Every year, at the beginning of July, several thousand cyclists from all over the world converge on Bourg-d'Oisans to tackle one of the toughest and most prestigious sportive cycling events on the planet: La Marmotte Granfondo Alpes. On the agenda, around 174 kilometres and near to 5,000 metres of elevation gain, tackling four beyond-category mountain passes in the heart of the Oisans and Maurienne regions. Here is everything you need to know to understand the legend — and perhaps even experience it for yourself.
A legendary cyclosportive born in 1982
Founded in 1982, La Marmotte is part of the very exclusive circle of events that have shaped the culture of sportive cycling in Europe. Its route, practically unchanged for decades, has become a benchmark: successfully completing «your» Marmotte means entering a community of climbers who recognise each other by a single word. With a field of several thousand participants and strict time limits, the event maintains a rare sporting level of challenge for a race open to amateurs.
The mountain pass by mountain pass route
The route is a veritable anthology of Alpine giants. Knowing it in advance is the first key to success.
1. Col du Glandon, the opening act
Just outside Bourg-d'Oisans, the road climbs towards the Col du Glandon (1,924 m). Long and irregular, you certainly shouldn't burn yourself out on it: the day is still far from over. Watch out for the technical descent towards the Maurienne, often neutralised for safety.
2. The Col du Télégraphe, the Maurienne warm-up
After the long Maurienne Valley, the Col du Télégraphe (1,566 m) serves as a prelude to the Galibier: 12 km of steady climbing at an average gradient of around 7 %, beneath the larch trees, before a short descent to Valloire.
3. The Col du Galibier, the roof of the race
From Valloire, we tackle the masterpiece: the Col du Galibier and its 2,642 m, the highest point of the day. The thin air above 2,000 m and accumulated fatigue make the final kilometres formidable. It is often here that the race time is decided.
4. Alpe d'Huez, the ultimate arbiter
After the switch to the Col du Lautaret and the descent towards the Oisans, there remains the unthinkable: climbing the’Alpe d'Huez and its 21 hairpin bends, with already more than 150 km in the legs. The first switchbacks, the steepest, hurt; this is the time to dig deep mentally.
Why La Marmotte is so difficult
It is not so much the distance as the total elevation gain - close on 5,000 m - concentrated on four major climbs, which makes all the difference. Added to this are the heat in the valleys, the altitude on the Galibier, and the pressure of the time limits. The organisers award gold, silver and bronze certificates depending on the time achieved: winning gold is quite a feat and rewards months of preparation.
How to prepare La Marmotte
- Volume above all else get your body used to long rides (5-7 hours) and consecutive mountain passes.
- Work on your effort management ride economically up the Glandon so as not to blow up on Alpe d'Huez.
- The right equipment an easy gear ratio (compact crankset and 28-32 tooth cassette) saves your legs on the steep gradients.
- Nutrition Over 6 to 9 hours of effort, eating and drinking regularly right from the start is vital.
To train, nothing beats reconnoitring mountain passes. Adapt your rides to your fitness level with our guide which mountain pass to climb according to your level, and locate the profiles, the kilometre-by-kilometre gradient and the estimated times on each sheet.
Tips for the big day
Wrap up warm: it's chilly in the early morning in Bourg-d'Oisans. Anticipate the heat from the Maurienne valley at midday, drinking before you are thirsty. Take a windproof jacket for the descents from the Galibier and the Lautaret, where the wind and altitude cause the temperature to drop. Finally, do not neglect any feed stops: it is better to lose two minutes than to bonk on the way to Huez.
Frequently asked questions about La Marmotte
What are the distance and elevation gain of La Marmotte?
About 174 km for nearly 5,000 metres of elevation gain, over four cols: Glandon, Télégraphe, Galibier and Alpe d’Huez.
When does La Marmotte take place?
Usually at the beginning of July, starting from Bourg-d'Oisans. Registration opens several months in advance and sells out fast.
Do you need to be an experienced cyclist?
Yes: between the elevation gain and the time cut-offs, serious preparation (volume and mountain passes) is essential to finish with peace of mind.
Want to reconnoitre the route? Find the profile, interactive map and GPX track of every climb on our Oisans mountain passes page, and also discover the finest mountain passes in the region.