La Marmotte Sportive 2013

La Marmotte is one of the classic sportives of Europe and claims to be the first ever mass participation event that has led to the huge number of sportives we have today. For many riders it is an absolute "must do", especially for keen Dutch cyclists. Some claim it is a victim of its own success but the fact that every year in December when entries go on sale there is a meltdown of the organiser’s website suggests that there is no shortage of cyclists wanting to participate. What’s all the fuss about? Put simply, this is one of the toughest rides you can do in the Alps. Starting from Bourg d’Oisans, it takes in thhe Col du Glandon, Col du Telegraphe, Col du Galibier and finishes going up the 21 hairpin bends of Alpe d’Huez. So that’s three HC climbs in one day. If you’re not fully prepared for La Marmotte you are unlikely to finish and if you are fully prepared it is still likely to be fairly painful. No date has yet been announced about when 2013 entries will go on sell but it is usually the first Monday after December 1st, so it is likely to be December 3rd this year. If you are not able to get a place through the website there are travel firms with packages including accommodation and a place on La Marmotte. Be warned though, these don’t come cheap. Incidental fact: La Marmotte is named after the little mountain creatures (a bit like squirrels) that inhabit the tops of Alpine mountains.