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August 21
Nice
Cuneo
INTO ITALY
181km / 4100m+
The 2022 edition of the Haute Route Alps will be getting underway with a bang, setting out from the stunning seaside metropolis of Nice and heading straight for the mountains with a huge opening stage. Conquering two epic cols in 181km and accruing 4100m+ across two countries, Stage One is not pulling any punches. Winding into the green, rolling hills above Nice, riders will leave the Côte d’Azur, passing through quiet villages to the first col on the menu; the iconic Col du Saint-Martin. Then, in an Haute Route Alps-first, the course climbs the legendary Col de la Lombarde into Italy. This spectacular 20-kilometre climb to the Italian border will be one to remember. The first stage comes to an end at the vibrant Italian city of Cuneo.
August 22
Cuneo
Col d'Izoard
TWO GIANTS
118km / 3600m+
Backing up from an epic first leg, the second stage of the Haute Route Alps is going to be an all-time great. Racing away from Cuneo, riders will have all eyes on the legendary Col d’Agnel. Featured in both the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France, this special climb is the third-highest paved road in the Alps. After descending back into France, the focus will shift to another classic: Col d’Izoard. The scene of countless Tour battles (36 to be precise), Izoard will not disappoint. Climbing from the south, past the incomparable Casse Desserte, riders will reach the summit with 117km and 3,600m+ under their belts.
August 23
Serre Chevalier Briançon
Les 2 Alpes
ALL FOR THE VIEWS
108km / 3200m+
Stage Three packs a lot into just 108km. A long ascent to Col du Lautaret from Serre Chevalier Briançon is the perfect warm up, with steady gradients and epic views of the Écrins mountain range. But the main course of the day will no doubt be the spectacular loop to Alpe d’Huez via Col de Sarenne, and the unforgettable balcony road to Le Freney d’Oisans. The quiet road to Sarenne winds deep into the Alps, with sprawling views you have to see to believe. After topping the col, riders will enjoy the remote and scenic nine-kilometre traverse into Alpe d’Huez before starting the descent of its legendary switchbacks. The piece de resistance will be the staggering Auris balcony road, carved into the sheer rock face stretching along the valley. The stage comes to a dramatic close with the race to Les 2 Alpes.
August 24
Les 2 Alpes
Méribel
ON YOUR TOES
152km / 4100m+
Stage Four of the 2022 Haute Route Alps is all about the hard yards, starting with the famous - and arguably infamous - Col du Glandon. With steep ramps to keep you on your toes, this 1300m+ climb is one breakfast spin you won’t soon forget. Continuing the race north, eyes will soon turn to the next challenge of the day - and it’s a big one. With long sections of road with gradients in the double figures, the formidable climb to Col de la Madeleine will put every rider to the test. The stage will finish with the triumphant climb to Méribel, where riders can celebrate passing the half way mark of the race with this epic 4100m+ ride.
August 25
Méribel
Col de la Loze
LOVE OR LOATHE LA LOZE
10km / 850m+
Choosing the location for the Haute Route Alps time trial is always a fun task. It’s an opportunity to condense everything we love about riding in the Alps into one all-out uphill blast. And the 2022 time trial is no exception. In an Haute Route first, Col de la Loze will host the finish line for the uphill time trial. Churning out equal amounts of breathtaking beauty and heartbreaking double-figure ramps, this 10km climb from Méribel to La Loze will keep the best of them on their toes.
August 26
Méribel
Megève
THE CLASSICS
138km / 3500m+
The penultimate stage will take riders from Méribel to Megève via some classic climbs guaranteed to take your breath away. Riders will start the day with the stunning switchbacks to the Col du Tra, before heading north to the legendary Cormet de Roselend. Featuring in no less than 12 Tour de France stages, Roselend is as legendary as it is spectacular, making it the ultimate bucket-list pass. Dropping down the north-west side of the pass with it’s stunning turquoise lake, riders then turn their attention to lovely Saisies, racing into the green rolling mountains surrounding Megève.
August 27
Megève
Megève
THE GRAND FINALE
99km / 2400m+
Saving some of the best for last, the final stage of the 2022 Haute Route Alps will be an absolute beauty. In an epic, 148km loop from Megève, the stage will take in a host of short climbs around the stunning green surrounds of the Haute-Savoie. With Col de l’Epine, Col de la Croix Fry and Col des Aravis all on the menu, the picturesque ride is the perfect final chapter to this edition of the Haute Route Alps.
