Medio Fondo

The 78 km route, with 2,000 meters of climbing, takes you straight into the heart of the Hautes-Alpes, on roads made for climbers. The start from the Orcières Merlette 1850 resort begins with a neutralized peloton, just enough to build the tension before tackling the first ascent of the day: the Ancelle climb, perfect for getting into the rhythm.

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After the descent into the valley floor, you’ll head toward Les Combes, a rolling but punchy section where you’ll need to manage your pace while enjoying the stunning Alpine panoramas around you.

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Then the serious work begins with the Chaillol climb, one of the main challenges of the route: a sustained, consistent, yet ruthless gradient, perfect for firing up your legs and creating gaps. And if that’s not enough, the climb to Serre Eyraud offers its famous walls, with sections flirting with 20% — an intense effort that leaves its mark.

Finally, all that remains is to push on toward the finish at Orcières Merlette 1850, perched above the valley, to savor a day of true mountain cycling.