{"id":10460,"date":"2021-06-28T12:20:54","date_gmt":"2021-06-28T10:20:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mountainpassions.com\/summer\/?p=10460"},"modified":"2022-08-17T11:06:55","modified_gmt":"2022-08-17T09:06:55","slug":"routes-trails-and-cols-2021-cycling-cols-challenges","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/summer-activities\/routes-trails-and-cols-2021-cycling-cols-challenges\/","title":{"rendered":"Routes, trails and cols"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n

S<\/span>ummer holidays in the French Alps offer a wealth of cycling opportunities. Discover the latest about e-bikes<\/strong>, mountain-biking<\/strong>, long-distance trails<\/strong>, easy rides and challenging cols<\/strong>, plus a run-down of the best summer cycling events<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Summer Mountain Biking<\/h2>\n

A wealth of dedicated trails<\/strong>, bike parks<\/strong> and specially adapted bike-carrying chairlifts<\/strong> have made the fun and excitement of cycling in the mountains accessible to just about everyone. Hardcore downhill fans, for example, can now pack in more adrenaline-pumping descents<\/strong> against the clock than ever before, testing both their skills and reactions on trails graded according to their technical demands, much like ski pistes. Since full-on riding like this is also a testing time for their bikes, technical support services<\/strong> are usually on hand to deal with any equipment issues, including supplying and fitting replacement components.<\/p>\n

Not that all on-mountain rides need be quite so tough. Fit mountain bikers can clock up as much mileage as they wish on the trails of pioneering areas like the Portes du Soleil<\/strong>, where day-long circuits<\/strong> will take them seamlessly into neighbouring Switzerland and back again, with plenty of time for a relaxed lunch-break along the way. At the other end of the scale, though, are shorter family trails<\/strong> like those we tried at Les Saisies<\/a>, which enable less-advanced riders and even beginners to get a reassuring feel for the sport in unpressured safety. <\/p>\n

\n

\n\"Cyclists
\n

Cyclists at the Col de la Madeleine. \u00a9Savoie Mont Blanc \/ Scalpfoto<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n\"\"\n<\/div>\n
\n

Road cycling<\/h2>\n
\n
\n

The annual Tour de France<\/a> has countless followers across the globe, many of whom come to France to see the action on the epic mountain stages<\/strong> from the roadside. Increasing numbers of cyclists attempt their own personal goal on one of the legendary Alpine or Pyrenean climbs<\/strong>. If this is you, look out for car-free days<\/strong> which happen on most of the cols during the summer. These are days when traffic is excluded from part or all of the climb enabling anyone to ride to the top at their own pace in the relaxed atmosphere of a car-free road. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n


\n\"Cyclist
\n

Cyclist on the Col du Glandon, French Alps \u00a9Savoie Mont Blanc \/ Henderson<\/p><\/div>\n

Pyr\u00e9n\u00e9es Cycl\u2019n trip<\/h2>\n

In the Pyr\u00e9n\u00e9es, over 5 days, 11 unmissable cols will be reserved for cyclists looking to challenge the climbs by bike. Every day from July 19th – 23rd from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, 1 to 3 passes will be closed to traffic to guarantee your safety. The climbs are not timed, they’re only for your riding pleasure, and a snack offered by volunteers on arrival. Among the possibilities is the Col de Val Louron – Azet<\/strong> on July 19th, the Col du Portet<\/strong> on July 20th, in the footsteps of the Tour de France 2021 stage of July 14th, with an arrival in Saint Lary Soulan. But also the Col du Tourmalet<\/strong> on July 21st, which will have been crossed by the pro riders a few days before. For more information visit Pyr\u00e9n\u00e9es Cycl’n Trip<\/a> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n