing.

Day 2 - Thursday, July 14
08:30am: Breakfast.
09:30am: Departure at the bottom of the parking lot.
Exploring the route Col de la Loze. For the fans: La Tougnète.
19:30: Dinner followed by briefing.

Day 4 - Friday 15 July
08:30am: Breakfast.
09:30am: Departure at the bottom of the parking lot.
Queen's ride: Col du Tra, Col du Pré, Cormet de Roselend.
19:30: Dinner followed by briefing.

Day 5 - Saturday, July 16
08:30am: Breakfast.
09:00am: Day of your choice: polish bike, loosen legs or laze around.
14:00u: For enthusiasts, a time trial to Pralognan-la-Vanoise from Brides-les-Bains (book in advance).
19:30: Dinner followed by a briefing.

Day 5 - Sunday, July 17
05:00 AM: Breakfast.
06:30am: By private transport to the Granfondo Col de la Loze by Brides-les-Bains.
After the tour back by car to Vallandry.
19:30: Dinner followed by briefing.

Day 6 - Monday, July 18
07:00am to 09:00am: Breakfast.
We say goodbye and start our return journey.

During both the preparation rides and the granfondo, a follow car will be present. We will take spare parts, provide the necessary sports drinks, water and food along the way. At fixed locations during the cycling tours we will make a stop with food. A permanent tour guide is present during these tours.

The sporting aspect is suitable for anyone with a good physical condition. We take into account the differences between us, this is also normal in the mountains. The most important thing is that we will all have a great week of cycling. The accommodation and facilities are top, the surroundings are great!

Our service during the granfondo

• Own care station.
• Opportunity to drop off a bag of gear or water bottles at the care station or to leave gear behind.
• Repair service: if you have a breakdown we will come and help you (not possible on the car-free part of Col de la Loze).
• GPS tracking: we track our participants and know where everyone is.
• Photo service: we take photos of our participants along the way.

What is included?

• Entry fee and registration for the Granfondo Col de la Loze by Brides-les-Bains on July 17.
• Living like a pro package powered by CycloWorld.
• Accommodation on full board basis in luxury chalets (lunch from the follow car on the routes).
• Mechanical support during the vacations.
• Follow car or tour guide during the tours.
• Bikewash; every day the bikes are cleaned and checked.
• Sports massage; during your stay you may schedule one free sports massage. Would you like to schedule more massages? See additional services to book.
• Bicycle clothing laundry service; after cycling, hang your clothes in the matching laundry bag at the reception. We'll make sure your laundry gets back to your room quickly and nice and clean!
• Customized sports nutrition package.
• Enclosed storage for bicycles.
• Bicycle Workshop.
• Parking garage for the car.
• Towels.
• Bedding.
• Reservation fees.
• Final Cleaning.

What is not included?

• Transportation to accommodation.
• Tourist tax € 2,55 p.p.p.n. to be paid on the spot.
• Travel and cancellation insurance.
• Rental of road bike.
• Medical examination; request through Ancora Health and may be reimbursed through your insurance.
• Registration for the time trial to Pralognan-la-Vanoise on Saturday.

Extra services can be booked

• Sports massage from €59.95; schedule an extra well-deserved sports massage during the week. Recover better from your efforts.
• Early check-in for €125 per day; start your preparation earlier and explore the cols in the area.
• Late check-out for €125 per day; add a few days and enjoy the cols in the area in peace....
• Bicycle navigationfor only € 25, - deliver a top product from Wahoo, the Elemnt Bolt V2. If you like this one you may take it over after the granfondo with a nice discount.

INSCRIPTIONS PER GROUP / CHALET
Book your own luxury private chalet or apartment. All accommodations have private bathrooms, good (single) beds and spacious livings and kitchen. Registration is open from March 2022 via the direct link:
https://www.villaparcs.nl/fietsvakantie

This trip can take place with the minimum number of registrations of 8 people. The organizer reserves the right to cancel the "Live Like a Professional" package for this trip if the minimum number of registrations is not met.

How do I register?

• Directly via the link from our location at Villaparcs
• Directly with Cycle Travel through this website

Payment options

• Pay directly via iDEAL, Credit Card, Bankcontact or payment in instalments via Klarna
• On invoice; if you choose this option please pay 20% in advance

General Terms and Conditions
https://cycle-travel.cc/algemene-voorwaarden