TdF 2016 viewing points in the Alps

alpineaddict

Hi folks...

Hoping to get out to see my first ever alpine stages of the TdF this summer. I own a place up the road from Saint Gervais, so making full use of the apartment this time round and hoping to see the 3 stages in the area... So, my question is to anyone that has done alpine stages before, or knows the area(s) really well... Where are the best places to be do you think for the Sallanches to Megeve Time trial.. The finish section up to Saint Gervais (Bettex) and I'd love to get on the Col du Joux Plane as well somewhere...???????

Also, does anyone know what the road closures are likely to be on the Col du Joux Plane...?

I know it's kind of early to be talking about this, but looking to get planned early for this... Thx folks in advance and any advice / help is very much appreciated...

dish_dash

Dunno the area that well. But generally they shut the route several hours prior to the riders coming through. So last year it was around 9/10am for a race coming through at 1/2pm. Often they'll limit cyclists from riding up as well. Where you can, make use of ski lifts and walk in would be my advice. Remember that the caravan comes through about an hour before the riders.

alpineaddict

Thx for this... Problem with the Col du Joux Plane is there are no chairs on that side of the hill... SO looks like it will be an early doors trip over in the wagon, park up and cycle up early, or a long walk up the hill...

ridgerider

I'll be cycling up the joux plane on the Saturday morning.

The only use for chairs on a mountain stage is to wave them above your head whilst singing.

Dorset_Boy

Last year we parked a car at the top of the Lacets de Montvernier (on the final hairpin in the meadows) the day before, and then rode up there on the day of the race. I don't know if there may be any similar options on the Joux Plane.
Race finish times are normally aimed to be 5 pm local time, so they'll be top of the Joux Plane around 4.30 pm on the Friday. Road will be closed by mid morning so it makes for a long day! Roads tend to be open to cyclists later than for cars too.

RideOnTime

Good article from the Inner Ring - a few years old - Spectating Tips for a Grand Tour

http://d2ride.co.uk/News-and-Blog.php

alpineaddict

OK thx, so considering the caravan goes up several hours before the riders, I guess arriving in or around Samoens could be early to mid morning and then cycling over to the Joux Plane and cycling up...

Thx for the article as well... Good read

Bo Duke

You're not allowed to say the Inner Ring is a good read, you have to hate the guy.

bobmcstuff

There is a lift from les gets you could use which comes up at the top of the descent into morzine which runs in the summer for mountain bikers. Would still be a fair walk past he ranfolly to the top of the climb though.

alpineaddict wrote:

OK thx, so considering the caravan goes up several hours before the riders, I guess arriving in or around Samoens could be early to mid morning and then cycling over to the Joux Plane and cycling up...

Thx for the article as well... Good read

My plan is to get down on the Thursday for a long weekend in Samoens and cycle up early doors. the joux plane goes straight out of Samoens so you don't really have to cycle far to get to bottom of the climb.

alpineaddict

Yeah I am thinking of coming up from Samoens personally, but thx for letting me know about the Les Gets lift...

RideOnTime

Bo Duke were you involved in that Waco shoot-out?

dodgy

I know Samoens and the Joux Plane fairly well. You could get part way up the Joux Plane without using the main route itself. Head up from the road that joins Verchaix with Samoens and go up through Mathonex like this https://goo.gl/maps/uxUfq8UvUdS2

Please note, for all I know they may close that particular route up, but it's worth noting.

cc78

Re the time trial, either the first climb up from Domancy or the very steep section just past the bottom of the Princesse cable car would be good viewing points... a short cycle along from St Gervais and you're right there.

On the Friday, presumably the Bettex telecabine will be operating to get spectators up to the finish (though you may have to get there early as they might limit numbers depending how busy it is). Best to check with the St Gervais tourist office nearer the time. I think I will go to Bisanne that day, I love that climb.

I'm fortunate enough that the Saturday stage is passing directly in front of the house. Hooray!

alpineaddict

Thx folks for the help... Double edged sword situation as I am gutted as Ive just found out I won't be able to travel out there now, but this is because we have hopefully sold out apartment, and if it goes through, will be sold before the TdF hits St Gervais...

Thx tho for all the input... Looks like another year for the TV...