RCT 2011 MARMOTTE RACE & CLASSIC CLIMBS CYCLING TRIP
**2011 ITINERARY**

Day 1: Monday, June 27th

We arrive at Lyon Saint-Exupery Airport to begin our adventure in the French Alps. Our team will meet you at Lyon airport, load your bikes and luggage, and drive you to our chalet in the Alps. Relax and unwind at "Il Fera Beau Demain", our base for the next eight nights. We will enjoy a welcome dinner together at Bonsoir Clara, the chalet's fantastic in-house restaurant. Our staff will be there to help you assemble your bike and have you ready to go for your first morning ride in one of the world's most challenging mountain ranges.(D)

Day 2: Tuesday, June 28th

We ride out from our chalet, down Villard Reculas road (9km@6%) and start climbing the Col d'Ornon (14km@4%) which has featured several times as a pre-cursor to the Alpe d'Huez climb during the Tour de France. At the Villard-Reymond turn, we start climbing to this beautiful alpine village with picture postcard views of Alpe d'Huez (be sure to pack your camera!). We descend back down the mountain and over to Bourg d'Oisans where we will have lunch and a chance to look around this very interesting French town. Those who wish to sag back home are welcome to throw their bikes on the roof; otherwise, Alpe d'Huez is always an option each evening for those wishing to ride back to Villard-Reculas. We will spend the evening comparing rides, exchanging war stories, enjoying some great local wine and a wonderful dinner at Bonsoir Clara.(=47km to Bourg d'Oisans)(B)(D)

Day 3: Wednesday, June 29th

Today we begin our recon of the legendary Marmotte race (a.k.a. the toughest one-day amateur bike race in the world!). We are offering an in-depth study of the Marmotte route broken up over two days. Part I of Marmotte prep begins with a ride down Villard-Reculas road, but this time we turn right at the bottom and head north, following the exact Marmotte route up the Col du Glandon towards the Col de la Croix de Fer (27km@4.5%). At the top of the Croix de Fer, we descend for 30 fabulous kilometres into the Maurienne Valley. We cross the valley to the town of Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne, where we will break for lunch. The Col du Telegraphe (12km@7.3%) winds its way in dizzying hairpins through lush forest up out of Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne. There are rewarding views of the entire valley from the summit, and from there we descend for 5km into the beautiful ski village of Valloire. At this point we jump in the vans for a sag ride home (and a preview of what is to come in Part II!). We will enjoy a relaxing evening dinner back at our beautiful chalet. (=97km to Valloire)(B)(D)

Day 4: Thursday, June 30th

Today we continue with Part II of Marmotte prep. We head out in the sag vans to Valloire, and from there begins the arduous Col du Galibier climb (18km@7%). Only the birds are around to keep you company through the wild, rugged countryside up to the often snowy summit - be sure to bring your warm clothes! From the top of the Galibier, the road plunges back down the Col du Lautaret, and you will enjoy a stunning descent almost the entire the way back to Bourg d'Oisans. After lunch in Bourg d'Oisans, and in the spirit of the real race, we end the day with the (in)famous 21-hairpin ascent to the fabulous ski village of Alpe d'Huez (14km@8%). You are highly encouraged to try the magnificent jacuzzi out on the terrace for a pre-dinner soak, celebrating our completion of this challenging route!(=82km) (B)(D)

Day 5: Friday, July 1st

There is a fabulous artisans' market in Alpe d'Huez on Friday mornings, so today is a good day to rest up, see some local sights, and get ready for the race tomorrow. Take some time to wander the market, enjoy the mountain atmosphere, and do some shopping for the folks back home. There is a cable car from the village of Alpe d'Huez up to the summit of Pic Blanc (3330m) for a great bird's-eye view of the region. At the evening meal, we will distribute the race packets and make sure everyone's bikes are in top shape for tomorrow's race. We highly recommend a pre-dinner jacuzzi, pool, and sauna to relax any tired muscles, and an early bedtime for a good night's rest.(B)(D)

Day 6: Saturday, July 2nd

We will have an early start today to eat a good breakfast before crossing Summer Road, descending Alpe d'Huez, and joining the throng of excited cyclists at the Marmotte starting line in Bourg d'Oisans. We will next see you at the top of the Col du Glandon, where you will be supplied with anything you are lacking, and if necessary, newspaper padding for the cold descent into the Maurienne Valley. Once you reach Valloire, you will see us again on your way to the Galibier for any re-fueling/clothing/mechanical checks. We wish you all the best and hope to see you next on top of Alpe d'Huez (=188km to the top of Alpe d'Huez)!(B)(D)

Day 7: Sunday, July 3rd

For those not too sore from yesterday's epic ride, today we offer a leisurely recovery ride to Les Deux Alpes. Les Deux Alpes is not a difficult climb, and its newly paved road surface and numbered switchback turns help you keep track of the distance to the summit as you ascend. We use a new (secret!) route across the valley to the climb of Les Deux Alpes (9km@6%). The village of Deux Alpes is a wonderful place for lunch, nestled beneath the Deux Alpes glacier, which is still ridden by snowboarders in July! We will descend to Le Freney d'Oisans and head back up into the mountains on the north side of the valley. There is a difficult climb up out of Le Freney, but once on the ridge, the views down the valley towards Bourg d'Oisans are absolutely stunning. The road is built out from the cliff along the edge of the mountain, and offers a perspective on Alpe d'Huez you cannot see from anywhere else. We link back into the Alpe d'Huez climb at La Garde, and anyone is welcome to sag or ride back up the remainder of the mountain to Villard-Reculas. Upon our return to the chalet, it's sadly time to pack up our bikes and get ready for tomorrow's departure. Tonight over a farewell dinner we say goodbye to new friends, trade our cycling experiences, and perhaps plan to meet up again next year.(=65km to La Garde)(B)(D)

Day 8: Monday, July 4th

After breakfast this morning, we depart for Lyon airport, bidding you farewell and a good trip home. (B)