2021 Marmotte Gran Fondo Alps

2021 Marmotte Tour Operator

2021 Marmotte Gran Fondo Alps

Sunday 4 July, 2021

Duration: 3 or 4 nights Distance: 170km

Every year the Marmotte Granfondo takes place on a tough course in the French Alps around Alpe d’Huez. We offer guaranteed entry with choice of start pen, top notch staff support, airport transfers, bike rental, overland bike transport from the UK and a variety of hotels in Alpe d’Huez. You can focus on the riding whilst we look after the rest.

DETAILS
2021 Marmotte Gran Fondo travel and race services

We have been working on the Marmotte as official UK tour operator for many years. We provide excellent travel packages with staff support so you can focus on the riding. We have 3 and 4 star hotels available and hotel stays are available for 3 or 4 nights on the advertised board basis.

Apart from our fully supported travel packages, we also offer a selection of stand-alone race services which can be booked with or without hotel in Alpe d’Huez like guaranteed entry only, overland bike transport from the UK, medical certification or Geneva airport transfers.

Why stay in Alpe d’Huez for the Marmotte?

One of the things to decide on is whether you choose to stay in Alpe d’Huez or in the valley for your Marmotte weekend. We have chosen to stay in Alpe d’Huez for the following reasons:
1. Best choice of hotels – we have chosen 3 of the best in Alpe d’Huez
2. Alpe d’Huez is the venue of the event expo, registration and the finish
3. After you finish the Marmotte, you only have to go a short distance back to your hotel
4. It tends to be a lot cooler at altitude which will enhance your sleep quality
5. Spending a couple of days in Alpe d’Huez will help you to acclimatise to the altitude
6. The atmosphere before and after the event is great in Alpe d’Huez
2021 Marmotte Gran Fondo weekend
- Thursday – Arrive today if you want to do the TT. If you have booked our overland bike transport or bike rental, your bike will be in Alpe d’Huez from today
- Friday – Grimpee de L’Alpe Alpe d’Huez time trial and main arrival day
- Saturday – Registration day, event expo, Sports Tours International race briefing
- Sunday – Marmotte Gran Fondo day. If you have booked our overland bike transport or bike rental, your bike will be collected from you after the event today
- Monday – Departure day
3 nights from £359 on B&B basis

Prices include all of the below. Half Board option also available. Full hotel details and prices are available on the hotel and pricing tab.

Included with your Marmotte itinerary
- 3 or 4 nights at your chosen hotel in Alpe d’Huez
- 3 or 4 breakfasts including an early one on Marmotte day
- 3 or 4 evening meals (if you book a hotel which includes this)
- Bike storage at your chosen hotel
- All hotel taxes
- A Sports Tours International cycling jersey made by Castelli – More information
- A safe pair of hands – More information
- Our staff service. Please see details below
Our staff service on the Marmotte includes:
- A Marmotte race briefing at the Palais des Sports
- Mechanical support from our professional mechanics
- Daily hotel visits from our team of bike guides
- 2 additional feed stations on the Galibier and on the Alpe d’Huez bends
- A day bag service on Marmotte day with bag available at our food stop on the Galibier
- We will collect your clothing from you after you descend to the start in Bourg d’Oisans on race day and deliver it back to the hotel for you
- Airport meet and greet and return airport transfers – if you book this service
Guaranteed Marmotte Entries

The Marmotte Gran Fondo operates a start pen system where you start in waves depending on your previous or expected performance. As we understand that not everybody has a previous time we offer the choice to pre-book your start pen. Below are the options and prices.

Start pens, start times and entry fees – All entries include a finisher’s medal

Front pen number 1 – 400 – Start time 07.00 – £249
Pen 1 – number 401 – 2000 – Start time 07.00 – £149 (£179 if booked as Entry Only without hotel package)
Pen 2 – number 2001 – 4000 – Start time 07.30 – £129
Pen 3 – number 4001 – 8000 – Start time 07.50 – £99

Also available
- Overland bike transport service from England/Wales at £190 per bike if booked as part of a travel package – More information here
- Return airport transfers from Geneva airport for you, your luggage and bike at set times at just £99 return if booked with our travel package – More information below
- Bike rental – Cannondale SuperSix Evo or Synapse Ultegra – More information below
- Guaranteed La Marmotte Entry – See details and prices above
- La Grimpee Alpe d’Huez time trial. Available as an extra at £15 – this takes place on Friday before the Marmotte
- Sports Massage Services – before and after the Marmotte – more information here
- Travel Insurance – do not travel without insurance and don’t forget to insure your bike. Please visit our insurance page
- Online medical certification service – More information here
- Sports Travel Essentials. Please click here to view our page
Bike rental options

All bikes will be delivered to you on arrival and fitted by our mechanic and include: two bottle holders, spare tubes , pump and tyre levers. Please bring your own pedals, helmet and clothing. Below prices are for 4 days rental and include insurance. Extra days are available on request.
- Cannondale SuperSix Evo Ultegra – £185 – full details here
- Cannondale Synapse Disc/no Disc 2018 – £235 – full details here
Door to Door Service with package or without package

£190.00 if booked with our travel package and £200.00 as a stand alone service

Marmotte airport transfer (transfer without hotel package)
- Geneva Airport Return Transfers to and from Alpe d’Huez – £120 per person*
- One way transfer: £80 per person
*£99 if booked with our travel package

Please read the important information section to see what’s included with your Marmotte airport transfer without hotel package.

Airport transfers if booked with your travel package

Please book these in advance based on your flight arrival time. You will book a specific transfer so we can’t guarantee that there is space on another transfer if you decide to change last minute although we will do all we can to accommodate any changes.

Thursday – Optional early arrival day:

Please arrive today if you want to do the Grimpee de L’Alpe TT on Thursday. We will offer transfers leaving Geneva airport at 14.00 and 19.00 today.

Friday – Arrival day:

We will welcome you at Geneva airport and our transfer vehicle will transport you and your bike to Alpe d’Huez leaving Geneva airport at 14.00 and 19.00. If you take the late 19.00 transfer from Geneva and you are staying at a hotel with evening meals included then a cold buffet will be waiting for you on arrival. For those who are not staying at a hotel with evening meals included, we will propose a simple meal on arrival which can be paid for locally.

Monday – Departure day

Geneva transfer

Departing Alpe d’Huez at 07.00 for flights after 12.00 and at 10.00 for flights after 15.00.

N.B. Please note that if you have booked a place on the early transfer and then miss it, we cannot guarantee that there is space on the 13:00 transfer for you and your bike.

Read More
2020 Marmotte Gran Fondo travel and race services (race services without travel package)

Booking one of our travel packages with hotel, staff support and guaranteed entry is a cost effective way to take part in the 2020 Marmotte Alps Gran Fondo. If you have however already sorted your own hotel and you only want certain elements of our package then we also offer Marmotte travel and race services that can be purchased as stand alone items without a travel package:
- Airport transfers from Geneva – Now available here
- Overland bike transport service from the UK – More information here
- Online medical certification service – More information here
- Sports travel insurance – More information here
The Marmotte Gran Fondo is one of the toughest one day cyclo-sportives that you can do. There is 170km with 5000 metres of ascent to be conquered. Climbs scaled are: Col du Glandon (1924m), Col du Telegraphe (1570m), Col du Galibier (2645m), Col du Lautaret (2058m) and Alpe d’Huez (1880m).

For a review of the event, have a look at Jim’s blog here and one from the Broleur brothers who travelled with us in 2017.

There are rolling road closures, feed stops etc, before finishing in Alpe d’Huez. You will get your own personal time for the event, together with a classification. This is what people riding the Marmotte strive for – will you get a gold or silver? Our hotels are well situated in Alpe d’Huez, so you won’t have too far to go afterwards from the finish. Upon return to your hotel, you can choose to do what you wish, so either have a massage, relax or celebrate!

The route is very challenging, as you would expect from the Marmotte, with 170km distance and 5000m of climbing. There’s a great article, worth reading, about the Marmotte on the Road Cycling UK website about the Top 10 tips for La Marmotte

Please see below for the schedule:
- Start in Bourg d’Oisans (719m)
- Col du Glandon (1924m)
- Col du Telegraphe (1570m)
- Col du Galibier (2645m)
- Col du Lautaret (2058m)
- Alpe d’Huez (1880m)
TESTIMONIALS

"2017 Marmotte Alps"

I just wanted to say thank you to Team Sports Tours, and the crew at Belle Aurore, for looking after us so well at the Marmotte. I'm well aware that I'm just a punter, but it was nice to be treated like a pro.
Most importantly, I hit target for Macmillan today, so your work has done something to support an amazing cause. Feel proud.

Jonny - July 4, 2017

"2017 Marmotte Alps"

Thought the pre event brief was one of the best I've been to. Informative, interesting and entertaining. Kit bag drop off was really useful.

Mark - July 27, 2017

"2017 Marmotte Alps"

I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank the Marmotte team for such an excellent trip. From the moment we booked right up until the finish line you made everything so smooth and efficient. The race brief and support arrangements out in Alpe d'Huez were invaluable too.

John - July 5, 2017

"2016 Marmotte"

Many thanks for your support over the weekend, We are starting to think about next years adventures, who is the best person to contact about what we are thinking?

Sarah - July 5, 2016

"Marmotte 2016"

Hi Alex
Thanks to you and your team - 7am worked out just fine anyway and I managed to get home on an earlier flight......all good.
Thanks again for a great trip / Sports Tour.

Malcolm - July 6, 2017
ITINERARY

Thursday – Optional early arrival day

We give you the option to arrive early today, ahead of your Marmotte weekend. If you are taking part in the TT, please arrive today. Our transfers leave Geneva Airport at 14:00 and 19:00.

Friday – Arrival day and Grimpee de L’Alpe (time trial) day

Arrival day for all hotels is Friday and you can choose to make your own way to Alpe d’Huez or to book our arrival transfers.

Today you will have the additional option of participating in the Grimpee de L’Alpe, a 13km event to get your very own time climbing Alpe d’Huez. Ride your bike down to the start from the hotel and try to set a PB on the timed ascent of the Alpe. We advise to arrive a day early to ensure you don’t miss this event.

Airport transfers from Geneva airport

We operate airport transfers from Geneva airport. Even though the transfer is shorter from Lyon, there are far more flights available from Geneva. Please note that we reserve the right to cancel your airport transfer booking if you book a flight which arrives later than the advertised times or leaves too early on departure.

Geneva airport to Alpe d’Huez – 3 to 3.5 hours

We will be operating arrival transfers at 14:00 from Geneva airport to our hotels in Alpe d’Huez and another one at 19:00. It takes around 3 hours to complete the journey to the hotel.

Departure transfers to Geneva airport are available on Monday at 07:00 and 10:00.

Saturday – Registration day

Registration will be on Friday between 14.00 and 20.00 and Saturday from 10.00 until 20.00. This will be across from the Palais des Sports in Alpe d’Huez. There will be plenty of time today to build your bike and make some last minute adjustments if required. Our staff will be on hand to assist you. This morning we will do our race briefing at the Palais des Sports near the registration area.

Sunday – 2021 Marmotte Gran Fondo day

Descent to Bourg d’Oisans

The start of La Marmotte is in Bourg d’Oisans so after an early breakfast you ride down to the start before undertaking the 170km of the 2021 Gran Fondo La Marmotte. In the morning it can be chilly on the way down to the start. We can collect the items you use on the descent from you. We will be located 100m before the roundabout at the bottom of the Alpe d’Huez descent. The bags will be kept and delivered back at night to your hotels. We will provide additional feed stops near the Col du Galibier (full feed stop) plus on the climb up to Alpe d’Huez (liquids and gels only)

Day bag service

You can give us items that you want to have available in the race when you stop at our Sports Tours support station so you don’t have to carry it all the way with you. You have to use the bag we give to you for this purpose. This could be food, energy drink etc.

After you finish, simply ride back to your hotel and put your feet up. If you have made use of the overland bike transport service then your bike will be collected from you this evening.

Monday – Departure day

We will be running airport transfers today, back to Geneva airport.

Geneva airport to Alpe d’Huez – 3 hours

It takes around 3 hours to complete the journey to the airport. Departure transfers to Geneva airport are available on Monday at 07:00 and 10:00. The first Geneva bus will leave at 07:00 from Alpe d’Huez so please book flights after 12:00. The other bus leaves at 10.00 for flights departing after 15.00.

N.B. Please note that if you are booked on the first transfer and you miss it, we can’t guarantee that there is space on the next one.
HOTELS & PRICING
Hotel Royal Ours Blanc

Located at the heart of the beautiful ski resort Alpe d’Huez, the Royal Ours Blanc is an ideal site for staying in the mountains with family or friends. This boutique hotel ...

Hotel Pic Blanc

The Pic Blanc is a 4 star hotel in Alpe d’Huez, named after the 3,330m Pic Blanc mountain. At the heart of this stunning resort is a charming chalet with cosy lounge ...

Hotel Alp’Azur

Offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, this traditional 3 star chalet-style hotel is located in the heart of Alpe d’Huez. The hotel features a bar and rooms ...

Our hotels in Alpe d’Huez

Our hotels and important locations are indicated on the map – 2020 prices below

Hotel Alp Azur in Alpe d’Huez on bed and breakfast basis 3 or 4 nights

You will stay at the hotel Alp Azur with breakfasts included for 3 nights from Thursday to Sunday or 4 nights from Wednesday to Sunday. Please refer to the hotels tab to read more about the hotel. Triple rooms are available on request.

3 nights – Thursday to Sunday

Twin/ Double Mountain View room

£359 per person based on sharing a room with 2 beds
£165 per person supplement for the sole occupancy of a room

Twin/ Double South Facing room

£389 per person based on sharing a room with 2 beds
£165 per person supplement for the sole occupancy of a room

Small Single Room

£499 per person for the sole occupancy of an ECO single room

4 nights – Wednesday to Sunday

Twin/ Double Mountain View room

£439 per person based on sharing a room with 2 beds
£220 per person supplement for the sole occupancy of a room

Twin/ Double South Facing room

£469 per person based on sharing a room with 2 beds
£220 per person supplement for the sole occupancy of a room

Small Single Room

£619 per person for the sole occupancy of an ECO single room

Hotel Royal Ours Blanc**** in Alpe d’Huez on B&B basis 3 nights only – 4 nights not possible

You will stay at the 4* hotel Royal Ours Blanc on a bed and breakfast basis for 3 nights from Thursday to Sunday. Meals will include breakfasts on 3 days. Please refer to the hotels tab to read more about the hotel.

£459 per person based on sharing a room with 2 beds
£225 per person supplement for the sole occupancy of a room

Triple rooms are available on request

Hotel Pic Blanc**** in Alpe d’Huez on half board basis

You will stay at the hotel Pic Blanc with breakfasts and evening meals included for 3 or 4 nights from Wednesday or Thursday to Sunday. Please refer to the hotels tab to read more about the hotel.

3 nights – Thursday to Sunday

£549 per person based on sharing a room with 2 beds
£220 per person supplement for the sole occupancy of a room

Triple rooms are available on request

4 nights – Wednesday to Sunday

£649 per person based on sharing a room with 2 beds
£300 per person supplement for the sole occupancy of a room

Triple rooms are available on request
2021 Marmotte Gran Fondo Alps Hotels
Hotel Royal Ours Blanc

Located at the heart of the beautiful ski resort Alpe d’Huez, the Royal Ours Blanc is an ideal site for staying in the mountains with family or friends. This boutique hotel has been fully decorated and furnished by a French designer and offers a unique experience. The rooms boast contemporary, cosy décor. With their warm colours, they are made for spending time together.

The 4 star Hotel Royal Ours Blanc is located in the heart of Alpe d’Huez at the bottom of Alpe d’Huez’s shopping street at just 350 metres from the Palais des Sports and the finish of the Marmotte. The Hôtel Le Royal Ours Blanc offers an indoor swimming pool and magnificent views.

Guest rooms are comfortable and equipped with modern en-suite facilities, satellite TV and cosy bathrobes. Some rooms have a south-facing balcony. Massages, hydro-massages or beauty treatments are also available at an additional cost.

Extras

200 metres from Marmotte finish, registration and Palais des Sports our race briefing venue

24 hour reception

Bike storage room

Free WIFI

Early breakfast on race day

Wellness facilities (payable locally)

On site bar and restaurant
2021 Marmotte Gran Fondo Alps Hotels

Hotel Pic Blanc

The Pic Blanc is a 4 star hotel in Alpe d’Huez, named after the 3,330m Pic Blanc mountain. At the heart of this stunning resort is a charming chalet with cosy lounge areas, open fires, spacious suites and bedrooms, indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, gym, restaurant, bar and large living rooms.

Your stay here will be on a half board basis, so you can relax in the hotel’s Le Gypaete restaurant, located above a waterfall with views looking out over the mountains.

The indoor swimming pool is open to all guests, and you can book locally for a session in the sauna, hammam or jacuzzi.

2021 Marmotte Gran Fondo Alps Hotels

Hotel Alp’Azur

Offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, this traditional 3 star chalet-style hotel is located in the heart of Alpe d’Huez. The hotel features a bar and rooms with free Wi-Fi internet access.

Guestrooms at the Alp Azur are soundproofed and have a traditional Alpine decor. Each is equipped with satellite TV, a telephone and desk. Breakfast is served each morning in the hotel’s breakfast room offering panoramic views of the Meije mountain and the Ecrins National Park.

Your stay here will be on a bed and breakfast basis with 3 breakfasts included. You will have an early breakfast on Marmotte day. If you depart on our 07:00 airport transfer back to Geneva airport on Monday then you can also have an early breakfast.

At the hotel Belle Aurore which is right next door there is a bike room and our mechanics use the hotel as their base so mechanical assistance is on hand when you need it.
IMPORTANT INFO
Result and Classification

All finishers will be featured in the general classification of the event. Based on your time and your age, you will receive a Gold or Silver Diploma. Please find the required times below.

General, visa, passport and health information

General Travel and health Information for your destination is available on the FCO website. Please note that this information relates to UK passport holders only and that other nationalities should refer to their own authorities for this information.

How to Book

Click on the Book Now at the top of the page. At time of booking we require a non-refundable deposit per person plus any applicable entry fee. The balance of your travel package must be paid, at the latest, 12 weeks before departure to avoid the cancellation of your trip. Please look here for our full booking conditions

Medical certificate

To take part in the 2020 Marmotte you have to get a medical certificate signed by your doctor within the last year from the event date. For an example copy of the kind of form have a look here, Medical certificate 2020 Marmotte. Alternatively our partners offer online medical certification.

Single travellers and twin to share

We welcome single travellers on our tours and holidays as it is a great way to join a like-minded group of people and you will make lots of new friends. If you would like to join our group as a single traveller we can offer you two options. A single room or if you want to avoid the single supplement then you can make use of our ‘twin to share’ option. We will pair you up with another rider (of the same sex) and you can enjoy the event without having to pay extra.

General, visa, passport and health information

For passport and visa information, please check the relevant section on this page: https://www.gov.uk/browse/citizenship/passports. General Travel and health Information for your destination is available on the FCO website. Click here for the latest travel advice for France, and click here for useful ‘know before you go’ information also from the FCO. Please note that this information relates to UK passport holders only and that other nationalities should refer to their own authorities for this information.

Travel Insurance

For details of specialist sports travel insurance for our travel packages, please visit our insurance page. You must ensure that your travel insurance policy covers you to participate in running events. There is additional information about our other Concierge Services on our special web page.

What is included with the Marmotte airport transfer?
- Airport welcome and assistance with emergency contact number
- Seat on the airport transfer vehicle at a set time
- Box trailer behind the coach for transport of bikes in bike boxes or minibus transfer
- English speaking guide on board and French speaking driver
- Comfortable, quality vehicles from a reputable local coach company
- Central drop off and collection points in Alpe d’Huez
- Pre-booked return transfer time and collection location based on your flight departure time
Departures

A set departure time will be given to you ahead of the event for the collection on Monday after the Marmotte in Alpe d’Huez. Please note that the collection time that you are given for the departure transfer coach could be before the below times as we have 4 collection points in Alpe d’Huez to go around. We aim to leave Alpe d’Huez with everyone on board at the times stated below. Please provide us with details of your onward travel (flight or train time) when you book this service. Please note that it is your responsibility to book the coach departure time which allows you enough time for the transfer, checking in and getting through security. We suggest 3 hours for the transfer time and 2 hours for check in and security for departures at Geneva. Please contact us if you need advice on which transfer departure collection time is est for you based on your departure flight time.

Departure transfer from Alpe d’Huez to Geneva Int. Swiss side
- Departing Alpe d’Huez at 07.00 for flights with departure time after 12.00
- Departing Alpe d’Huez at 10.00 for flights with departure time afterm 15.00
- Departing Alpe d’Huez at 13.00 for flights with departure time after 18.00
N.B. Please note that if you have booked a place on the early transfer and then miss it, we cannot guarantee that there is space on the later transfer for you and your bike.

Central drop off and collection locations

We have selected 4 locations across Alpe d’Huez, with easy access to all areas of the resort:
1. Alpe d’Huez Office de Tourisme
2. Place Jean Moulin (across from Alp Azur hotel)
3. Palais des Sports (La Marmotte Expo & Registration venue)
4. Les Bergers, parking in front of Pic Blanc hotel
The collection point for the return transfer will be at the same point. We will confirm your exact collection time up to 2 weeks before the event date.
GALLERY
VIDEOS
ASK A QUESTION

Previous Question

Q. Can I hire a bike?

A.
Yes, rental bikes are available for La Marmotte. Simply select your chosen frame size & model when you book.

Q. Do I need a medical certificate for La Marmotte?

A.
Yes, you either need a valid medical certificate or a valid UCI racing licence.

Q. How do I enter the Marmotte?

A.
Simply select event entry when you book your trip, and provide us with the relevant information, and we'll guarantee your entry. You'll collect your number in Alpe d'Huez the day before the event, from the same location as our briefing.

Q. What support do you offer for riders?

A.
We have two support stops on the route, on the top of the Col du Galibier and partway up the final ascent of Alpe d'Huez. You can give us a bag the day before with any nutrition & clothing you want to use.

Q. How hard is La Marmotte?

A.
The Gran Fondo La Marmotte course is 174km, with 5,000m of climbing.

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