LA MARMOTTE
174km
Distance
5,181m
Elevation
4
Climbs
Extreme
Difficulty
Course Overview
One of the hardest sportives in the world and a bucket-list event for serious amateur cyclists. La Marmotte links the Col du Glandon, Col du Télégraphe, Col du Galibier and Alpe d'Huez — four legendary Alpine climbs — in a single 174km day. The 5,000m of elevation gain demands months of structured preparation. Finish times under 8 hours earn a gold medal; under 10 hours earns silver.
Key Climbs
COL DU GLANDON
21.3km · avg 5.1% gradient
1,924m
Summit
Sustained gradient — settle into a rhythm
COL DU TÉLÉGRAPHE
11.9km · avg 7.1% gradient
1,566m
Summit
Sustained gradient — settle into a rhythm
COL DU GALIBIER
17.7km · avg 5.5% gradient
2,642m
Summit
Sustained gradient — settle into a rhythm
ALPE D'HUEZ
13.8km · avg 8.1% gradient
1,850m
Summit
Steep — stay seated, keep cadence high
Typical Finish Times
Based on FTP, weekly training volume and previous event experience.
Elite
5–6h
Racing category, high FTP
Advanced
6–8h
Structured training, 10+ hrs/wk
Intermediate
8–11h
Regular training, 7–10 hrs/wk
Beginner
11–14h
First big event, 5–8 hrs/wk
Event Type
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Quick Facts
- Distance
- 174km
- Elevation
- 5,181m
- Location
- Bourg-d'Oisans, French Alps
- Country
- France
- Typical month
- July
- Key climbs
- 4
- Difficulty
- 5/5 — Extreme
Training Advice
Want a training plan built around La Marmotte? Ask Roadman for periodisation advice, pacing strategy or nutrition guidance for this specific event.
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