This pass has been used for almost 3,000 years to cross the Alps. Julius Caesar crossed with an army in 57 BC. Today, along the route are signs with drawings commemorating Napolean’s crossing with 46,000 soldiers in 1800.
Along with “L’Etape du Tour” - it is probably the most famous - and one of the the most challenging - Cyclosportive in France.
174 kilometres (108 miles) and 5,000 metres vertical ascent (16,400 feet)!
La Marmotte (along with l’Etape du Tour) are probably the most famous and two of the most challenging Cyclosportives in France.
I’ll be riding it this Saturday: 174 kilometres and +5,000 metres of ascent (+17,000 feet). Three epic, beautiful, and legendary climbs with the easiest being Alpe d’Huez (seriously).
My fourth cyclosportive this June (versus only three the previous 42 years).
In May, Doreen and I spent three days cycling around Gstaad, Switzerland. Someone saw one of the photos and invited me to enter the PBS Nature - Television “Prince of the Alps” photo contest.
And the photo placed in the top 10 - sort of cool.
Today I climbed the “Classic” Col du Joly.
Over 140 kilometres with about 3,400 metres climb (+11,000 feet) in a heat wave.
Woohooo! I cross the finish line at today’s Tour of Switzerland well before the pros - my first stage victory!
My legs needed a day off, but the sirens of the Dauphiné were calling my name.
On a last second whim, I jumped in the car to the base of Col du Granier - the first climb in today’s race.
Here’s Big George Hincapie near the top of the hors categorie Col de Joux Plane
Another great day watching the Dauphinée Libéré.
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