Haute Route Alpes: analysis of the route
In this Article
Published on 8 August 2024
The 2024 edition of the Haute Route Alps cyclosportive will take place from 25 to 31 August. From Megève to Nice, take the unique opportunity to discover the most famous cols of the Alps during this 7-day cycling tour. This legendary route includes mythical ascents made popular by the Tour de France, as well as cols over 2,000 metres high. Covering a total of 714 kilometres and a cumulative positive elevation gain of 19,405 metres, each stage presents its own challenges, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all participants. So, has the Tour de France 2024 inspired you to ride in the footsteps of the greatest riders? Join the Haute Route Alps to test yourself!
Haute Route Alps: a mythical event
The Haute Route Alps is an internationally renowned cycling race, attracting cycling enthusiasts from all over the world for a multi-day adventure through the majestic French Alps. The 2024 edition promises to be particularly exciting with a varied and demanding route that will test the skills and determination of the participants.
For its 13th edition, this cyclosportive takes the challenge even further: this stage race incorporates new destinations, ensuring an exceptional itinerary with legendary climbs such as Alpe d’Huez or the Col du Lautaret. This year, Megève will be the starting town. This race offers you the opportunity to tackle the most famous climbs in the world, as well as long point-to-point stages.
Route analysis of this amateur cycling race
Stage 1: Megève – Megève
The grand start of the 2024 Haute Route Alps will take place in the charming ski resort of Megève. Moving through green landscapes with stunning views of the Mont Blanc massif, you will experience something akin to that of a professional rider.
Starting from this 99.5 km stage, the first ascent is the Col de Aravis, reaching an altitude of 1,486 metres. Known for its quiet roads and splendid views, you can enjoy this moment of tranquility while spotting the summit of the next challenge, the Col de la Colombière, climbed 23 times by the Tour de France. This second col is highly appreciated by amateur cyclists for its beautiful winding road leading to the summit before reaching the final challenge of this stage, the climb of the Altiport.
Stage 2: Megève – Col de la Loze
This 114.5 km stage with 3,200 m of elevation gain continues to test cyclists with the ascents of the Col des Saisies and the Col de la Loze. Very high, very steep, out of the ordinary: this is how the Tour de France organisers described it in 2019. Spectacular in many ways, this col has everything to become the new mountain benchmark and was even back on the Tour de France 2023.
Stage 3: Courchevel to Alpe d'Huez
This stage, 137 km and 4,450 m of elevation gain, is one of the most anticipated with the climb to Alpe d'Huez, famous for its 21 hairpin bends. Before that, the riders will pass through the Col de la Madeleine and the Glandon, one of the highest and most difficult passes in the Alps.
Stage 4: Time trial from Bourg d’Oisans to Alpe d’Huez
Individual time trial of 16 km and 1,125 m of elevation gain, this stage allows participants to give their all. It is also the playground for all records. Let's remember that in 2004, during a Tour stage, Lance Armstrong won it in 39’41’’, averaging 23.4 km/h. Nothing less! 😅
Stage 5: Alpe d’Huez-Col du Granon
The 86 km stage includes the ascent of the Col de Lautaret. The technical descents and arduous climbs will further test the participants' endurance during these 2,800 m of elevation gain.
Stage 6: Serre-Chevalier-Auron
The 139 km course passes through the Col de Vars and the Col de la Bonnette, with demanding sections and exceptional Alpine views.
Stage 7: Auron-Nice
During this final stage, cyclists will face the Col de Saint-Martin before finishing with a beautiful descent to Nice, the finish point of this 2024 race.
What is the ideal road bike for climbing the Alps?
The ideal road bike for climbing the Alps should be lightweight, responsive, and equipped with a good transmission system to handle steep climbs.
Essential features of a climbing bike:
:
- A lightweight frame: a carbon frame is ideal to reduce the total weight of the bike, ideally close to 7 kg.
- An efficient transmission: a cassette with a wide range of gears (such as 11-32) and a compact crankset (50/34) or semi-compact (52/36) to facilitate climbing.
- Disc brakes for better braking power and control, especially during descents.
- Lightweight wheels, ideally carbon, with a good weight-to-stiffness ratio.
- A frame geometry that allows for a comfortable position over long distances.
Our selection of road bikes for the mountains:
Specialized Tarmac
A great all-rounder, stiff and dynamic, the Tarmac also excels in the mountains. It climbs easily, descends confidently, and is explosive in sprints. It ranks among the lightest high-end models with a weight slightly above 7 kg.
BMC Roadmachine
If you are a competitor, this bike is not for you. If you want to enjoy long hours and have fun, the BMC Roadmachine is the answer.
No, it is not the lightest, stiffest, or most performance-oriented bike for breaking records, but if you want to enjoy your rides, it is simply perfect!
How does it perform on the climbs? If you like to vary your pace by alternating between sitting and standing, you might find its front-end flexibility disconcerting. However, if you prefer climbing a pass while sitting and maintaining a steady pace, it is perfect for you. And if you feel a little hunger and your speed drops below double digits, don't worry: it will accompany you without needing too much leg power to move forward.
Orbea Orca
The Orbea Orca is not just a lightweight bike, it is a pure climber: 6.7 kg of technology designed to transform your pedaling experience on every ascent. Few things can rival the sensation that such a light and efficient bike offers. Its instant acceleration, vibration absorption, and handling result from an optimal design combining lightness and stiffness.
Giant TCR Advanced Pro
What sets this bike apart from others is its performance outside the climbs as well. The TCR is just as lively on the flat as it is on the climbs. The lightweight frame of the TCR, its stiff bottom bracket, and its exceptional responsiveness combine perfectly to offer an unmatched riding experience. This allows riders to benefit from the best of both worlds in one bike, making it an aerodynamic climber's bike.
Pinarello Dogma F10
The Dogma F10 is the Rolls-Royce of bikes. It has everything going for it. Ultra responsive, it reacts to the slightest input with perfect fluidity. This bike offers one of the best stiffness-to-comfort ratios, making it probably the best of the versatile road bikes. Ideal for sportives like the Étape du Tour, the Haute Route, or other long rides, it combines performance with the ability to absorb road imperfections.
The 2024 Haute Route Alps sportive promises to be an epic adventure, with a carefully designed course offering varied challenges and spectacular scenery. Each stage presents its own difficulties, from arduous climbs to technical descents, guaranteeing an unforgettable experience for all cyclists. Make sure you are well-trained and have the ideal bike (reconditioned 😉) for this type of race.
