25/08/2018

It’s time for the Haute Route Alps 2018

After the triumphant arrival of the Haute Route Pyrenees yesterday in Pau, the Haute Route Alps will get underway tomorrow for the first time in its history, from the mountain town of Megève, the only host venue with Nice to have welcomed every edition of the event.

Pioneering event of the Haute Route, the Haute Route Alps enjoys a resounding appeal amongst amateur riders from across the globe. The event was sold out several weeks before the start with 450 riders ready to take on the world’s most mythical cols for a week.

For British riders Simon Haighton and Holly Hewat, the Haute Route Alps is a must-do. “This event is an event to do. We have known about this event for a couple of years and we think this is a good summer to do it”, said Simon.

Holly added: “We have chosen the Haute Route Alps because I think it is the original event and we have spent quite a bit of time in the Alps, doing days of ride. We are excited and nervous about the prospect of Megève- Nice and the challenge ahead.”

Returning to its original route, the Haute Route Alps will traverse the French Alps from North to South from August 26th to September 1st. Heading to Nice over the course of seven stages, the 8th edition of the Alps event features a total of 763km and 20,900m of climbing over 20 cols.

At the opening of the Grand Depart Village at 10am this morning in front of the Palais in Megève, the atmosphere was a mix of excitement and anticipation. Travelling from over 50 different countries, riders were eager to set off and exchanged their last pieces of advice with other participants and the organisation team before tomorrow’s Grand Depart.

Coming back for the third time, Haute Route veteran Willie Duncan from Scotland was looking forward to meeting his old Haute Route friends. “The Haute Route is a blast so I couldn’t not come back. It’s tough but it’s a blast”, he said. “My advice to first-timers? Ride within yourself, don’t get sucked into anything you can’t do, because it’s seven days.”

He added: “I really enjoy the challenge of doing it but also the camaraderie. I came on my own but I will meet some friends of friends and I am meeting people that I know from other events. This is the Haute Route family!”

Having trained in the Alps to prepare for the event, fellow rider Paul Harradine was delighted to experience again the Haute Route adventure: “I did the Haute Route Pyrenees last year. I have chosen the Haute Route Alps to complete the giro I suppose. My goal for this week is pleasure with a ranking that I will not be disappointed with. This Haute Route is my main objective of the season and after it is time for some relaxation thinking back on my memories.”

After collecting their bib number and rider pack, riders had their bikes checked by Mavic and visited the numerous partners’ stands before discovering the charming pedestrian streets of Megève.

Tomorrow the first stage will loop around Megève. The stage features two Alpine classics in the form of the Col d’Aravis and Colombière, and two new ascents up the Col de Romme and Côte de Domancy before the summit finish on Côte 2000.

Follow the event live this week on our website and social media channels