In the footsteps of the Tour de France: La Marmotte amateur race with Galibier and Alpe d'Huez

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: La Marmotte Granfondo Alpes.

La Marmotte Granfondo Alpes (28 June 2026)

La Marmotte is one of the most famous cycling marathons in France and starts on 28 June 2026 in Bourg d'Oisans. The "Marmot" leads over 177 kilometres with 5,000 metres of altitude difference through the French Alps. The route includes four iconic climbs: Col du Glandon, the combination of Col du Télégraphe and Col du Galibier and the final climb to Alpe d'Huez. The Col du Galibier with its altitude of 2,642 metres can make the race really tough in terms of weather - single-digit temperatures are not uncommon. On a hot summer's day, the final climb to Alpe d'Huez is particularly sweaty. La Marmotte is a must for every cycling fan - the international atmosphere, the professional organisation and the challenging course make the event an unforgettable experience. Traditionally, many international participants start at La Marmotte Granfondo Alpes - especially Belgians and Dutch riders. The race is usually sold out early - but there are alternatives around the weekend of the event. At the Rando des Marmotte, the course is ridden over two days without timekeeping. Another option is the Grimpée Alpe d'Huez, a mountain race focussing on the 21 bends up to Alpe d'Huez.
Info: www.marmottegranfondoalpes.com

That's why it's a Tour de France cult:

The Col du Galibier and Alpe d'Huez are two of the most important climbs in the Tour de France. Legendary duels have taken place here and many a tour has been won or lost here. While the Galibier often represents the highest hurdle of the Tour and is a serious excursion into the high mountains, Alpe d'Huez impresses with its beautiful and steep serpentines. Anyone who has ever stood on the Dutchman's bend knows why the Tour keeps coming back to the mountain. This year, Alpe d'Huez is at the centre of the Tour route. No other event offers more Tour de France history than the combination of the two legends Galibier and Alpe d'Huez at La Marmotte.

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.