The NEW Les Tour Des Stations Ultra Fondo

Interest in the new Ultra Fondo by Look Marmotte is off the Richter Scale on Gran Fondo Guide

New for 2018, the new Les Tour des Stations unveiled recently on Gran Fondo Guide is association with Look Marmotte, offers cyclists two seriously demanding routes, the Ultra Fondo of 220 km and over 7,400 metres of climbing and the Medio Fondo, which at 130 km stills packs in 4,500 metres of climbing.

From the Roman city of Martigny, riders will attack the 220 km Tour des Stations up the Rhone Valley, starting off with the very steep climb of Mayens de Chamoson to reach the spa at Ovronnaz before returning to the flat plains. From Conthey, riders will be ablt to enjoy the panorama of the Valais vineyards, before heading towards the climb on the station of Anzère. After a quick descent to Ayent, riders start the climb of Crans-Montana, which as been used as Gran Tour stage finishes, including the 1984 Tour de France where Laurent Fignon was victorious.

After 85km of, rider swill join with cyclists tackling the NEW Look Marmotte Granfondo Valais. From the famous resort of Haut-Plateau, rider's will climb 400m of altitude to reach the Col Plumachit, 1'800m above sea level wher to be able to admire the many mountains over 4'000m in height.

Back onto the plains of the Rhone riders will climb charming ski station of Vercorin, passing by the tall Val d'Anniviers. From this point until the finish in Verbier, riders will remain over 1'000m above sea level. The climbs and descents through the Val d'Hérens and the magnificent resorts of Nax, Saint-Martin, Hérémence, Les Collons and Veysonnaz, riders will be able to admite the Pyramids of Euseigne and the Grande Dixence dam.

After a brutal 186 kms, riders will arrive at Nendaz ski station and joined by the riders tackling the Mediofondo, to take a scenic route through pastures through the village of Isérables, before heading towards Tzoumaz ski station. On reaching it's summit, the road winds round the in a dozen switchback that will take you to the top of the Col de la Croix-de-Coeur at 2,174m above sea level, the highest point on the 2018 Tour des Stations.

The last climb, similar to the unpaved Colle delle Finestre used regularly in the Giro d'Italia rider will reach the Val de Bagnes, before a short descent will taking riders into the heart of the Verbier resort for what will be a the finale of a one day's epic riding through some of Switzerlands beautiful but brutal mountains.

Anyone crossing the line and completing either the 220 km Ultra Fondo for 130 km Medio Fondo will become a legend in their own making. From the sheer numbers of cyclists visiting the event details on Gran Fondo Guide, this looks to be a very popular NEW Bucket List ride in the heart of the Swiss Alps.