La Marmotte Granfondo Alpes – Everything you need to know
La Marmotte Sportive is one of the toughest and most iconic cycling sportives in the world. Starting in Bourg d’Oisans in the French Alps, it covers 177 kilometres and 5,000 metres of climbing across four legendary cols: the Col du Glandon, the Col du Telegraphe, the Col du Galibier, and a final ascent of the 21 bends of Alpe d’Huez. Up to 7,000 riders line up every summer to test themselves against this classic alpine parcours, and far fewer finish the way they planned. The challenge isn’t the climbs themselves. It’s the order they come in, the long valley transitions between them, and the pacing decisions that get made hours before the suffering actually starts.
Below you’ll find everything I’ve published on La Marmotte, from the full route breakdown to the specific climbs, the pacing mistakes that catch riders out, and the local knowledge you won’t find on the official race profile.
Videos and Resources
- Ultimate Guide to La Marmotte Alpes – Get the full breakdown of La Marmotte from a guide who has ridden and worked the route since 2008, including the four chapters that decide whether you finish strong or fall apart.
- 8 Mistakes 99% of Cyclists Make at La Marmotte – The eight mistakes that can quietly end most riders’ day on La Marmotte, from choosing the wrong place to base yourself to the one descent almost everyone underestimates.
- La Marmotte Sportive Route Flyover – See the entire La Marmotte route from above before you ride it, with every climb, descent and key turn mapped out so you know exactly what’s coming on the day.