Haute Maurienne Vanoise Cyclo Challenge
Bicycle-only roads
The new Haute Maurienne Vanoise Cyclo Challenge offers cyclists the chance to tackle the valley's major mountain passes in complete safety. During the 6 mornings of the Haute Maurienne Vanoise Cyclos Challenge, roads are closed to car traffic and reserved for bikes, mountain bikes, electric bikes or gravels.
Come and challenge yourself on one of our 6 cyclo climbs - it's free!
Climbing
July 08: Aussois, ascent to Plan d'Amont.
► 5.6 km for 478 m D+. Group start at 9:30 am. Road closed to motorized vehicles from 9:30am to 12:30pm.
June 25: Bonneval sur Arc, l'Iserane.
► 13.4 km for 977 m D+. Group start at 8:30am. Road closed to motorized vehicles from 8:30am to 12:00pm.
July 5: Val Cenis, Mont Cenis ascent.
► 9.7 km for 674 m D+. Group start at 9:00 am. Road closed to motorized vehicles from 9:00 to 11:00.
July 30: La Norma, gravel climb from La Norma.
► 9.23 km for 680 D+. Group start at 9:00 am. Road closed to motorized vehicles from 9:00 to 11:00.
August 9: Valfréjus, ascent to Valfréjus.
► Start 9:30 am. 5.8 km, for 387 m D+. Group start at 9:00 am. Road closed to motorized vehicles from 9:00 to 12:00.
August 20: Val Cenis, Bellecombe climb.
► Group start at 9:30 am. 13.2 km for 1015 m D+. Road closed to motorized vehicles from 9:30am to 12:00pm.
Practical information
Free of charge. The 6 Haute Maurienne Vanoise Cyclo Challenge climbs are free.
Teens and adults. The Haute Maurienne Vanoise Cyclo Challenge climbs are open to all cyclists over 14 years of age (parental authorization for minors to be provided by e-mail to the Tourist Office of the resort concerned).
Bikes. Road bikes, mountain bikes, gravel bikes... All types of bikes are accepted, including electric bikes. We are, however, on a "Cylco challenge": scooters, electric or otherwise, are not accepted on these climbs for safety reasons.
Departure. The 1st departure is at 8:30 or 9:30 am, depending on the chosen climb. Participants not wishing to leave at the first hour can do so continuously until the road reopens. Please note that any departure before the announced time will not be subject to an administrative road closure: you are likely to come across motorized vehicles on your ascent.
Safety. Even if the road is reserved for cyclists, the rules of the road and traffic regulations must always be respected. Wearing a helmet is compulsory. And of course, be careful on the way down: check your speed! Last descent recommended up to 30min before roads reopen.
Refreshments. The Haute Maurienne Vanoise Tourist Office will provide refreshments at the finish of each climb.
Timing. The Haute Maurienne Vanoise Cyclo Challenge climbs are not timed: no rankings, no competition: 100% fun (and quite a lot of energy when the road climbs!).
Finisher. All participants who reach the finish will receive a badge to mark the end of their climb. Other surprises and entertainment await cyclists at the finish to reward them for their efforts and thank them for their participation.
More cyclo climbs?
Other pass climbs are organized throughout the summer in the Maurienne as part of the "Mountain Collection". Galibier, Croix de fer, lacets de Montvernier: it's up to you to make the most of the legendary passes and roads of the Maurienne, the world's largest cycling area.