LA GRAND MARMOTTE - GRANFONDO ALPES - Ludicrously Difficult Cyclo Sportive

La Grand Marmotte is a cycling sportive set in the French Alps. The 2023 version has a distance of 186km and over 5600 metres of elevation. It begins in the town of Bourg d'Oisans heading west towards the first climb Col de la Croix de Fer. Originally for 2023, Col du Gladon would have been the next mountain pass but it was changed at the last minute to Col du Mollard. After Col du Mollard, we rode some flat ground along the valley and eventually climbing Col du Télégraphe immediately followed by Col du Galibier, at over 2600 metes, this is the highest point in the day. A long descent down with some riding along the valley floor we finally reach the last climb... Alpe d'Huez.

[@michelleleung6243]

Great ride HP! Noah is also very proud x

[@Gerald595]

Well done!
May I ask if they really expect you to wear a high vis vest? If so, when?

[@andrewhall127]

Smashing video - i did it this year as well - brutal - looks like you guys were much faster than me though! Everyone told me Galibier would be the worst part - for me it was telegraph.... hated that whole climb..... the galibier was tough but i kept telling myself that if i got up it i would 100% finish..... and i was right thankfully! Also well done for resisting the dark thoughts and not stopping in Bourg..... alot of people chucked it at the last feed station! Chapeau!

[@thekilburncyclist5387]

Thanks for the comment. I was having a great time until about the 3rd corner on ADH then my I went to pieces. Couldn't get any power out of my legs, heartrate at 115 which is super low. Tired of all my food and it was hella hot. I saw a dude with his shoes off cooling his feet on one of the cascading water falls on the side of the road and I told myself I'm going to do something similar. The water was freezing... perfect.!!

[@danielmckay6405]

Amazing fella! Well done!! Beautiful scenery too.

[@thekilburncyclist5387]

cheers danny. it was super tough but i'd do it again. such a glutton