France loves and lives cycling: there are hundreds of large and small events for amateur cyclists throughout the country. The Cyclosportives, Gran Fondos and Randos lead over legendary Tour de France climbs such as Alpe d'Huez, Col du Galibier, Mont Ventoux or the Ballon d'Alsace. Racing on routes that are characterised by the history of cycling - a must for all Tour fans. This time: Col de la Loze Challenge.
Col de la Loze Challenge 19 July
Now in its seventh year, the Cyclosportive "Col de la Loze Challenge" takes cyclists up one of the most spectacular Alpine passes in France. The pass at an altitude of 2,304 metres, which only opened in 2019, connects the ski resorts of Méribel and Courchevel. The last seven kilometres are reserved exclusively for cyclists - with gradients of over 20 per cent and 360-degree panoramic views of the Alps. The race offers four routes (117, 53, 46 and 30 kilometres) and starts in the thermal town of Brides-les-Bains, which describes itself as "kilometre zero" of the pass. The long distance involves crossing the Col de la Loze twice, meaning that a total of 4,377 metres in altitude are climbed. The route utilises the two ascents and ends at the highest point.
Info: www.coldelalozebyblb.com
That's why it's a Tour de France cult:
The road to the Loze has only existed since 2019 and yet it has already been on the Tour de France route plan three times since then. At 2,304 metres, it is one of the highest passes in France and one of the most difficult: the climb over Méribel is 1,650 metres in altitude and the gradient is in double figures in the final third. The climb made Tour history when Tadej Pogačar broke away from Jonas Vingegaard. Vingegaard won the 2023 Tour de France on this climb.
Road bike events in France
The names of events can be confusing. The international term Gran Fondo is increasingly used for timed events. Traditionally, a distinction is made between Cyclosportives (Cyclo) sportive races with timekeeping and Randonnées (Rando) or Cyclotourisme without timekeeping. For ranked races in France, a racing licence or a current medical certificate of fitness for sport must be presented.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
