Challenge Dauphine sportive cancelled

Bound4Glory

Local, reiable sources inform me that the popular Challenge Dauphiné in the Vercors near Grenoble is to be no longer. The Dauphiné Libere newspaper which supported the event is also pulling out of the Criitirium Dauphiné which they are selling to ASO. Keep you informed if they get another sponsor otherwise there still is the Vercors-Drome & the Dromoise/Poireé sportive in Die both around the Vercors region.

ugo.santalucia

Don't care much about the sportive, but it's sad that the PRO race loses its historical sponsor and organiser. It is a beautiful race with a strong regional heritage. Infact if one loves cycling, it is a much better race to follow than the Tour de France. All stages are hilly and there is less tacticism in the peloton. Less people on the roads means one can actually go to the top of a big col and cheer the riders, instead of being swallowed by the half a million or so at the Tour... I hope ASO manages to maintain the spirit of the Dauphine'

Bound4Glory

Events is now back on with new organiser (possibly sportscommunication, a la Mamotte).
Date Sat 22nd May 2010. New event to be called "Challenge du Dauphiné Vercors". €30 entry. 173km, 123km, 66km.

AndyRubio

Got a linky?

Bound4Glory

Local contact informs me that the event will now be Sunday 23rd 2010. Nothing yet on the sportscom web site but they are always slow to respond:
http://www.sportcommunication.info/GT/i ... p?langue=1
The sportive will start/finish from the village of Autrans, Vercors (as the last 2 years) about 30km from Grenoble. Accommodation info can be found at the tourist office link here. They are snowed in right now as they are about the largest nordic xc ski venue in France:
http://www.autrans.com
I think trips will again be hosted & organised by, KOM who are very experienced:
http://www.kingofthemountains.co.uk/
If anything else comes up I will post.

gbzpto1

http://www.tourdoisans.com/challengedud ... ercors.asp are offering accommodation as well plus a chance to look at some of La Marmotte route but i guess that depends what Cols are open at that time of year

russell_in_france

Somebody just sent me a link to this post.

http://www.sportcommunication.info/GT/e ... trophee=57

It's happening and you can find details on the Sportscommunication website - they're the new organisers. A lovely day on a bike and highly recommended.

Here's the video diary from last year.

http://www.youtube.com/standringr#p/u/9/x4FJ-zDChss

Cheers, Russell
www.grenoblecycling.com

Bound4Glory

Great video Russ, especially going up the Col de la Machine & Gorges de la Bourne. I'm up for the long course this year with a run after in prep for IM Nice.

holybinch

Very nice topic.
My mother lives in Valence.
Might try myself at la Dromoise then...

Must get some hills into me!