Now there’s a (s)Orcières of an event! 🧙
Ready to climb where even chamois hesitate to put a hoof down? 🏔️ For this GF Orcières, we’re taking you to the Hautes-Alpes department, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, for a weekend of pure cycling taking place in August 🚴. On the program for this international cyclosportive, you’ll find 2 major events that will introduce you to the balconies of the Écrins National Park 🌱.
The highlight of the show is the 134 km course with 3,300 mD+, a serious chunk that has nothing to envy the legendary stages of the Tour de France 🥵. If you’re afraid of ending up totally wrecked before the summit, the 78 km format with 2,000 mD+ will already give you plenty to get the thighs burning 🚲. The route is a true best-of of the local heritage 🤩. You set off from Orcières Merlette 1850 in a neutralized peloton before getting down to business: the Ancelle climb, then the spectacular sections toward Chorges and Saint-Apollinaire 📍. You’ll pedal with a plunging view of Lake Serre-Ponçon, Europe’s largest artificial lake, before taking on the dreaded Col de Moissière 📈. The asphalt is clean, but the gradient is playful—especially on the demanding roads of Chaillol and Serre Eyraud 🫣. To finish, you’ll have to tame the final climb up to the resort, a technical ascent of 7 km at a 7% average 🥵. For those more hesitant about taking on a long cyclosportive route, a 48 km and 931 mD+ ride is also offered ✅. Ideal to enjoy the scenery without the pressure of competition 🏅. As for the DNA, the organization doesn’t do things halfway ✋. After you cross the finish line, the party continues at the Orcières exhibitors’ village. We’ll be waiting for you for a friendly post-race meal convivial and concerts to unwind 🕺. The competitive spirit is there on the long course, but camaraderie remains the day’s big winner. 🧀
For your stay, Orcières is a paradise that goes far beyond cycling 😍. You can try the giant zip line, one of the longest in Europe, for a serious adrenaline rush ❤️🔥. With the family, the Orcières leisure park offers swimming and fun activities, while an easy hike to the high-altitude lakes will delight lovers of peace and quiet 🐛. Culture, adrenaline, or pure relaxation—there’s something to satisfy your whole fan club between two climbs 🚠.
Alright then, see you at the summit—just try not to bite your handlebar too hard in the last kilometer! 🏁
A word from the organizer:
"Dear cyclists, It is with great pride and a lot of enthusiasm that we welcome you to this new edition of GF Orcières — The Alpine Challenge. Across the majestic roads of the Hautes-Alpes, we have designed an event worthy of your passion: demanding, authentic, and deeply human. Every climb, every turn, and every kilometer ridden will offer you a unique experience, at the heart of exceptional alpine landscapes. Our ambition is to give you far more than a cyclosportive. We want to offer you a true personal challenge, a sporting and collective adventure where everyone can push their limits, whatever their level. Climb. Hold on. Outdo yourself. These words sum up the spirit of GF Orcières. They embody the determination, courage, and pleasure that bring us together around cycling. We wish you excellent preparation and a magnificent experience on our roads. Enjoy every moment to the fullest, the effort as much as the scenery, and be proud of the path you’ve traveled. We look forward to seeing you on the starting line,
The organizing team of GF Orcières."
The Long Course starts gently from Orcières Merlette 1850. The descent into the valley is just there to get your heart rate up before the first challenge: the climb to Ancelle 🥵. Then you roll on to Chorges and Saint-Apollinaire, with incredible balcony views over Lake Serre-Ponçon 🌊. After that, things get serious: a 25 km loop on roads used by the Embrun triathlon, where the gradients will remind you that yes, you’re in the high mountains. Next comes the Col de Moissière and its wild ascent, followed by a demanding return via the Serre Eyraud 🤩 road. The finale is legendary: the climb back up to the Orcières resort, 7 km at a 7% average. It’s long, it’s tough, but crossing that line is becoming a local legend 🏔️.
Want to taste the magic of the Alps without ending the day completely wiped out? 🍎 The medium route is your best ally 🤝. But beware: "medium" doesn’t mean "easy"—with 2,000 m of climbing, your calves will still be singing! 🎤 You’ll share the same festive start from the resort as the long-course warriors. After the neutralized descent, you too will tackle the climb to Ancelle, an ideal opener to test your legs 🚴.
The route then branches off to take you toward the long climb of Chaillol, in the heart of the hedgerow countryside of the Champsaur, a landscape unique in France 🇫🇷. You’ll then take on the final challenge shared by everyone: the climb to Orcières Merlette 1850 via the Serre Eyraud road 🏔️. No category rankings here—the goal is pure enjoyment and pushing yourself. It’s the perfect format to lift your head, admire the Écrins peaks, and soak up the atmosphere without your eyes glued to your bike computer 🏁.
This final route consists of an accessible loop to experience the event without the pressure of the clock 🥱. You leave the resort heading downhill to reach the valley floor of the Champsaur via Pont-du-Fossé and Chabottes ⛰️. It’s a very scenic section, ideal for admiring the surrounding peaks without having your nose on the handlebars 🌸. The high point of your outing remains the final climb back up to Orcières Merlette 😱. You’ll take the official switchbacks that the champions of the 134 and 78 km will also ride before crossing the finish like a hero, at your own pace ✌️.
You’ll be able to pick up your bib number at the Orcières Cycling Festival, at the Exhibitors’ Village:
Friday 6 August 2027 (from the afternoon)
Saturday 7 August 2027
Sunday 8 August 2027 (in the morning before the start)
The races will start on Sunday 8 August 2027 in Orcières Merlette 1850 (in the heart of the event village) at 8:00 a.m. for the Granfondo and the Mediofondo, and at 8:30 a.m. for the Rando.
To validate your registration, you will need to provide a medical certificate, a copy of your license, or complete the FFC health questionnaire available online: https://velo.ffc.fr/se-licencier/prevention-sante/
Yes, you must be 18 years old.
Prices change depending on your registration date:
Phase 1 (from 09/10/2026 to 15/10/2026): €59
Phase 2 (from 15/10/2026 to 15/01/2027): €69
Phase 3 (from 15/01/2027 to 15/05/2027): €79
Phase 4 (from 15/05/2027 to 08/08/2027): €89
Sales on Finishers close on 8 August 2027.
Yes, e-bikes are allowed on the 48 km Rando course.
Yes, the race finish is scheduled for 4:00 p.m., i.e. after 8 hours of racing.
On the long course: 5 aid stations (4+1 at the finish)
On the medium course: 3 aid stations (2+1 at the finish)
On the rando course: 1 aid station at the finish
The aid stations include water, soft drinks, sports nutrition, snacks, and mid-race points.
Your registration includes:
The official jersey
A souvenir bag
Timing
Race support
The post-race meal
The podium ceremony
A medal
Yes, bag drop and changing rooms will be provided by the organization.
If you still have questions, you can contact the organizers by email: orcieres.cycling@gmail.com
You can check the race rules here
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