The 2018 Tour de France started last weekend and next week our favourite stages will come as the peloton arrives in the Alps.
This year, there are three days featuring ski resorts:
Stage 10 – Annecy to Le Grand Bornand
On Wednesday 16 July, the best cyclists in the world will start from Annecy before climbing up towards La Clusaz descending to Cluses and then climbing back up over the 1618m Col de la Colombiere and then down to the finish in Le Grand Bornand.
Stage 11 – Albertville to La Rosière
The following day on Thursday 17 July the Tour will start from Albertville and pass through Les Saisies climbing the 1968m Cormet de Roseland before descending to Bourg St Maurice, below Les Arcs.
The final climb will give Chris Froome an opportunity to show off his climbing skills as they push to the finish in La Rosière at 1850m on the fourth summit of a tough day.
Stage 12 – Bourg St Maurice to Alpe d’Huez
There’s no rest for these athletes though as 175.5km of more challenging cols face them on Friday 18 July.
Starting at Bourg St Maurice, there are three ‘hors categorie’ peaks to conquer on the way to the top of the mythical 21 hairpin bends at Alpe d’Huez.
The tour travels along the Tarentaise valley through Aime-La_Plagne, through Moutiers (gateway to Les 3 Vallees) before heading up through Valmorel, over the Col de la Madeleine at (2000m).
They will then cycle through the Maurienne valley, passing through La Toussuire before the legendary climb to Alpe d’Huez.
How to get your fix of the Alps
To get your fix of the Alps in summer on your TV, you can watch the Tour de France on ITV or on Eurosport.
To get your fix of the Alps in the winter…simply contact the Chaletline team on 01822 617 761
La Rosiere in winter