Epic six-day cycling challenge through the French Alps from Lake Geneva to Nice, covering 770 km with almost 18,000 m of ascent. The route includes infamous Alpine cols like Col de l’Iseran, Col du Galibier, and Cime de la Bonette. Supported by two expert Marmot guides and two customized support vans, focusing on helping cyclists achieve their goals. Accommodation in comfortable 2* and 3* hotels with local cuisine. Includes all evening meals (with wine). Medals for successful finishers. The Raid Alpine is a classic road cycling challenge through the French Alps, traversing legendary climbs and some of the highest passes, offering dramatic scenery shifts from Alpine meadows to Mediterranean landscapes. The tour is suitable for cyclists with prior mountain climbing experience. Marmot Tours provides expert support with a focus on individual cyclist needs. Included in the holiday cost: 6 days of cycling with GPS route files, on-the-road support from guides in customized vehicles, water and snacks at support stops, 7 nights twin-share hotel accommodation with breakfasts, 7 three-course evening meals with drinks, airport transfers, Raid registration and carnet, medal/certificate, photos, tips for restaurant staff, ABTOT financial protection, and ABTA membership. Optional extras include single-occupancy rooms, hire bikes, spare bike parts, CO2 canisters, and Marmot Tours x Stolen Goat cycling kit. Not included: flights, insurance (bike and personal), spending money for lunches, tips for guides, energy gels/powders, specific bike spare parts (e.g., hanger), GPS device, bike lights. For hired bikes, clients need to bring their own pedals. Essential Information covers weather variability in the mountains, requiring warm and waterproof layers. The Raid route is challenging, demanding fitness and experience. Hotels are comfortable 2* and 3* with en-suite facilities and secure bike storage, though WiFi reliability can vary. Laundry facilities are limited, but guides can assist with drying hand-washed kit. Dietary requirements can be catered for with advance notice, though some repetition might occur. Daily timings are structured for breakfast, riding, lunch, and dinner. Lifts in the support van will invalidate Raid completion unless in specific circumstances (injury, exhaustion, or downhill in bad weather). Rim brake carbon wheels are not recommended due to potential delamination risks. Clients bringing their own bikes need to bring specific spares like lights, pump, tyre levers, inner tubes, brake pads, chain link, and a spare rear derailleur hanger. Tools for bike assembly are provided. Travel documents require a passport valid for 3 months after departure, and travel insurance is mandatory. Departure Dates & Prices: September 2026 (5th-12th) at £1,790.00 with a £420.00 single room supplement. June 2027 (26th-3rd) at £1,890.00 with a £455.00 supplement. July 2027 (25th-1st) at £1,890.00 with a £455.00 supplement. September 2027 (3rd-10th) at £1,970.00 with a £455.00 supplement. Discounts include 5% early bookers, 7.5% group discount (10+ people), and 10% loyalty discount (from third holiday onwards), with a maximum of 10% discount per holiday. Itinerary includes: Day 0 - Arrival in Thonon-les-Bains with airport transfers from Geneva, bike assembly, briefing, and dinner. Day 7 - Departure day with transfers to Nice Airport (NCE). Day 1: Thonon-les-Bains to La Clusaz (118 KM, 3200m ascent), crossing Col des Moises, Col de Terramont, Col de Jambaz, Col de la Ramaz, and Col de la Colombiere. Day 2: La Clusaz to Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise (109 KM, 3150m ascent), including Col des Aravis, Col de Saisies, Col du Pré, and Cormet de Roselend, with a descent to Bourg-Saint-Maurice. Day 3: Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise to Valloire (126 KM, 3060m ascent), featuring the Col de l’Iseran, a descent to Lanslebourg, Côte d'Aussois, and Col du Télégraphe. Day 4: Valloire to Barcelonnette (155 KM, 3470m ascent), challenging with Col du Galibier, Col d’Izoard, and Col de Vars, passing through Briançon. Day 5: Barcelonnette to Valberg (117 KM, 3130m ascent), conquering the Cime de la Bonette (highest paved road in Europe) and Col de la Couillole. Day 6: Valberg to Nice (160 KM, 2000m ascent), descending through Gorges du Cian, climbing Col de Saint-Raphaël, Col de Bleine, and Col du Pilon, finishing on the Côte d’Azur.
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