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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! 🚲 The most dedicated cyclists are invited to an amazing event: the Haute Route Alps 😍. This is a bike race connecting Geneva to Nice through the stunning French mountains ⛰️. The race spans seven days at the end of August 🗓️, making it a perfect way to wrap up your summer vacation 🧳. Participants will pedal a total of 813 km and climb an incredible 18,800 meters of elevation! 🤯 If the 800 km seems daunting, you can opt to take part in just the first three stages, covering 370 km and 9,600 mD+ 👌.

The Haute Route Alps isn't just a stage race ↔️, but a true journey through iconic climbs such as the Col Agnel, the Col de la Lombarde, and the legendary Col du Galibier 🫣. Back in a 1911 stage of the Tour de France, cyclist Gustave Garrigou famously described the Col du Galibier as: "It's not a climb, it's a mountain". A phrase that has since become legend in cycling ✨. Speaking of legends, the Haute Route Alps looks to pen new histories... perhaps with you in them 🥇. The starting line is in Switzerland, specifically from Geneva 🇨🇭. Don't spend too much time admiring Lake Geneva, as cyclists will dash off in a flash! ⚡ This first stage covers 104 km with 2,600 mD+: a great warm-up, wouldn't you say? 😉 Participants will already experience some legendary passes like the Col de l’Épine or the Col de la Croix Fry ↗️. The second stage stretches from Geneva to Tignes, covering 109 km and 3,500 mD+ 😎. This stage will immerse you into the challenge 🛁, especially with the Cormet de Roselend. A true challenge awaits as you conquer 20 km with a 7% incline, a feat not for the faint-hearted 🫡. The third stage starts from Tignes and you'll pedal 158 km to Serre Chevalier, with 3,500 mD+ in between. Cyclists will face the legendary Col du Galibier on this stage! Approaching the halfway point, stage 4 is the shortest at 95 km with 2,200 mD+ 🥳. Keep your eyes wide open 👀, as you'll pass through breathtaking spots! 🤩 Now, andiamo to stage five, heading to Italy, specifically Cuneo 🤌. You might not have time for a plate of pasta, but hang in there, it's soon 🍝. Maintain your pace over 140 km and 2,900 mD+… We're sure you want more, so prepare yourself 😇, because stage six is the toughest, with 181 km and 2,900 mD+ 🫨. The good news is your effort will lead you to Nice ☀️, with its Promenade des Anglais and beautiful shoreline 🌊. One final stage remains, but the hardest part will be behind you, and you can be proud of your journey ❤️. The ultimate stage, stage 7, is a time trial from Nice to the Col d’Èze. Muster your last reserves to celebrate the end of this adventure that pushed your limits, brought you closer to fellow athletes, and showcased incredible landscapes 🥰.

After all these emotions 😘, take some time to relax and allow your body some rest 🧘. We recommend settling in Nice to find everything you need for happiness while wrapping up your holiday: from swimming in the Mediterranean Sea ⛱️ to strolling through the Old Town and savoring a typical Niçoise salad or a pissaladière 🥗.

This race has all the ingredients to win you over 🍽️, but it still needs one final touch... 🧑‍🍳 and we believe that's you. So, don't wait too long to make your decision! 🤗

4 reasons to join this race

To Challenge Yourself 🤠
Running a race over seven days from Geneva to Nice doesn't happen every day 🗺️. The Haute Route Alpes is a legendary race that will test its participants 🥵, but more importantly, it will offer them the chance to experience the emotions that sport can bring through nature, camaraderie, and pushing one's limits...
Breathtaking Scenery 🖼️
We can't even count how many iconic passes make up this adventure 🏔️. What's certain is that your status as a runner gives you the privilege of having nature all to yourself 🌿. You'll traverse areas that offer incredible views, and hopefully, the sun will be your source of vitamin D when you're feeling a bit tired! 🌄
Team Spirit 👥
While you'll be riding solo on your bike, there will be other participants who, like you, will face tough moments! 🤯 It's in these times that solidarity becomes essential, and you'll find real strength in the collective energy of everyone around you who shares your passion 💪.
Discover France (and a bit of Italy) 🌎
The Haute Route Alpes offers a unique way to explore a part of France (and a bit of Italy) 🍝. You'll start from the Swiss mountains and make your way to the shores of the Mediterranean… truly amazing! 🤩

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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