11 May 2015
With over 5,000km of marked cycle paths and many famous cols (passes), Savoie Mont Blanc is the perfect destination for cycling enthusiasts.
Savoie Mont Blanc Tourism has just launched a Cycling App, available in English.
It is the official app for finding out more about cycling in Savoie Mont Blanc. It includes a selection of itineraries for keen cyclists and families. The app provides:
· Maps of waymarked itineraries, including high passes, circuits, long-distance cycle routes, greenways and cycleways, with practical information and route descriptions.
· A list of the closest itineraries to where you are, based on a geolocation module.
· Lists of cycle-friendly accommodation providers along your chosen route: hotels, campsites, bed & breakfasts, hostel-style accommodation, and holiday rentals.
· The locations of useful services: tourist offices, bike shops, food shops, restaurants, bars, motorhome service areas.
· A list of cycling clubs and specialist service providers.
· Information about events, activities, and holiday packages.
· Useful links for finding out if passes are open and the location of water fountains.
· Tips on preparing for your ride.
· The possibility of timing your climb.
If you want to be able to access the app without an internet connection, just download your route before setting off.
The app can be downloaded for free on Apple Store and Google Play.
Cycling events in Savoie Mont Blanc
102nd Tour de France: Savoie Mont Blanc will host three beautiful stages of the 2015 Tour de France. The Tour will be in the Maurienne Valley from 23-25 July. On 23 July, the peloton will start in Gap and finish in Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, tackling the 18 impressive hairpins of Montvernier. On 24 July, the cyclists will go from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne to La Toussuire-Les Sybelles, before covering 110km on 25 July, from Modane to Alpe d'Huez.
The Criterium du Dauphiné will take place from 7-14 June, and most of its itinerary will be in Savoie Mont Blanc. Created in 1947, it is seen as warm-up to the Tour de France. The 2015 Criterium starts in Albertville and finishes in Modane-Valfréjus. Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc hosts the peloton on the last night.
On 19 July, 15,000 cycling enthusiasts will take part in the 23rd Etape du Tour, between Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne and La Toussuire-Les Sybelles and following the route of the 19th stage of the Tour de France. The 2015 Etape is 142km long, with 4,609m of vertical and includes four cols: Chaussy, Glandon, Croix de Fer and Mollard.
La Maison du Vélo in Rumilly offers a specific training day with two cycling instructors to learn how to manage this tricky itinerary.
1 Jour, 1 Col
In its 5th year, 1 Jour, 1 Col, is a very successful event for all types of cyclist. The concept is simple – different passes are closed at different times so cycling enthusiasts can practice their sport safely, without cars passing them.
The 2015 1 Jour, 1 Col starts on 21 June with the Col des Aravis. Eight other passes will follow, including for the first time the Col de Solaison. It is a challenging pass, with a final climb at 14%.
It is free to take part in the 1 Jour, 1 Col events.
To find out about other events, please contact us.
Special training
Based in La Clusaz, Alpines Cols offers cycling holidays and training camps with qualified coaches. From the resort, 13 passes are accessible, making it a perfect place to stay. Alpines Cols organises weekend or week training camps, with accommodation in two beautiful hotels in La Clusaz (Hotel Beauregard or Alpen Roc).
In the Maurienne Valley, La Toussuire hosts Les Semaines Cyclo, from 31 May – 6 June and from 6-13 June. These weeks are dedicated to training for l'Etape du Tour. The programme includes getting to know the circuit, physical training, massage and talks.
La Rosière also hosts two Semaines Cyclo, from 18-25 July, and from 22-29 August. From €830 per person
Maurienne Tourisme is offering a new five-day cycling tour for expert cyclists. The circuit includes some of the most beautiful cols: Madeleine, Glandon, Croix de Fer, Galibier, Iseran… Luggage is transferred by Maurienne Tourisme from one hotel to the next. The hotels all have the label 'Qualité Cyclo Maurienne', which guarantees specific services for cyclists (garage, workshop tools, washing area, etc).
From €700, half board
Savoie Mont Blanc Tourisme is the Tourist Board of the Savoie and Haute Savoie departments.
@SMBIntl
