The Haute Route des Alpes 2013, which will take 600 amateur cyclists from Geneva to Nice (arriving on August 24th on the Promenade des Anglais) in 7 stages, completed the first day of their ride this Sunday!
This cycling event tests the most resilient cyclists with a course of 880 km and 21,400 meters of positive elevation gain across the mythical passes of the Alps, renewed by 85% compared to the previous edition.
During the Haute Route Alpes 2013, 600 participants from 35 different nationalities will discover 7 internationally renowned cities: Geneva, Megève, Val d’Isère, Serre Chevalier, Pra Loup, Auron, and will finish their adventure on the famous Promenade des Anglais in Nice on Saturday, August 24th. 19 legendary climbs have been carefully chosen for their difficulty and beauty, including Cormet de Roselend, Iseran, and Izoard. The Cime de la Bonette will again be on the program in 2013, but this time as an individual time trial!
80% of the riders are participating in the Haute Route Alpes for the first time. Each rider will be ranked individually but will also participate in the team ranking, with each team being composed of 3 to 9 riders.
The much-anticipated start of the Haute Route Alpes 2013 was officially given on the shores of Lake Geneva yesterday morning.
Far from being an easy stage, the riders had to cover 153 km and climb 3 passes: Col de l’Encrenaz (1433m), Col de Joux Plane (1691m), and the final ascent to Megève, totaling 3,300 meters of positive elevation gain.
The first ascent of the day took the riders to the top of Col de l’Encrenaz, a rather gentle start to what awaits the participants in the coming days. The riders quickly left the Swiss and then French countryside to tackle the true mountains and discover beautiful landscapes as they gained altitude. The Col de Joux Plane offered an impressive view of Mont-Blanc to those who managed to take their eyes off the handlebars.
The last ascent of the day proved to be the most difficult. With heavy legs and in high temperatures, the riders tackled the switchbacks and the steepest grades of the final 11 kilometers before crossing the finish line in Megève.
More than 100 riders spent over 7 hours on the bike yesterday!
Photo credit: https://www.hauteroutealps.org
