Morzine's summer of cycling
Morzine’s summer of cycling will soon be here and here’s how you can get involved
From tough endurance challenges to speedy mountain sprints…it’s time to go bike crazy!
If you like cycling or mountain biking then summer in The Portes du Soleil is the perfect place for you. With miles and miles of paths, tracks, roads and cols to explore, there’s something for every ability. However, summer in Morzine this year promises to be extra special. There are loads of organised events coming to the town over the next few months, which mean not only will the eyes of the world be on us, but if you fancy a challenge, there’s plenty you can get involved in. From events that will test your skill, stamina and ability to easier, more fun challenges- there’s something for everyone!
Criteruim du Dauphine - 5th June
If you don't think you can wait until July to see the professional cyclists in action. Then don't worry! A selection of them are heading to Les Gets on the 5th June for the big warmup event to the tour. The Criterium du Dauphine is passing through the town on it's tour around parts of France. It's so riders can get used to the mountains, altitude and terrain. Why not get practising your cheering, chants and supporter behaviour as they pass through? They're only riding 3.6km up Mont Chery in Les Gets so you'll have plenty of time to watch your heroes as they climb the town's most famous mountain!
Crankworx- 15th to 19th June
One of the world’s biggest Mountain bike events has decided to come to Les Gets this year. Crankworx is a 5 day long showcase of some of the best riding in the world. Get ready to watch jaw-dropping displays of skill against the beautiful backdrop of the Alps. You can also get involved by signing up for one of the many public rides, which is happening over the weekend.
Cyclosportive - 19th June
Another event in the road cycling calendar this year is the Cyclosportive. It’s a popular training ride for people getting ready to take part in some of the other events heading our way this summer. There are two courses to choose from, a shorter route at 90km or a longer, more testing ride of 150km. The routes take you over a number of climbs in the Portes du Soleil including the Col du Corbier, the Joux Verte, Col de la Ramaz and the Joux Plane. If you’re taking part in the Etape du Tour in July, this could be a good (and hard!) warm up ride.
Pass'Portes - 24th to 26th June
If mountain biking is more your thing, then get ready for the Pass’Portes du Soleil. People from around the world will descend on Morzine for a weekend of trail riding around the Portes du Soleil. The 80km route ranges from 1000 metres to 225 metres in altitude and takes you around some of the most spectacular countryside in France and Switzerland. You can start from Morzine, Les Gets and many other towns and villages around the region and there are course variations meaning all abilities can get involved. You can also choose to ride on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. It’s one of the most popular weekends in the Morzine calendar and if last year’s weather is anything to go by it’ll be another huge success!
L'Etape du Tour - 10th July
The Etape du Tour is the chance for road cycling fanatics to ride in the footsteps of some of their heroes. The route of the Etape from Megeve to Morzine is the penultimate stage of this year’s Tour de France. Participants will test themselves over 146km and four major climbs. The authorities are expecting 25 thousand people to head to Morzine for the event which falls two weeks before the professionals descend on the same route. We’re taking part in this year’s Etape so we’ll see you on the road!
Tour de France – 23rd July
If all of these options sound a little too energetic and testing to you, then don’t worry; you might fancy getting involved in Morzine’s Tour de France celebrations instead. The penultimate stage of the world famous road race, where the winner will most likely be determined, finishes in Morzine on the 23rd July. Thousands of people are expected to come to the resort to cheer their favourite riders over the finish line. The town will be decorated in red spots and it looks like it’s going to be an amazing weekend!
Sprint to Avoriaz – 7th August
If you fancy a bit of a challenge but don’t fancy putting in the miles then the sprint to Avoriaz on the 7th August might be something to pop in your diary. It’s a 14.6km climb from Morzine to Avoriaz and average riders can complete it within an hour. However, if you’re a skilled climber and fancy breaking a record then why not see if you can beat Bernard Hinault’s record of 33 minutes from bottom to top? Good luck with that! The course comprises 19 turns and an average steepness of 6%, with a maximum of 10%. To register the event head to the Morzine Church at 7.30am and be prepared to start riding at 9!
Regular Road Cycling Clubs
Because of the popularity of road cycling in Morzine, road biking groups and club are popping up all over the place. So if you fancy training but don’t fancy getting involved in all of the organised activities then this might be an option for you. There are also lots of cycling companies offering road biking trips and guided tours that you might fancy looking into.
Whether you want to train for the bigger events, want to have a go at something new or simply want to get wrapped up in all the cycling excitement, then head to Morzine, we’re counting down to this year’s #SummerofCycling.
