Since its creation in 2011, the Haute Route – a multi-day sportive series staged primarily in the mountains of Western Europe – has been a byword for the ultimate competitive challenge a roadie can tackle. Forget your single day rides at L’Etape du Tour and La Marmotte. Entrants to the Haute Route had on their plate up to seven consecutive days across Europe’s most daunting mountain ranges.
The series changed ownership in 2021, with sports giant Ironman taking over, and just three years later it’s on the move again, now in the hands of the French Cycling Federation and Hopscotch Sport agency, who’ve joined forces to create France Vélo Evénements (FVE). The series, which by last summer involved many events of different durations across Europe, is being scaled back for 2024 to the two longest-running events in the Alps and Pyrenees.
Across 12 years the series built a devoted following, with many riders coming back for more mountain punishment year after year. Unlike other mass participation rides that involve tens of thousands of riders, the Haute Route, with up to 600 riders per edition, had an intimate feel about it and the new owners say they’re “committed to preserving the essence of the event”. To that end, they’ve retained the services of long-time course director Jean-François Alcan.
In 2024, the five-day Haute Route Pyrenees arrives first (1-5 July), with 14,000 metres of elevation up and over climbs such as Cap de Long, Col du Portet, Col du Tourmalet and Col d’Aubisque. At the end of August comes the seven-day Haute Route Alpes (25-31 August), a 714km route that scales Alpine giants such as Alpe d’Huez, Col du Granon and Col de la Bonnette.
Entry to both events is now open, priced, at time of writing, 1399 and 2049 euros respectively. This fee includes race entry, logistical support, massage and post-ride meals. Travel and accommodation is extra.
Visit hauteroute.fr for more information
