Marmotte Granfondo Alpes

The Marmotte Granfondo Alpes is one of the world's most demanding amateur cycling events, first established in 1982. The 177 km route features over 5,000m of elevation gain in the French Alps. Starting in Bourg d'Oisans, the challenge includes legendary climbs such as the Col du Glandon (or Col de la Croix de Fer), the Col du Télégraphe, and the Col du Galibier, a combination of climbs totalling nearly 35 km of continuous ascent. The final and most famous challenge is the ascent of the 21 hairpin bends of Alpe d'Huez, where the event finishes. Often taking place in intense summer heat, the sheer scale and sequence of the mountain passes require exceptional endurance, drawing thousands of riders each year to test themselves against this classic course.