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Haute Route Alps 2025

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©️ Haute Route Alpes

The event in a few words

Get ready to ride! 🚲 Enthusiastic cyclists are invited to a spectacular event: the Haute Route Alps 😍. This is a cycling race that connects Megève to Nice through the breathtaking French mountains ⛰️. The race spans seven days at the end of August 🗓️, a perfect way to wrap up your summer vacation 🧳. Participants will cycle a total of 813 km and climb an astounding 18,800 meters of elevation gain! 🤯 If the 800 km seem daunting, you can opt to join the challenge for just the first three stages, covering 370 km and 9,600 mD+👌.

The Haute Route Alps isn’t just a stage race ↔️; it’s an epic journey through legendary climbs like the Col Agnel, Col de la Lombarde, and the famous Col du Galibier 🫣. In fact, during a stage of the 1911 Tour de France, cyclist Gustave Garrigou remarked about the Col du Galibier, saying, “This is not a climb; it's a mountain.” A phrase that has since become legendary in the cycling world ✨. Speaking of legends, the Haute Route Alps offers you the chance to write your own history... and maybe become a legend yourself 🥇. The race kicks off in Megève, with cyclists setting off at lightning speed! ⚡ The first stage covers 104 km and 2,600 mD+: a great warm-up, don't you think? 😉 Participants will already experience some legendary passes like the Col de l’Épine or Col de la Croix Fry ↗️.

For the second stage, linking Megève to Tignes, you'll face 109 km and 3,500 mD+ 😎. This stage will certainly get you into the groove 🛁, especially with the Cormet de Roselend. A real challenge, considering the climb of 20 km at a 7% gradient is not for everyone 🫡. The third stage starts from Tignes, cycling 158 km to reach Serre Chevalier, not forgetting the 3,500 mD+. This is where cyclists will encounter the iconic Col du Galibier! Approaching the halfway point, stage 4 is the shortest with 95 km and 2,200 mD+ 🥳. Keep your eyes wide open 👀, as you will pass through breathtaking landscapes! 🤩

Now, let's go to Italy for stage five, heading to Cuneo 🤌. You might not have time to enjoy a plate of spaghetti just yet, but don't worry, it's coming soon 🍝. Keep up the pace for 140 km and 2,900 mD+... We're sure you're still craving more, so get ready 😇, as stage six is the most demanding with 181 km and 2,900 mD+ 🫨. The good news is that your sweat will lead you to Nice ☀️, with its Promenade des Anglais, its seaside... 🌊 One stage remains, but the hardest part is behind you, and you can be proud of your journey ❤️. The final stage, stage 7, is a time trial from Nice to the Col d'Èze. Use your last forces to celebrate the end of this adventure that pushed your limits, allowed you to meet other athletes, and discover incredible landscapes 🥰.

After all these emotions 😘, take the time to rest and give your body a well-deserved break… 🧘 We suggest you settle down in Nice. There, you'll find everything you need to be happy and properly end your vacation: from swimming in the Mediterranean Sea ⛱️, strolling through the Old Town of Nice, to savoring the typical Niçoise salad and a pissaladière 🥗.

This race has all the ingredients to win you over 🍽️, but to perfect the recipe, one last ingredient is missing… 🧑‍🍳 and we believe that ingredient is you. So don't wait too long to make up your mind! 🤗

4 reasons to join this race

Challenge Yourself 🤠
It's not every day you get to run a seven-day race from Megève to Nice 🗺️. The Haute Route Alpes is legendary, promising to test its participants 🥵, but more importantly, to let them experience the thrill of nature, camaraderie, and the joy of pushing beyond their limits...
Breathtaking Scenery 🖼️
The adventure is packed with iconic mountain passes 🏔️. As a runner, you'll have the privilege of immersing yourself in nature 🌿. You'll pass through hidden spots with incredible views, and hopefully, the sun will shine enough to keep your spirits and vitamin D levels high if you start to tire! 🌄
Team Spirit 👥
Yes, you'll be cycling solo, but there will be others facing the same challenges! 🤯 This is when solidarity comes into play, and you'll find immense strength in the collective spirit with those around you who share your passion 💪.
Explore France (and a bit of Italy) 🌎
The Haute Route Alpes offers a unique way to explore a slice of France (and a bit of Italy too) 🍝. Starting from the Swiss mountains and finishing at the Mediterranean Sea's edge... it's truly remarkable! 🤩

A distance for every taste

Road Cycling 371 km

Road CyclingThe most popular
  • 24 Sun ➜ August 26, 2025
  • Elevation gain : 9600mD+

A few more words

The event kicks off! 🏁 Runners will stay in Geneva for the first stage of 104 km and 2,600 meters of elevation gain 🤓. They will pass through the Col de l’Épine and the Col de la Croix-Fry. It's a gentle start, considering the challenges ahead 🤠.

Stage 2 will connect Geneva to Tignes with 109 km and 3,500 meters of elevation gain! 🚀 Runners will traverse the Col des Saisies and the renowned Cormet de Roselend, nestled at 1,968 meters above sea level 🏔️. You'll need to be on your toes for this stage, which includes a challenging 20 km stretch with a 7% incline. Get ready to sweat! 🥵

For stage 3, runners will depart from Tignes heading towards Serre Chevalier 🚴. These brave athletes will tackle a distance of 158 km and 3,500 meters of elevation gain☺️. They will pass through the Col de l'Iseran, the Col du Télégraphe, and the Col du Galibier 🌄.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Race bibs will be available for collection the day before the start directly in Megève.

Runners will receive their bib after completing the following actions:

• Provide a valid photo ID

• Confirm that the emergency contact information is correct and up-to-date

• Present the mandatory equipment

Each runner must collect their bib in person. The organizer reserves the right to deny race entry to anyone who has not completed these actions.

The first stage will start in Megève, next to the Sports Palace.

To participate in the Haute Route Alpes, you must provide one of the following documents to the organizers:

  • A French sports license issued by the French Cycling Federation (FFC)

  • An equivalent international license recognized by the International Cycling Union (UCI), indicating a "no contraindication to competitive cycling"

  • An original medical certificate stating "no contraindication to competitive cycling" dated less than one year from the last day of the Race

  • A health module certificate from the FFC for the Race and, in scenarios prescribed by the Health Module, a medical certificate indicating no contraindication to competitive cycling.

Participants must send a copy to the Organizer to confirm their registration. Additionally, they must present one of these documents when collecting their race bib. For registration to be accepted, the participant must also ensure to complete the mandatory steps: fill out the online registration form and provide the organizer with valid emergency contact information.

Participants must finish all stages within the established cut-off times to be included in the final general classification. Cut-off times depend on various factors: the distance and difficulty of each stage, weather conditions, and the elevation gain and loss of the route. They are defined in close collaboration with local authorities granting permits. These cut-off times will be communicated during the safety briefing the day before each stage.

The following rules apply to cut-off times:

  • If a participant exceeds the cut-off time, they will be withdrawn from the race and can then return to the "Haute Route Village" on the sweep bus.

  • Exceeding the cut-off on a stage will classify the participant as "Did Not Finish" (DNF) in the official stage ranking. In such cases, they may start on the following days but will no longer appear in the event's General Classification. They will still be listed in the stage rankings they complete and will be eligible for daily podiums. The "End of Race Car" has the authority to stop a participant who has exceeded a cut-off time.

The "Red Lantern" is a personality whose role during the race is to offer help, support, and encouragement to participants struggling to finish within the cut-off time. While the "Red Lantern" plays a significant role during the race, their position does not define the cut-off time for the stage.

There will be between 3 and 5 refreshment stations per stage, including one at the finish line. There will be one or two during the time-trial stage. All Haute Route refreshment stations will be stocked with a variety of products to help participants refuel and stay hydrated throughout the course. Various drinks and energy products, as well as healthy sweet and savory foods, will be available.

The following modifications or equipment are strictly prohibited:

  • Any system that does not fit the definition of a "road bike."

  • Triathlon handlebars and any handlebar extension systems.

  • Bottles/cans made from non-deformable materials (glass, aluminum).

  • Recumbent bikes, unicycles, tandems, electric bikes.

  • Wheels with fewer than 12 spokes.

The organization reserves the right to conduct random inspections on all bikes, and not complying with these conditions could result in a participant being banned from starting the event or a stage.

  • Cyclist's welcome pack: Haute Route cycling jersey, personalized bike plates, a set of race numbers, Haute Route backpack, detailed event roadbook.

  • Logistical support : A medium-sized backpack transported from village to village. A large travel bag transported from stage to stage or hotel to hotel if you book your accommodation with us.

  • On the road: Marshals positioned along the route, motorcycle escorts, safety vehicles, a sweep car at the back of the pack, Mavic mechanical support, medical assistance, live timing system, refreshment stations.

  • After the stage: Secure bike park, bike wash area, hot meal after the stage, daily ranking and award ceremony, daily safety briefing for cyclists each evening regarding the next day's stage, evening aperitif, massage service;

  • Additional services: Daily produced videos, professional photos, Pasta Party, and Closing Ceremony.

Focus

©️ Haute Route Alpes
©️ Haute Route Alpes
©️ Haute Route Alpes
©️ Haute Route Alpes

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