GF Orcières 2026
- Next event : Sun, August 23, 2026Date confirmed
The event in a few words
Here's a challenge at (s)Orcière level! 🧙
Ready to climb where even chamois hesitate to set hoof? 🏔️ For this GF Orcières, we take you to the department of Hautes-Alpes, in the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, for a weekend of pure cycling taking place in August 🚴. On the program of this international cyclosportive, you will find 2 major events that will take you through the balconies of the Écrins National Park 🌱.
The highlight is the 134 km course with 3,400 mD+, a real challenge that rivals the legendary stages of the Tour de France 🥵. If you're worried about ending up in a heap before the summit, the 78 km format with 2,000 mD+ will still offer plenty to work your legs 🚲. The route is a true best-of of the local heritage 🤩. You set off from Orcières Merlette 1850 in a neutralized peloton before tackling the serious stuff: the Ancelle climb, then the spectacular stretches towards Chorges and Saint-Apollinaire 📍. You'll pedal with a bird's-eye view of the Serre-Ponçon Lake, the largest artificial lake in Europe, before facing the formidable Moissière pass 📈. The tarmac is clean, but the incline is challenging, especially on the demanding roads of Chaillol and Serre Eyraud 🫣. To finish, you'll have to conquer the final ascent to the station, a technical climb of 7 km at a 7% average 🥵. For those less inclined to take on a long cyclosportive course, a rando of 48 km and 931 mD+ is also offered ✅. Ideal for enjoying the scenery without the pressure of competition 🏅. In terms of DNA, the organization doesn't do things by halves ✋. After crossing the finish line, the party continues at the exhibitor village in Orcières. We're expecting you for a post-race meal convenient and concerts to unwind 🕺. The spirit of competition is there on the long course, but camaraderie remains the big winner of the day. 🧀
For your stay, Orcières is a paradise far beyond cycling 😍. You can try the giant zipline, one of the longest in Europe, for thrills ❤️🔥. With the family, the Orcières leisure base offers swimming and fun activities, while a gentle hike to the high-altitude lakes will delight silence lovers 🐛. Culture, adrenaline, or relaxation, there's something to satisfy your entire fan club between two climbs 🚠.
Alright, we'll meet at the top, just try not to bite your handlebar too hard in the last kilometer! 🏁
4 reasons to join this race
A distance for every taste
134 kmTOP
78 km
48 km
- Sunday, August 23, 2026 at 8:00 AM
- Elevation gain : 3400mD+
A few more words
The start of the Long Route begins gently from Orcières Merlette 1850. The descent to the valley just serves to get your heart rate up before the first challenge, the climb of Ancelle 🥵. You then continue towards Chorges and Saint-Apollinaire with amazing views over the Lac de Serre-Ponçon 🌊. Next, it's serious: a 25 km loop on roads used by the Embrun triathlon, where the gradients will remind you that you're indeed in the high mountains. Then comes the Col de Moissière with its wild ascent, followed by a demanding return via the Serre Eyraud road 🤩. The finale is legendary: the climb back to the Orcières station, 7 km at an average of 7%. It's long, it's tough, but crossing that finish line means becoming a local legend 🏔️.
78 km : Mediofondo
Road Cycling- Sunday, August 23, 2026 at 8:00 AM
- Elevation gain : 2000mD+
A few more words
Do you want to taste the magic of the Alps without ending the day feeling like mush? 🍎 The medium route is your best ally 🤝. Be careful, "medium" doesn't mean "easy": with 2,000 m of positive elevation gain, your calves will still be singing! 🎤 You share the same festive start as the long route warriors from the station. After the neutralized descent, you too will tackle the climb of Ancelle, an ideal start to test your legs 🚴.
The route then splits to take you to the long climb of Chaillol in the heart of the Champsaur countryside, a unique landscape in France 🇫🇷. You will then join the final challenge common to all: the climb of Orcières Merlette 1850 via the Serre Eyraud road 🏔️. There is no category ranking here, the goal is pure enjoyment and self-improvement. It's the ideal format to lift your head, admire the Écrins peaks, and enjoy the atmosphere without keeping your eyes glued to your meter 🏁.
48 km : Hiking Route
Road Cycling- Sunday, August 23, 2026 at 8:30 AM
- Elevation gain : 931mD+
A few more words
This final route consists of an accessible loop to experience the event without the pressure of time 🥱. You leave the station in a descent to reach the Champsaur valley floor via Pont-du-Fossé and Chabottes ⛰️. This is a very visual section, ideal for admiring the surrounding peaks without having your nose to the grindstone 🌸. The highlight of your outing remains the final ascent to Orcières Merlette 😱. You take the official bends that the champions of the 134 and 78 km will also take before crossing the finish line like a hero, at your own pace ✌️.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
You can pick up your race number at the Orcières Cycling Festival, at the Exhibitors' Village:
Friday, August 21, 2026, from 10am to 7pm
Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 10am to 7pm
Sunday, August 23, 2026, from 6am to 7am
The races will start on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at 8am for the Long and Medium Courses and at 8:30am for the Rando Course.
To validate your registration, you must provide a medical certificate, a copy of your license, or fill out the FFC health questionnaire available online: https://velo.ffc.fr/se-licencier/prevention-sante/
Yes, you must be 18 years old.
Medium course: 69€ until 02/28/26
Long course: 69€ until 02/28/26
Rando course: 29€
Yes, the race ends at 4:00pm, which is after 8 hours of competition.
On the long course: 5 refreshment points (4+1 at the finish)
On the medium course: 3 refreshment points (2+1 at the finish)
On the rando course: 1 refreshment point at the finish
The refreshments include water, sodas, sports nutrition, snacks, and medical points.
Your registration includes:
The official jersey
A souvenir bag
Timing
A race support
The post-race meal
The podium ceremony
A medal
Yes, lockers and changing rooms will be provided by the organization.
You can check the race rules here
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