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GFNY Alpes Vaujany Croix de Fer

September 01 2024

Vaujany France

Date Confirmed

Distances: 41, 115km

Difficulty: Moderate terrain with rolling short steep hills or moderate, sustained climbs

GFNY Alpes Vaujany is hosted in the picturesque French Alps village of Vaujany. Enjoy scenic cycling on the most famous climbs in the world. Vaujany offers accommodation options at all budget levels, restaurants, and outdoor and family activities. Vaujany is extending a warm welcome to GFNY riders and wishes you a great race.

With close to 4000 meters of climbing over 118 km, the GFNY Alpes Vaujany long route is a test of your legs, and your willpower. The race starts with a controlled 5km descent from the mountain town of Vaujany. After the quick descent, the first challenge of the day begins: the 25-km climb up Col de la Croix de Fer, first through the forest, then past lac de Grand'Maison, then to its breath-taking top at 2,067 meters. After descending on the other side, and flat 10k in the Maurienne valley, you’ll climb Col du Glandon. After the descent off Glandon, you will face the final challenge of the day: the climb back to Vaujany and your finish line celebration.

LONG COURSE IS A COMPETITION: Only the finishers of the long course are eligible for category rankings and Overall and Podium awards. If you want to race and be ranked in your category, you must complete the long course. Top 10% of finishers in each age group earn a spot in the Qualifier Corral at every GFNY World event.

The GFNY Alpes Vaujany medium route seems easy on paper with its only 43km. But don't be fooled, the 1800m of climbing are at times steep, and while you will enjoy 20km of descending, the other 20km of climbing will be a challenge.

After the initial neutralized descent from Vaujany (altitude 1245m), you will get right into the La Croix de la Fer climb, and from the start it will test you. The first 8km are on a steady, straight road that averages 8%, with a max incline of 14%. After a brief breather through the village of Rivier D’Allemont, there is a short descent that leads into the final 8km of climbing. Expect a brief pitch of over 20% before the road settles back to a more moderate 8% average. Some sections of 2-3% will give you a small rest before reaching the turn-around point and aid station at the beautiful Lac de Grand’Maison (altitude 1743m).

After the 16km descent back down to the valley (altitude 795m), you still have the final ascent back up to Vaujany to tackle. It's steady and has some nice switchbacks, but at average 8.6%, you will definitely be earning your finish line glory in Vaujany. Bike advice: Make sure that you bring your mountain-approved gears.

MEDIUM COURSE IS NOT A COMPETITION: The riders of the medium course will be provided their start-to-finish time, but will not be ranked by finish time. All finish times will be listed in alphabetical order.

In the week leading up to race day, you will have the chance to take on a number of famous climbs to prepare for the race and make the most out of your week in the Alps: Alpe d’Huez, Col de Galibier, Col du Sabot, Col d’Izoard and Col d’Ornon. All group rides are supported with cycling guides and a support van with basic tools, water and food. There will be van transfer from Vaujany for two group rides. On most days, you will have plenty of time to explore the sights off the bike as well.

GFNY Alpes Vaujany