BRING YOURSELF UP TO SPEED, AND EXPLORE THE REGION.
practice makes perfect. OVER THE COURSE OF YOUR STAY YOU’LL BECOME AN EXPERT IN MANAGING THE WEATHER AND TERRAIN, WITH HELP FROM OUR PROFESSIONAL COACHES, ALL SET FOR YOUR NEXT VISIT TO VALIAS.
The trips include INSTRUCTION ON general bike handling skills alongside guided and supported rides THROUGH quiet Alpine roads. Routes will include a combination of undulating vineyard roads as well as more challenging Alpine climbs guaranteeing further riding confidence up any climb in the Alps. Itineraries for the trips vary based on group size, experience level and weather conditions.
DURING THE TRIP
Tailored training rides and routes.
6 nights in stylish, bike friendly accommodation.
Morning briefings, breakfasts and nutrition.
Round-trip group car transfers from Geneva Airport.
Kudos Cycling welcome pack, including branded cycling jersey.
READY TO BOOK?
ITINERARY
Day 0: Arrival
Arrive to Sion by train or group car transfer. An easy and hassle-free journey from either Geneva or Zurich airport. Sion is an old Roman settlement with lots of wine bars and restaurants below the old Roman castle. A team dinner and briefing as to the plan of action for the next few days, with routes and weather conditions discussed before a good night’s sleep.
Day 1: The undulating vineyards of Valais
Distance: 65km/40miles
Climbing: 1,200m/3,937ft
For a low-key first day, we stay low in the valley floor and get used to riding within the group. A great way of finding our legs as we explore the biggest wine producing region in Switzerland. The area has its own micro climate, sunny and hot, making it perfect for producing wine and great riding! We will climb through the vineyards of Valais stopping for lunch at a wine cave before crossing over the river Rhone heading back to Sion.
Day 2: Tseuzier Dam
Distance: 52km/32miles
Climbing: 1,500m/4921ft
Major Climbs: Tseuzier Dam, 22km Avg. Gradient 6.7%, Max Gradient 9%
A 22km climb today. Starting in the valley floor we start to wind our way up to the Tseuzier dam at 1,777m. A dead-end road so the traffic is light and roads clear.
We will have lunch at the top overlooking the beautiful lake and then everyone has a chance to practice their descending skills down an alpine road with plenty of switchbacks.
Day 3: Leukerbad
Distance: 88km/55miles
Climbing: 1,500km/4,921ft
A warm up along the valley floor from our base before the gradual climb up to the spa resort of Leukerbad.
Cut out from the side of the mountain, the road features some flatter sections, offering amazing views and scenery. A quick lunch stop before a long and fast descent to the valley floor and back to the hotel for a relaxing late afternoon.
Day 4: Crans-Montana
Distance: 66km/41miles
Climbing: 1,804m/5,918ft
A climb up to the Ski resort of Crans-Montana, providing a great chance to practice pacing up a climb.
Crans-Montana was the stage finish for the Tour de France in 1984 so you will earn some Kudos! Lunch will be at the top of the climb overlooking alpine lakes.
Day 5: Lac de Derborence
Distance: 60km/37miles
Climbing: 1,600m/5,249ft
Major Climbs: Lac de Derborence 18km Avg. Gradient 5.4% Max Gradient 13%
The cycle up to Lac de Derborence is true challenge, with a punchy 1km section at 10%, but with unrivalled views. The road to the naturally formed glacial lake are stunning, to be seen to be believed. A protected Natural Reserve, the road is cut into the side of the mountain with a series of tunnels cut through the rock. It is a dead-end, so traffic is light. A restaurant at the top overlooking the lake awaits your efforts before making your way back down to the valley floor.