Discover the Haute Route

EVENT CONCEPT
The Haute Route’s objective is to deliver events that are the unparalleled ‘professional’ experience for amateur cyclists. Not simply because of the incredible riding in the most legendary cols in cycling – should an Haute Route be considered the amateur equivalent of one of pro cycling’s major events – but it’s the infrastructure and attention to detail behind the scenes that ensures the Haute Route events stand apart ‘from the crowd’. Run over 7 days (from point to point) and over 3 days (in one singular location), each Haute Route offers a unique experience and an unrivalled level of premium services both on and off the bike.

The ‘professionalism’ of the Haute Route begins with the Course Directors. Each bring years of experience to their role, from working on different cycling races for both amateurs and professionals, to the design of the stages and routes of the Haute Route 3-day and 7-day events. The exceptional format of the Haute Route is only possible because of the special permissions granted, in negotiations with the Course Directors, by the cities, public authorities and police along the route covered by each event. These permissions allow for priority right-of-way for riders over all other road users, wherever possible; and are enforced by the hundreds marshals recruited specifically for each Haute Route event. Every stage is timed and ranked, with leaders awarded a distinctive jersey and the best riders recognised in various age categories.

The level of support during the Haute Route is also unique. We ensure that Haute Route riders enjoy an unprecedented level of safety, security and comfort. The Haute Route Cycling Series are undeniably a series of ‘professional’ events, for amateur cyclists!

Each event includes:

  • Marshals ensuring priority right-of-way for riders on course
  • 35 safety, medical, and press motorcycles accompanying the peloton
  • The Course Director’s vehicle at the front of the race
  • 1 official mid-course vehicle
  • 1 official end-course vehicle, and a ‘broom wagon’ to collect riders if necessary
  • 2 ambulances
  • A medical support team
  • A team of professional masseurs at each Event Village
  • 4 to 5 fully staffed refreshment points per stage
  • 4 Mavic mechanical support vehicles
A Typical Day On The Haute Route
A Typical Day On The Haute Route


EVENTS CALENDAR
In 2019 there will be 13 events taking place worldwide, starting in Oman in March and finishing in Mexico in October. The full calendar can be seen below, for further details on each event head to the events page here.

RANKINGS

Rankings for each stage are published daily, with overall rankings also published at the end of the event. A Duo ranking will be established separately from the Solo rankings, with the time for each Duo team on each stage taken on the second team member to finish. Riders completing all stages and crossing the finish line inside the cut off times on every stage will be eligible for the final overall rankings and become an Haute Route Finisher. Those riders finishing a stage outside the cut off time or failing to finish a stage will not be eligible for the overall rankings at the end of the event, but will be allowed to continue riding and will be ranked on each subsequent stage that they complete.

PRIZES & AWARDS

An official prizegiving ceremony will take place at the end of each stage, before the riders’ briefing. Rewarding the stage winner in each category, as well as the leader of each overall ranking and a special ‘coup de coeur’ prize each day.

LANTERNE ROUGE

The Lanterne Rouge is traditionally the last competitor to finish a cycling race. The Lanterne Rouge is a member of the organisation team within the peloton - placed towards the back of the peloton in order to motivate, help, guide and support the riders who are struggling to finish a stage within the time limit.