First Haute Route Alpe d’Huez This July

Hosting one of the most famous stages of the Tour de France, Alpe d’Huez is a must for any passionate cyclist. The 21-bend climb to Alpe d’Huez is completed by an estimated 1,000 cyclists each day during the summer.

If you’re serious about your cycling, the area offers a wide range of competitions, including the first Haute Route Alpe d’Huez.

Taking place from the 12-14 July, the three-day event captures some of the most legendary routes in the cycling world.

But if you don’t want to compete and prefer a casual ride, there’s the Oisans Col Series: taking place every Tuesday it allows riders to climb major routes at no cost, and with no worries about traffic. There’s even fine food offered at the top as a reward.

All ages can take part, as long as they can ride a bike well.

The Haute Route Alpe d’Huez is just one in a non-stop array of world class cycling and biking events in the region this summer.

Others include the unusual ‘La Nocturne Cyclo Gourmande’ taking place on 22 July at the nearby village of Oz village.

Participants pedal to Oz resort on a car-free route at night, with gourmet food for the ascent and a pasta party and concert on arrival.

Another of the local villages, Vaujany, is also big on biking.

Families can hone their skills in The Collet bike park and newbies will love the Children’s Club.

The cable railway can whisk more experienced riders to the marvellous Massif des Grandes Rousses, which showcases a number of exciting trails

Brand new this year in neighbouring Auris-en-Oisans are electric mountain bikes which can be rented for just €2 every Wednesday morning at the tourist office.

Here 6 August sees the start of the fourth L’Alpe d’Auris – Cycle Race, setting off from Bourg d’Oisans at 9:30 am, competitors power up the 21 bends of Alpe d’Huez, then Sarenne’s collar, down into the valley of Le Freney d’Oisans and back up into Auris.