La Marmotte is changing the course for safety reasons, organizers report in an email to all participants. After the Glandon, participants will now ride a little further, crossing the Croix de Fer. The descent goes via the Col du Mollard.

Safety issues

The reason for the course change is safety. The descent of the Glandon is currently full of gravel, due to road works. For this reason (as before 2005) the choice is made to continue over the Croix de Fer. Uniquely, however, there will not be a descent to St. Jean de Maurienne via the Croix de Fer. Instead, participants will ride down via the Col du Mollard. The big advantage is that fewer kilometers have to be ridden through the valley. The disadvantage is that it adds extra climbing: From the small village of Belleville to Le Mollard there is an additional 6 km of climbing to be done, accounting for over 500 meters of elevation. The descent of the Croix de Fer will be neutralized until the start of this extra climb.

More kilometers and meters of elevation

The total distance increases from 174 km to 186 km. The vertical ascent increases from 5000 to 5530. The cut-off times are also being adjusted. Anyone not at the summit of the Galibier after 16:15 will be dropped from the race. The same applies to riders who have not passed the foot of Alpe d'Huez after 18:30.

The ultra fondo also follows the new course.

The new route can be found here. A collection with all the routes (also from previous years) can be found here.