The variety of routes available causes confusion for all first-time starters. It's not enough that there are more than a dozen different routes - these can be ridden with or without timekeeping and in one, two, three or four days. Are you not afraid of this incredible variety? Then go to the official event page. For everyone else, we have selected the most beautiful routes here:
1) One-day race
If you only want to do a sporty one-day race, choose the cycle marathon L'Ardéchoise as a cyclosportive. Then he gets a timed race over 220 kilometres and 4,270 metres in altitude. Registration is usually possible at short notice. You will need a sports medical certificate or a BDR licence.
2) Three-day tour for cycle tourists
The three-day rides on signposted routes guarantee racing bike fun at its best. You should register as early as possible because places are in high demand and go quickly.
There is no timekeeping. However, each participant will receive a timing chip so that their ride on the course is documented and nobody gets lost. The start (ride through the start arch!) takes place independently within a specified time window.
Catering
Officially, there are only refreshment points on the day of L'Ardéchoise. However, volunteers offer snacks and drinks in many villages along the route the days before, and some bakeries and restaurants also have stalls. But it doesn't hurt to take some bars with you!
Orientation
All routes are signposted. However, you should always pack an overview map and, very importantly, look at the exact location of your accommodation on the map and take the accommodation's contact details with you. You need to know the exact name of your tour, for example La Méridionale is available in several variants.
Language
There is always someone who speaks English at the race number distribution and you can also find someone who speaks German. Knowledge of French is of course a great advantage. Above all, it enables you to have nice conversations with other participants.
Accommodation
Our recommendation: Be sure to book accommodation through the organiser. This is inexpensive and guarantees a simple process without stress (e.g. for luggage transport). We recommend booking in category B or C (with half board per person 104 euros, luggage transport an additional 20 euros)
Luggage
Luggage will be dropped off in Saint-Felicien before the start and taken to your accommodation every evening (if you have booked luggage transport and accommodation). Please note the weight limit of nine kilograms! Avoid taking heavy objects and valuables with you unnecessarily.
Equipment
It can get wet and cold in the mountains. So think about warm cycling clothing. Arm and leg warmers are just as important as a rain jacket and breakdown kit. Also plan your luggage for bad weather (spare clothes, rain jacket etc.).
3) Suggestions for three-day tours
We have selected three recommendations from the many tours on offer:
Le Tarnague de l'Ardèche (386 kilometres/ 7,440 metres altitude)
La Montagne Ardéchoise (442 kilometres / 8,530 vertical metres)
La Méridionale - Pas du Loup - Sucs (522 kilometres/ 8,750 metres altitude)
(There is no official elevation profile here, as it is a variant with two shortcuts)
For all three suggestions, you should start with a few kilometres of training.
In our free download we offer you a translated registration form and the conditions of participation.
Official site in French: http://www.ardechoise.com
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