Haute Route Crans-Montana - 3rd/4th/5th July
As an official partner of Haute Route, we’re excited to offer an exclusive package alongside the toughest Haute Route event of 2020.
The 3 stages include the largest elevation gain of the whole 2020 calendar, and winds through our home region of Valais. You'll ride through vineyards, traditional villages and gorges before attacking winding ascents with numerous hairpin bends.
What is the Haute Route
The Haute Route’s objective is to deliver an unparalleled 'professional' experience for amateur cyclists. This means not only delivering first class hospitality and event management, but all the key ingredients that make up the culture and experience of professional road racing.
A REAL CHALLENGE
Fewer days doesn’t mean easier rides. 3-day Haute Route events feature two classic stages and end with a Stage 3 time trial. Whether you come to compete, challenge yourself, enjoy the scenery, or all three, you’ll go home with a great sense of accomplishment.
STRESS-FREE TRAVEL
Three stages, one city, and one hotel. With no need to move each day you can relax more, explore the town’s restaurants and attractions, and bring your family and friends to share a great weekend.
INSPIRING ATMOSPHERE
Most of cycling’s iconic climbs and routes are publicly accessible, but anticlimactic experienced on your own. Instead, pin on a number, ride with and against your friends, test yourself, and cross some of cycling’s most famous finish lines to the cheers of fans and fellow riders.
The Haute Route Crans-Montana will challenge you on iconic cols and local gems. The 3-day event with the greatest elevation gain in the whole 2020 calendar. During the two classic stages in the heart of the Valais Central, you will cycle through vineyards, traditional villages and gorges before attacking winding ascents with numerous hairpin bends. On the last day, you will set off from the time trial ramp in Sierre, Switzerland's sunniest city, to face the ascent of the Col de Crans-Montana.
The Calendar:
Day 0 - Arrive Thursday 2nd July
The nearest airports are Geneva or Zurich. There are frequent trains to Sierre/Siders train station which is the closest . It is then a short transfer up to Crans-Montana. Alternatively a transfer can be organised if you are in a group.
The afternoon will be spent preparing your bike. There will be a professional mechanic on hand to assist you with any issues. A visit to the village to collect your swag and the obligatory photo with your number. This will be followed by a dinner and a briefing with Guillaume Bourgeois ex-professional local Swiss cyclist and Haute Route expert!
Day 1 - Friday 3rd July
Distance: 118km
Elevation Gain: 3,500 vertical metres
Major Passes: Vercorin, 1,325m, Cat 1 climb, 10km 8% ave. gradient - Barrage de Moiry, 2,250m, Cat 1 climb, 8km 9% ave. gradient
Stage 1 starts with a descent from the ski resort Crans-Montana down to the valley floor. A easy non-technical descent before crossing over the river Rhone and up the first climb of the day to the resort of Vercorin at 1,325. The road is narrow and tight as it as you climb out of the valley floor through the vineyards.
The road eases off as it continues towards the quaint ski resort of Grimentz and the climb up to the Moiry Dam at 2,250. The swimming pool colour water at the top of the climb at 2,250m is stunning. The descent down the valley is fast and technical with a series of tight switchbacks and dark tunnels as the road is cut out of the rock with Swiss engineering precision. The final climb up to Crans-Montana takes you back through the vineyards and the pine forests at the top.
Day 2 - Saturday 4th July
Distance: 101km
Elevation Gain: 3,500m
Major Passes: Ovronnaz, 1,365m, Cat 1 climb 8km, 10% ave. gradient, Col du Sanetsch 2,252m, HC climb, 29km, 6% ave.gradient
Stage 2 starts with a relatively easy climb to Anzère with not rest before a short and steep climb up to the resort of Ovronnaz. The descent is again technical and with tight switchbacks. Make sure you leave plenty for the main climb of the day the Col du Sanetsch. Widely regarded as the best kept cycling secret in Switzerland and in the top 10 best climbs in Switzerland. Easily on a par with the Stelvio pass the climb has everything from breathtaking Swiss scenery, tight switchbacks and tough climbing at altitude.
Day 3 - Sunday 5th July
Distance: 16.5km
Elevation Gain: 1,280km
Major Passes: Col du Crans-Montana, 1,804m, 16km, 10% ave.gradient.
Stage 3 is a time trial from Sierre in the valley up the Col du Crans-Montana. at the end of 7,000m of climbing! A tough end to what should be an amazing experience in Switzerland.
Departure following the end of the event.
If you are interested in the Haute Route you can book directly with Kudos Cycling. We have a number of packages available to suit your needs. Crans-Montana is a great family resort with lots of activities to do for non-cyclists so it’s a great opportunity to bring the family along for a fun weekend break and to give you some welcome support if you should need it!
Entry for the Haute Route Crans-Montana and all the items that are included in your registration which are too many to list here!
World class riding in the beautiful Valais region of the Swiss Alps. This area has hosted Tour de France and Tour de Suisse stages on numerous occasions. Come and check it out for yourself!
Evening briefings with local Swiss ex-professional Guillaume Bourgeois winner of the Haute Route Oman 2019 and runner-up Haute Route Alps 2019
Kudos Cycling Support team carrying day bags plus any dietary or medical requirements at certain locations around the course
Two complimentary massages for Kudos Clients only
Complimentary recovery energy drinks at the end of the day
Transfers from Geneva airport at certain times (Sierre train station is conveniently located below Crans-Montana).
Comfortable and bike friendly accommodation. Price based on single occupancy, should you wish for a double occupancy room please contact us and we would be happy to arrange.
Breakfast & OTE Sports Performance Nutrition
Local & knowledgeable staff to assist in any way for riders and non-riders.
Packages for the Haute Route Crans-Montana Thursday 2nd July - Sunday 5th July
Package 1
Accommodation - Hotel & Spa Valaisia
https://www.arenasresorts.com/en/crans-montana/
The Hotel & Spa Valaisia has an outdoor heated pool, sauna and a salt spa 33°C. The stylish salt spa is a wonderful place to relax. Immerse yourself and experience the beneficial effects of the 33°C salt water. The perfect way to relax after a long day in the saddle.
Single room Full entry package - 2,560CHF/2,000GBP
Family room non-entry package - POA
Places are limited so please book early
