Win! 2024 Haute Route Alpes entry

It’s that time of year again when we begin to plot our summer adventures and there are few tougher challenges for the amateur road cyclist than the Haute Route Alpes. Since 2011, this week-long, 700+km sportive through the high mountains of the French Alps has offered roadies the ultimate test of skill and stamina and we’re offering one reader a place on the start line, worth £1,750.

For 2024 the series is under new ownership of the French Cycling Federation and Hopscotch Sport agency, who together have created France Vélo Evénements (FVE) to run the event. Alongside a few choice upgrades, they’ve pledged to maintain the best bits of the event: brilliant routes across a multi-stage format and first-class logistical support to riders through the mountains.

The 2024 route is a classic. It begins with a loop from the majestic Haute-Savoie town of Megève on 25 August and ends on 31 August in the Mediterranean city of Nice. Highlights include stage 3’s ‘Queen Stage’ – the toughest of the week – from Courchevel to the summit of L’Alpe d’Huez, which also includes climbs of the Madeleine and Glandon and 4,450m of elevation.

That’s followed up with a stage 4 time trial up the 21 switchbacks of Alpe d’Huez. Stage 6, from Serre Chevalier to Auron, hits the ceiling of the event, with a passage of the Col de la Bonnette (2,715m), before a flatter stage from Auron to Nice brings down the curtain on a brilliant week in the saddle.

In total there are 714km and 19,405m elevation across the event, making it a challenge of rare difficulty. The prize of race entry includes a place on the start line, logistical support, mechanical assistance, post-stage massages and meals (travel and accommodation aren’t included).