Cycling sportives in the Côte d’Azur
In 2020 Nice will host L’Étape du Tour just a week after the Tour de France has rocked through town. A grand popular old man that was sold out in less than an hour after the registration started!
L`Étape du Tour will give you a chance to cycle most of stage 2 of the 2020 edition of the Tour de France. It is an adventure that includes epic climbing up Col de Turini, Col de Colmiane and Col d’Eze. 177km and 3.570 m+. Still spots to get through cycling travel operators.
If you did not get hold of a ticket – do not despair. There is a bunch of cool cycling sportives in the region with great routes and great riders. They are also great events to train for L`Étape du Tour. We will introduce a few.
Paris – Nice Challenge
Since 2015 this has been an early Spring classic in the Côte d’Azur. It takes place on 14th March 2020 where you ride the same route as the pro-riders will do in their final stage of Paris-Nice on the following day.
It is a challenging and very beautiful ride into the backcountry of Nice. The route for 2020 has not yet been released, but it usually takes you from Nice city center, pass the airport and follow the Var river on a flat stretch to warm up the legs before climbing starts. You pass 5 tops on the 100-110 km circuit to a max. of around 1.000 m climb at Col de Chateuneuf, all in all 1800-1900 m+.
It is a sportive with a mix of an easygoing and supportive crowd of cyclists from near and far, and super fit local riders that you hardly see as they fly over the tops. Bring your raingear as weather can be unpredictable in March and be ready for meeting your cycling friends for a chat in the food zone.
back up the hairpins of Col de Chateuneuf from the other side. It is a test of stamina in the beautiful mountains near Nice.
https://www.timeto.com/en-GB/sports/cycling/paris-nice-challenge-2020
Mercan’tour Granfondo
Mercan’tour Granfondo is a series of challenging races in Les Alpes-Maritimes, where you get to ride some of the strongest amateur riders in the region. It takes much training to keep up with them! The main challenge is Mercan’tour Bonnette that includes climbing one of the giants in the Mercantour Nationalpark: Col de la Bonette (2802m).
The longest route covers 192 km and 4600 m+. This challenge outnumbers L’Ètape du Tour by distance and climbing. The terrain is the Mercantour with pristine mountain areas that are for the adventurers. You can choose a shorter route that is still a huge challenge (177km/3700m+).
Mercan’tour Bonette takes place on 23rd August 2020 in Valberg.
For the past years Mercan’tour Granfondo have comprised of 3 other sportives: One exclusively for women riders, one cycling Col de Turini from 2 sides and the last one including Col de la Madone. The races and dates for 2020 are yet to be announced.
https://www.facebook.com/MercantourGranFondo/?epa=SEARCH_BOX
Granfondo Gassin Golfe de Saint Tropez
Saint Tropez is known for its Summer vibes, but it also sets stage for another classic sportive in the Côte d’Azur: Granfondo Gassin Golfe de Saint Tropez. In 2020 it will take place on 19. April. It is the first race of the series Grand Trophée France. Choose between 3 routes: the Granfondo of 162 km/2.550 m+, the Mediofondo of 134km/2.260 m+ or the Rando of 62km/800 m+.
You cycle in the back country of Saint Tropez in a route with a row of lower mountains. The peak is at Notre Dame des Anges in 671 m.
http://grandtrophee.fr/epreuve.php?C=4
Throughout the year there is a lot of local cyclo sportives. Update your French and start your search! Most online information is in French.