Trip Highlights

If you crave the adrenaline of an extreme & epic riding adventure, your search is over. Welcome to our 2012 Trans Alps Challenge- the most challenging cycling vacation in the world! You'll ride the famous passes of the French, Italian & Maritime Alps. Here is a partial list of the climbs: Aravis, Roselend, Iseran, Mt. Cenis, Finestre, Sestriere, Fauniera, Bonette, Cayolle, Allos, Vars, Izoard, Galibier, Croix de Fer & L'Alpe D'Huez! Trip highlights include overnights in Les Saisies, Lanslebourg, Sestriere, Savigliano, Barcelonnette, Briancon & L'Alpe D'Huez. We have designed the itinerary to include 2 multiple night stays so you can choose a short or long ride or maybe just recharge with a rest day- you go at your own pace. This is your chance to test yourself like never before with our legendary support backing you on every switchback!


Daily Itinerary


July 18th: Depart the USA for Switzerland.

July 19th: Geneva airport pickup and shuttle to our deluxe hotel just across the border in the spa village of Divonne-les-Bains. Enjoy a scenic shakedown ride along Lake Geneva- past vineyards and fields of sunflowers. Tonight you'll meet your fellow guests at this evening's "Welcome Dinner Party".

July 20th: Short morning van transfer to the Geneva outskirts, where you'll start your ride amidst yellow sunflower fields on your way over the Col de la Croix Fry & Aravis to the resort of Les Saisies. Take a dip in the pool before a gourmet group dinner.

July 21st: After a breakfast of fresh croissants and a buffet of local specialties you'll take on the scenic Cormet de Roselend. After lunch in Val d'Isere, you'll take on the mighty Col d'Iseran before a screaming descent into the village of Lanslebourg. Enjoy a delicious group dinner of crudite salad, raclette and mousse au chocolate.

July 22nd: It's an epic day as we ride into Italy taking on three famous climbs from the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia- Mount Cenis, Colle di Fenestre and Sestriere.

July 23rd: A mostly downhill and rolling route through the Piedmonte region of Italy is a well deserved break as we roll into Caraglio for a two-night stay.

July 24th: Today you'll ride the most most difficult climb you've never heard of- Colle di Fauniera. Rated one of the hardest in the world- 20 km + 6,000' of elevation gain! You can also use today to recharge your batteries and sightsee the local medieval villages or relax at the hotel.

July 25th: Today we'll cross back into France over Isola 2000 and then ride over the highest paved road in Europe on the mystical Col de la Bonette! A deluxe hotel in the charming mexican flavored village of Barcelonnette awaits for the next two nights.

July 26th: Maybe a mellow ride up the valley or a loop that includes the scenic triple-header of the Col de la Cayolle, Champs and Allos- One of the most unreal rides of your life!

July 27th: We head north into the heart of the "Haute-Alpes" passing over the Col du Vars and then the moonscape erieness of the Col d'Izoard. We overnight in lively Briancon, with dinner in the upper old town.

July 28th: We continue our journey over the Col du Lautaret and if you dare you can also add the Galibier. After lunch it's a thrilling descent to the town of Bourg d'Oisans and the start of the historic 21 switchback climb of L'Alpe D'Huez! Our "Farewell Dinner" will include handing out awards to every participant on this legendary trip.

July 29th: Our final ride takes us over the majestic Col de la Croix de Fer/Glandon double, ending with a furious snake-like descent into La Chambre! After lunch we'll transfer back to our Geneva area airport hotel. Fly out tonight or stay an extra night and depart tomorrow.