THE PERFECT INTRODUCTION TO ALPINE ROAD RACING, MERGED WITH A NATIONAL HOLIDAY.A SCENIC CYCLE ALONG THE RHONE RIVER, THROUGH UNDULATING VINEYARDS AND QUAINT WINE MAKING VILLAGES WITH SOME SHORT, SHARP CLIMBS, DEPENDING ON YOUR CHOICE OF ROUTE.
Join us for a week of cycling where we will build up to Vin du Valais sportive on the 1st August, Swiss National day.
There’s 4 distances to choose from, ranging from 45km to 130km, and even a route specifically for E-bike!
This week is ideal for families wanting to cycle and visit the alps in the summer. we can also include a bespoke package if you would prefer to go hiking, mountain biking and exploring.
Transfer support.
Registration to the Cyclosportive Vins du Valais.
7 nights Bed & Breakfast accommodation. Excluding dinner, lunch & drinks.
Qualified cycling guides and coaches.
Vehicle support during training.
Complimentary sports nutrition.
Kudos Cycling branded clothing.
READY TO BOOK?
ITINERARY
Day 0: Wednesday 27 July - Arrive
Transfer pick-up from Sion or Sierre train station where we will take you to our base in the stylish ski resort of Crans-Montana where you will able to unpack and prepare your bike. A team dinner and introductions in the hotel followed by a briefing about the plan for the next day and the week ahead.
Day 1: thursday 28 July - QUAINT SWISS VILLAGE OF GRIMENTZ
Distance: Full day - 85km/52miles or Half day - 55km/35miles
Elevation Gain: Full day - 2,500m/8,202ft or Half day - 1,400m/4,593ft
The day starts with a quick debrief before we start with a descent down to the valley floor of Valais. It’s not long before we start our climb up to towards the ski resort of Grimentz. The road is a series of tight switch backs through the vine yards before the road hugs the steep gorge and opens up to amazing views of the glaciers. The goal is to reach the stunning glacial Moiry Dam with it aqua blue water. The roads after Grimentz are quiet as it’s a dead end road to the dam.
Day 2: Friday 29 July - LUEKERBAD SPA TOWN
Distance: Full day - 80km/50miles or Half day - 60km/37miles
Elevation Gain: 2,300m/7,545ft or Half day - 1,200m/3,937ft
The route takes you on a loop to the famous spa ski resort of Leukerbad. The start of the climb starts in Sierre and Salgesch, known as the “Sun City” as well as the number of vine yards! The quiet old road with tunnels cut into the side of the rock offers a nice distraction for the climb up to the resort for lunch A quick dip in the spa in Leukerbad for anyone wanting to have a relax after lunch before the descent down to the valley floor.
Day 3: Saturday 30 July - Lac de derborence national park
Distance: Full day 85km/52miles or Half day 60km/37miles
Elevation Gain: Full day - 2,500m/8,202ft or Half day 1,200m/3,937ft
A cycle up to the stunning Lac de Derborence and national park. The route passes through several tunnels carved into the rocks before opening up for the final climb and lunch next to the stunning naturally formed glacial lake. The route is a dead end so the roads are quieter than usual.
DAY 4 - Sunday 31 JULy
Option for a rest day or an easy spin. The bibs and your complimentary bottle of wine will be collected for the race the next day.
Day 5 - RACE DAY - Monday 1 August Swiss National Day
Distance: Long - 120km-74miles / Medium - 100km-62miles / Short - 65km-40miles
Elevation Gain: Long - 2,560m/8,398ft / Medium - 1,800m/5,905ft / Short - 1,000m/3,280ft
Major Climbs: Lens - 1,148m Ave. Gradient 7.5%, Varen - 751m Ave. Gradient 6.5%
An early breakfast to get everyone prepared for the race. We will then take the short transfer to the start line in Sion. The Kudos team will be on hand to assist and for any last minute changes and escort you to the start/finish line for the controlled start. All very civilised and relaxed, as you would expect in Switzerland.
After a beautiful race through the vine yards, we gather at the end of the race for a traditional Swiss lunch and local Swiss wine, which is the least you deserve after cycling through all those vineyards!
It’s back to the hotel for an afternoon relax or a swim in the local lake to freshen off.
Day 6: Tuesday 2 August - surprise day!
Route to be decided on the day .
You will be transported to the train station for your return journey back to the airport.