Just like a champion
© R. Sandraz
You don’t necessarily need to be a champion to discover the roads and mountain tops in the Maurienne. A great place to explore on two wheels.
There are easy routes hereabouts, and others more strenuous ; their great variety certainly came to the notice of Henri Desgrange, the founder of the Tour de France. From the year 1905, contenders in the « Grande Boucle », as the Tour is also known, had to vie with the Madeleine, Croix de Fer, Glandon and Iseran passes, as well as the mythical Galibier and Telegraphe, at a time when roads were not always tarred. Nowadays, the circuit is accessible to all bike lovers.
In the region of the lower slopes, the partly shaded Hurtières circuit is particularly pleasant. Overlooking the neighbouring Huiles valley, it runs above the ruins of the feudal castle of Charbonnières, dating from 1043. Further up, in the « heart of the Maurienne » you can attack the 18 montvernier hairpin bends, leading to the Chaussy pass. On the way there, you can take a welcome break at the extraordinary site of the chapel of Beaurevers, opposite the Belledonne range. With green, blue, red and black trails, of progressive degrees of difficulty, and lots of hostels and hotels along the way, cyclists can get ahead at their own pace.
There are plenty of asphalt roads for long distance fiends and lots of lush grass under wheel for mountain bikers, who can also experience the thrill of a secured downhill run, accessible by ski lift in a number of ski resorts. With its mountain lakes, stone forts and ancient villages, botanical paths and cultivated plains, the Maurienne valleys have many tales to tell.
At the top of the professional list
The Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré race will be passing through the Maurienne on the 14th of June, for the long-distance ascent between Morzine and La Toussuire, the main stage in the event. The next day, they will be starting their return to Grenoble from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne. Later in the season, on August 21st-24th, the Transmaurienne-Sybelle mountain bike raid between Les Albiez and Les Bottières, will bring together the world’s leading mountain bikers.
Don’t forget the Tour in 2008
Although Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne and La Toussuire will have to wait before becoming stopover towns for the « Grande Boucle » once again (2010 ?), the Tour de France will be passing through the Maurienne on the 23rd of July (Embrun-L'Alpe-d'Huez).
Summer cycling
To help you enjoy cycling in the Maurienne, the local tourist office has published several brochures with information on a number of great routesTel. :(0033) (0)4 79 83 23 94 -www.maurienne-tourisme.comInformation is also available from « Cyclotourisme mauriennais » in Saint-Jean-de-MaurienneTel. :(0033) (0)4 79 56 24 14
Contact us
Cyclotourisme et VTT
Syndicat du Pays de Maurienne Avenue d'Italie BP 82
73303 St Jean de Maurienne
(0033) (0)4 79 83 23 94
E-mail contact 
Website
See the access map
HOTEL RESTAURANT DU NORD
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Topic : Landscapes and nature
Published on : 2008/06/16
Tags : just like champion
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