Haute Route Alps '13 Extra Info

Where will the riders be heading

The organisers, OC Sport will continue to highlight the cols and ascents that have created the legend of cycling - in 2013 we will head from Geneva to Nice via a different course to years past.

Just what cols will you be climbing 

The course for the 3rd Edition of the Haute Route has been released.

Below is a brief summary of the trip plus the seven stages of the Haute Route 2013:

Check in le Richemond - 5 Star Hotel

• Pre day 1: Friday 16 August: Collection from Geneva airport or Geneva main train station, chance to assemble bikes, 30k ride, welcome drinks and dinner with guest speaker

• Pre day 2: Saturday 17th August: Check in is completed by Tour Manager, relaxed 40-50k ride in the morning, lunch provided followed by Haute Route briefing and dinner

• Stage 1: Sunday 18th August:

Geneva – Megeve 149km, 3300m

• Stage 2: Monday 19th August:

Megeve – Val d’Isere 108km, 3400m

• Stage 3: Tuesday 20th August: 

Val d’Isere – Serre Chevalier 164km, 3400m

• Stage 4: Wednesday 21st August: 

Serre Chevalier – Pra Loup 118km, 3000m

• Stage 5: Thursday 22nd August: 

Time trial – Cime de La Bonette 23km, 1560m

• Stage 6: Friday 23rd August: 

Pra Loup – Auron 142km, 3800m

• Stage 7: Saturday 24th August:  

Auron – Nice 162km, 2900m

Check in le Negresco - 5 Star Hotel

• Post day 1: Sunday 25th August: Chance for a cool down 30k ride in finishing Nice or spend the day on your own deck chair at the beach. Lunch provided and chance to disassemble bikes, followed by farewell dinner.

• Post day 2: Monday 26th August: The end of the jorney, after breakfast, be shuttled to the airport or train station in Nice.

For more information on accommodation click the icon below

Why continue to change the course? 

• Since 2011 the organisers have altered the course to keep us the cyclists on our toes and to keep the Haute Route classification as the Toughest Cyclo-Sportif in the world. The race in continue to include different formats (classic stages, marathon stages, time trial) with a daily averages of 100+km and two to three major climbs. Jean-Francois Alcan, Race Director, will continue to challenge the cyclist and bring us from Geneva to Nice through some of the most spectacular scenery France has on offer.
  

Which mountain passes/cols will be apart of the race?

• 19 legendary cycling climbs have been carefully chosen including the Joux Plane, the Cormet de Roseland, the Iséran and the Izoard. 2013 will also feature the return of the infamous Cime de la Bonette, this time as an individual time trial!
• The Haute Route is equivalent to cycling to the summit of Everest two and a half times from sea level!
  
• As in previous years, the majority of the stages include summit finish lines (Megeve, Val d’Isere, Pra Loup, Cime de la Bonette, Auron). In addition to returning to some of the Alps most popular cycling challenges: Cormet de Roseland (1967m), Iseran (2770m), Izoard (2361m) and Cime de la Bonette (2802m), the organisation has also integrated some new climbs for 2013. These lesser known gems have been chosen in equal measure for their stunning beauty and their level of challenge - the Col de l’Encrenaz in the Haute Savoie, the Col de l’Echelle on the French-Italian border, and the Col de Cayolle in the heart of the Mercantour National Park. The highest climbs of the Haute Route 2013 all occur in the second half of the event, with 6 cols over 2000m. Arguably, the Haute Route 2013 is even more demanding than previous years, with 9 category 1 climbs, 8 category 2 climbs and only 2 category 3 climbs.

 .                  HC Climbs

Col de Joux Plane

• Distance : 13 km

• Elevation : 691 m

• Altitude at the summit : 1691 m

• Average gradient : 6,5 %

• Maximum gradient : 11,1 %

Col du Cormet de Roselend

• Distance : 20 km

• Elevation : 1167 m

• Altitude at the summit : 1967 m  .

• Average gradient : 6 %

• Maximum gradient : 10 %

Col de l'Iseran

• Distance : 16 km

• Elevation : 930 m

• Altitude at the summit : 2770 m

• Average gradient : 6 %

• Maximum gradient : 8,3 %

Col d'Izoard

• Distance : 19 km

• Elevation : 1156 m

• Altitude at the summit : 2361 m

• Average gradient : 5,7 %

• Maximum gradient : 9,4 %

Col de Vars

• Distance : 20,5 km

• Elevation : 1109 m

• Altitude at the summit : 2109 m

• Average gradient : 5,7 %

• Maximum gradient : 8,7 %

Cime de la Bonette

• Distance : 23,5 km

• Elevation : 1560 m

• Altitude at the summit : 2802 m

• Average gradient : 6,6 %

• Maximum gradient : 9 %

Col de la Cayolle

• Distance : 25,5 km

• Elevation : 1143 m

• Altitude at the summit : 2326 m

• Average gradient : 4,5 %

• Maximum gradient : 8,2 %

Col de St Martin

• Distance : 16,5 km

• Elevation : 1100 m

• Altitude at the summit : 1500 m

• Average gradient : 6,6 %

• Maximum gradient : 7,7 %

Col de l'Encrenaz

• Distance : 15,5 km

• Elevation : 790 m

• Altitude at the summit : 1433 m

• Average gradient : 5 %

• Maximum gradient : 9,8 %

Ascent to Megève

• Distance : 13,5 km

• Elevation : 553 m

• Altitude at the summit : 1104 m  .

• Average gradient : 4 %

• Maximum gradient : 7,5 %

Col des Saisies

• Distance : 13,5 km

• Elevation : 650 m

• Altitude at the summit : 1650 m

• Average gradient : 4,9 %

• Maximum gradient : 11,1 %

Ascent to Val d'Isère

• Distance : 19 km

• Elevation : 969 m

• Altitude at the summit : 1840 m

• Average gradient : 5,1 %

• Maximum gradient : 8,9 %

Col du Mont Cenis

• Distance : 10,5 km

• Elevation : 663 m

• Altitude at the summit : 2083 m

• Average gradient : 6,5 %

• Maximum gradient : 10,6 %

Col de L'Echelle

• Distance : 13 km

• Elevation : 566 m

• Altitude at the summit : 1762 m

• Average gradient : 4,3 %

• Maximum gradient : 7,9 %

Ascent to Pra Loup

• Distance : 7,5 km

• Elevation : 378 m

• Altitude at the summit : 1598 m

• Average gradient : 5 %

• Maximum gradient : 9,6 %

Col de Valberg

• Distance : 12,5 km

• Elevation : 874 m

• Altitude at the summit : 1672 m

• Average gradient : 6,9 %

• Maximum gradient : 10,2 %

Ascent to Auron

• Distance : 31,5 km

• Elevation : 1103 m

• Altitude at the summit : 1598 m

• Average gradient : 3,5 %

• Maximum gradient : 9,4 %

Cat 2 climbs

Col de la Couillole

• Distance : 7,5 km

• Elevation : 239 m

• Altitude at the summit : 1678 m

• Average gradient : 3,2 %

• Maximum gradient : 11,2 %

Col de Vence

• Distance : 16 km

• Elevation : 462 m

• Altitude at the summit : 962 m

• Average gradient : 2,8 %

• Maximum gradient : 6,7 %

Other Questions

What about transporting my bike to the event?

Packing your bike with care and in a specific case will help get your bike to the start of the event in one piece.

Where can I build my bike?

We will have a designated room at the start and finish of the tour which can be used to build you bike. With a rather substantial amount of cyclists on our tour we highly recommend and encourage that you the cyclist be able build and breaking down your bike.

Professional help will be there if necessary

To assist you in building your bike there will be a BBB Toolcase Tool Kit including:

• BTL-05 Nautilus II - Chain rivet tool.
• BTL-10 HighTorque - Pedal wrench.
• BTL-11 TurnTable - Freewheel turner.
• BTL-12S LockOut - Lockring remover.
• BTL-13 Hexagon 8mm - Hex key.
• BTL-13 Hexagon 10mm - Hex Key.
• BTL-14 PowerPull - Crank pulley.
• BTL-15 Turner II - Spoke wrench.
• BTL-17 ToothBrush - Cassette cleaner.
• BTL-25 ConeFix 13mm - Cone wrench.
• BTL-25 ConeFix 14mm - Cone wrench.
• BTL-25 ConeFix 15mm - Cone wrench.
• BTL-25 ConeFix 16mm - Cone wrench.
• BTL-25 ConeFix 17mm - Cone wrench.
• BTL-28 ThreeStar - Hex key wrench.
• BTL-29 ThreeStar - Socket wrench set.
• BTL-32 BoldGrip - Chainring nut wrench.
• BTL-33 BottomFix - Lockring remover / bottom bracket tool.
• BTL-37 EasyLift - Tire levers.
• BTL-51 ChainChecker - Chain wear checker. 

There is also a bike stand, torque wrench, grease, chain lube, rags and hand wipes.

Have you ever had troubles transporting your bike on airlines?

In many years of traveling with a bike, there has never been any issues with boxing and flying with my bikes. Note, some airlines do charge for excess baggage while others do not. It is highly recommended that you check with whoever you are flying with.

What time does the race start each day?

The group starts head out from the Haute Route Village at various times depending on the length of the day's stage. The earliest was 6:30am. The time trial day was a later start, your start time depends on your over-all accumulated standing.

What time does the race finish each day?

Finishing times, again depending on the length of the days. From the previous Haute Route stages finishes have concluded anywhere from 1pm through to 5pm.

What is there to do at the end of the days rides?

Relax, put your feet in a fountain, eat, talk to other riders, take a nap, rehydrate, grab a massage then eat and drink some more. There was always a reasonable amount of time to relax before dinner.

Other Questions Continued

Tools and other equipment

twowheeltours will have a full tool kit for your use on the tour as per listed above. It is highly recommended that riders bring tubes, mini tool, levers etc which you would normally take on a long ride. During the HR cyclo-sportif riders will need to be somewhat self sufficient. Mavic is associated with Haute Route and they will be able to assist where needed but will not change tubes for you. It is also recommend that riders bring a specific few spokes and derailleur hanger. There will be cables, chains and tyres, if it gets to that point, available through Mavic. 

Other info on what to bring can be found here.

Bike servicing and washing

All riders, pre Haute Route, should get their bikes serviced including, new tyres, brakes and cables if necessary. 

At each village there are facilities to wash your bike and yes you will be able to use our tools for any of your needs. There is NO charge for our mechanical work.

Gearing

It is recommended to have a compact crank. In 2011 there were just a few riders who had standard cranks. About what to run in the rear, ask yourself this question, do you spend much of your time riding in the granny around home? If so you'll be in it a lot on the Haute Route.

Insurance + cycling licence

As with any traveling we highly recommend travel insurance for all aspects, medical, travel etc. As Haute Route is classified as a 'race' it is difficult to get insurance. Most insurance companies ONLY cover 'races' if they are by foot.

twowheeltours can recommend www.aiib.com.au - they are aware of our insurance needs. Each policy will differ due to a variety of circumstances, ie age and dates travelled etc. AIIB are happy to assist in giving an obligation free quote. Please email us - here - to receive the contact info for aiib. There is no cycling licence needed.

Sports Nutrition

Everyone has their favourites so please feel free to bring that along. At the rest stops on Haute Route there will be coke, dried fruits, european energy products, water, salted crackers and bananas. If you are hoping to purchase supplements along the way please remember that some of the host towns can be remote. 

Bringing my own nutrition

In regards to bringing your own powders and large tubs of powders, we have had clients bring their own from home and they have never had an issue. We would not recommend for you to bring copious amounts of gels/powders etc as there may be an issue. If forms require please declare what you are brining in. Lastly, please pack it in your checked luggage.

Bags for clothing and Bike Bags

Haute Route will be giving you bags and they are available at registration for the event. As we will be transporting your bags daily you don't have to use their bags but it is a nice memento. Bike bags will be transported from Geneva to Nice.

Clothing and washing

It is recommended that riders bring at least 3 sets of cycling clothing. twowheeltours will be washing and rising your kits every second day. Weather permitting you'll have that washed kit the next day. You will receive a Haute Route cycling kit which all riders are encouraged to wear on the first day. Other info on what to bring can be found here. Unfortunately we cannot wash all your day to day clothes. At some of our accommodations they have washing machines which you will be able to wash yourself.

Clothing

For the official dinners and functions - there is no dress code. Even at our welcome dinner and farewell dinner there is no specific dress code, jeans, t-shirt and sneakers are more than suitable. There is only so much you can pack.

I've booked my ticket, what next?

If I go book my Haute Route experience through twowheeltours, do I still have to buy a ticket or anything else from the Haute Route organisation? No, once you have booked with us all you have to worry about is training, getting yourself to EU and getting us some information before the event.

What other support over and above that provided by the Haute Route organisation does twowheeltours offer?

We are a fully catered tour, we provide you with transfers, pre and post race accommodation, all meals, drinks including alcohol, bag logistics, point person at the finish line of each stage, every other day laundry of your cycling clothes, extra food and beverages post race and personalised attention.

Hotels

Are the hotels used by twowheeltours different to those used by the Haute Route organisation? As the route changes yearly this is difficult to answer. We at twowheeltours offer you the best accommodation that is available to us, some hotels are very large while others are tiny.

Location of Hotels

How close is the accommodation to the start/finish? We aim to put you in the best accommodation that is as close to the start/finish line as possible. Please remember that some ski villages are not very big and a small trip may be necessary to get to the hotel.

Non-riding partners

For non-riding partners - what activities are planned? This varies year to year. We take pride in offering those partners who do not ride the opportunity to have an enjoyable time, not just sit in the van and watch/wait for the riders. When your partner signs up we like to find out what he/she enjoys to do, whether that be hiking, visiting villages and/or markets and provide them with a variety of activities during the tour. Non-riding partners will catch up in the evenings with the riders. They will dine with them and spend the night together.

Payment

Upon booking a $1500 (non refundable - NR) deposit per person, is required. The remainder of the payment is due in two instalments. Four months prior, 50% (NR) of the total cost of the package is to be paid. Two months prior, the remaining 50% (NR) is due.

Tracking

The Haute Route organisers continue to do a fantastic job of tracking riders with various apps and other breaking technology. This allows people 'back home' the ability to follow your progress.

Extras you will receive

* Full Haute Route cycling kit including a jersey, knicks and arm-warmers

*Two bottles

* Hundreds of Marshals along the route and at intersections

* Motorcycle escorts, many of whom have assisted at the TdF in years past  (1 for every 15/17 riders)

* Presence of security vehicles to escort the peloton (including a sag wagon/bus)

* Medical team who are also on the road during the event and at each finish village

* Mavic Mechanical support during the race and at the villages

* A source/shop of spare parts (impossible to stock all requirements)

* Timing and tracking system, see how fast you got to the top of all the cols

* For your bike and for identification you will receive a personalised frame plate and two official numbers to wear daily

* Rest stops at the tops of cols and also along the route with food, drinks and energy products

* Daily rankings (Solo, Team, and by age group and sex)

* Hot lunch at the end of each stage

* Each night there is a mandatory safety briefing followed by an aperitif but we will have our own at the hotel

* Organisation of daily Awards Ceremony

* Closing party held at the finishing city

* Massage on offer at the finish of each stage

* A medal for each finisher

* A finishing jersey if completed in the specified times

* A personalised certificate to download

Other benefits which are available but not necessarily needed as you are on the twowheeltours package:

* Secure bike park at each finish village

* Hot showers at each finish village

* Access to a bike wash area at each finish village

* Videos produced daily and published to youtube which are shown during safety briefings

* You will also receive a Haute Route travel bag with wheels and a ‘race day’ pack - these are not necessary to keep as you will be able to use your own bag and we will have a mussette for you at the finish line each day.