The Portes du Soleil’s Summer of Cycling has arrived!

Forget cars. At the weekend, cyclists took over the regions roads. 700 road bikers of varying abilities took part in one of the first major sportives of the summer, the Grand Trophée. The roads were awash with coloured jerseys and riders wanting to test themselves against some of the toughest climbs in the region. Peloton after peloton sped down the main roads in and around Morzine tackling one of two courses, either covering 140km or a slightly shorter, but no less punishing distance of 90km.

Both courses start in Morzine and finish in Les Gets and take in some of the most famous cols in the Portes du Soleil. The difference being, riders attempting the longer route had an additional three peaks to conquer. The shorter distance took cyclists through Le Biot, La Vernaz then up the Col de Jambaz at 1027m the Col de la Ramaz at 1565m and the cold de l’Ecrenaz at 1432m before descending into the finish at Les Gets. The longer distance did all of this but added the gruelling Cols of Corbier at 1230m, The Grand Taillet at 1035m and the Joux Verte to Avoriaz at 1760m.

This certainly wasn’t a ride for the beginner. Speaking to cyclists after the event, the Col de Ramaz left a particularly painful imprint at the end of the day. I can’t repeat what Richard Lees from the Mountain Lodge Company said about it after finishing the 90km course but he was pretty exhausted! He also said “Despite it being one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, I’d definitely do it again. It was really well organised and a really great atmosphere. As good as it gets really!” So clearly, it was a great way to start the summer!

The Grand Trophee signals the start of the summer cycling season, with many more events like it in the diary for the next few months. So, if you missed this one and are looking for a similar challenge there’s plenty to choose from. Whether it’s mountain bike challenges or testing road biking courses you’re after, there’s loads on offer for every sort of rider.

This weekend is the Pass’Portes du Soleil Mountain Bike Tour weekend so by next week we’ll be officially all go for summer. Bikers from around the world will descend on the region to test out the trails as many of the lifts across the region open for the season. Riders can test themselves on the set course on any chosen day from Friday to Sunday, touring many of the famous descents in the region. Some of the sections are for the more advanced rider so check before attempting everything! It’s by far one of the most popular weekends in the calendar and a must for mountain bike fanatics!

Another popular weekend for Mountain bikers on 13th July is the Alpine Battle in Les Gets. This enduro-event is a chance for experienced mountain bikers to race against the clock in teams of two. The teams are given a map and asked to navigate a course in the fastest time possible. There are prizes to be won and experts, including Olympic champion Julien Absalon, on hand to answer any questions and offer their advice. 

The from the 15th-19th July head over into the Swiss side of the Portes du Soleil for the Chatel Bike Festival. It's free and there will be all kinds of bike demos, stalls, live music, a video competition and a chance to meet some pro riders and watch them doing their stuff in the bike park. 

For the road cyclists, the summer of challenges continues too. The collar: 1 Jour 1 Col runs throughout the summer. Each weekend one of the regions most famous climbs is closed to cars in order for cyclists to test themselves without being disturbed by motorists! It’s a different col each week, it started on the 21st of June with the Col des Aravis and runs for the rest of the season. It’s a great chance to just go for it without being slowed down!

On the 9th of August, compete against the clock on the famous Avoriaz climb – see if you can beat the record set by Bernard Hinault 27 years ago. 33 minutes to climb 14.6km. That’s fast. It’s a fun event for cyclists of all abilities – it’s up to you how fast you go!

The JPP Cyclosportive is another popular event for long distance road cyclists, starting a little further afield, in the centre of Cluses. With a choice of four distances from 65km to 140km you’ll travel in and around the region of the Col de Ramaz, some of the routes tackle it, others skirt round it. Whatever your ability it’s a fun day out and you can enter and support a charity called Neuf De Coeur (9 lives) if you’re looking for a good reason to hop in the saddle.

So if you missed last weekends sportive, don’t worry, there are plenty of challenges out there for you to try this season. Whatever type of two-wheel event is your thing- as usual the amazing Portes du Soleil has it all!