Billed as an epic test of endurance, 336 registered riders from 40+ nations have taken to the start line of Haute Route Alpes. The gran fondo stage race runs from Sunday, August 25 to Saturday, August 31.
There were both 3-day and 7-day options for riders as they headed out from the Palais des Sports in Megève, southeastern France.
Haute Route Alps (August, 25-31, 2024) is the second of two events for the Haute Route series in 2024, with Haute Route Pyrenees (July 1-5, 2024) the series opener. The aim is to make participants feel like pro riders thanks to the support and services on offer.
Haute Route’s new owner France Vélo Evénements (FVE) acquired the rights to the Haute Route brand from IRONMAN in late 2023 – with the new owners noting that their ambition is to stay true to Haute Route’s ethos of a premium riding experience for participants.
56% of registered participants at Haute Route Alpes 2024 are returning alumni. Whether multiple podium finishers or first-timers, riders will be able to take advantage of services such as mechanical assistance, support cars and feed stations on the road, through to post-stage massages, meals and logistical assistance.
Having been part of Haute Route for over a decade, Race Director Jean-François Alcan said “One of the week’s standout moments will undoubtedly be Stage 2: the Col de la Loze from Brides-les-Bains – 26 kilometres, averaging 6.4%, with a brutal 1,679 metres of elevation gain, topping out at 2,305 metres.
“This climb isn’t just memorable – it’s impossible to forget. Don’t be fooled by the stats; this is the toughest climb of the week. And the next day won’t offer much rest either – with the legendary Col de la Madeleine, leading up to the iconic finish at the top of Alpe d’Huez.”
He continued, “Stage 4 will be the day of truth for the riders tackling the 7-day format: an individual time trial on the legendary Alpe d’Huez climb – 13.9 kilometres with an average gradient of 8.1%, hitting over 10% in some sections.”
The event also includes iconic climbs such as Col du Lautaret, Col du Granon and Col de la Bonette. On the final day, riders will also tackle a classic from the 2020 Tour de France – Col Saint-Martin / Col de la Colmiane – before descending into the city of Nice for a celebration and a gala dinner on the beach.
Stage 1
Date: Sunday, August 25
Location: Megève to Megève
Distance: 99km
Stage 2
Date: Monday, August 26
Location: Megève to Col de la Loze
Distance: 114.5km
Stage 3
Date: Tuesday, August 27
Location: Courchevel to l’Alpe d’Huez
Distance: 137km
Stage 4
Date: Wednesday, August 28
Location: Bourg d’Oisans to l’Alpe d’Huez
Distance: 16km (Time Trial)
Stage 5
Date: Thursday, August 29
Location: l’Alpe d’Huez to Col du Granon
Distance: 86km
Stage 6
Date: Friday, August 30
Location: Briançon to Auron
Distance: 138.5km
Stage 7
Date: Saturday, August 31
Location: Auron to Nice
Distance: 122km
