Marmotte 2017

Anyone had any experience with this?
I've been looking at a tour company that offer airport transfers lodging and meals, they also offer a recce of part of the route and mechanic support and food stops if you participate in the sportive.
The cost is around £600 not including flights and the entry to the Marmotte.
Not sure if it's worth all the cash. Looking at £900 for the weekend.
Has anyone planned to do the sportive but sort own accommodation?
I've been looking at a tour company that offer airport transfers lodging and meals, they also offer a recce of part of the route and mechanic support and food stops if you participate in the sportive.
The cost is around £600 not including flights and the entry to the Marmotte.
Not sure if it's worth all the cash. Looking at £900 for the weekend.
Has anyone planned to do the sportive but sort own accommodation?
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In fact the part of a group aspect is the only reason I can think of to go with a tour operator for this.
Lots of supermarkets in the area, worked well especially staying in Aple D'Huez at the end. Cold cycling to the start in the morning.
Two things, if it is chilly either wear a gilet/rain jacket if you are intending taking one on the ride or use a bin bag that you can rip off and discard later when you have warmed up. Second thing, practice at least part of the descent before the event if you have never done an Alpine descent before. Those hairpins come up pretty quickly!
6 of us have booked with Sport Tours...in hindsight I'm sure we could've done it ourselves....and they said it would be the Sunday but everyone else was advertising for Sat.
Not great when you've already paid
We'll drive from Geneva and hope our Citroen hire van copes with the Alpe
The first time I did the Alpe I was amazed at how much speed you can pick up so definitely need to be awake on the morning as above.
Torn between the ease of taking the train and then bus from Grenoble or driving and having the convenience of the car for the stay.
The World's gone mad: UK leaving the EU, Trump still in with a chance of becoming US Preident, Marmotte on a Sunday. My French suggests the organisers feel the same way (from comment on event page).
Staying in Venosc this year in large Ski Chalet
Flying Tuesday Am, back Monday PM. although some folks are staying from Monday till week Wednesday.
Brilliant event, cant wait.
Lot easier last year than year before, mainly down to the temperature, although I also think the route in 2015 was probably a little tougher
I'm a pasty white Scotsman so I'm hoping it isn't too hot!
That's probably why I usually head to Belgium in April rather than France in July!
For good quality, cheap accommodation in the area I'd recommend AirBnB. I've stayed at Les Deux Alpes and Alpe d'Huez renting a fully equipped chalet with awesome views, but there's plenty of choice.
Accom, flights and car hire booked for next year, just need to make sure I get my entry now!
Sun - nice steady 60 odd miles at home, test bike after service
Mon - pack bike
Tues - 6.30am fly to France. Tues pm build bike, ride from Venosc up alpdhuez to turn 6 across to villard recluse down to bourg and back to Venosc
Wed - drive to Briancon and climb izoard down, back up other side, back to Brian in to car
Thurs - col d sarrene from mizion and down alp
Fri - Venosc to vaujany with lunch in Allemond
Sat - sign on and chill maybe a very small spin
SUN -RACEDAY.
I found by doing more climbing before the event was much more beneficial than when I did next to nowt.
All the climbing pre marmotte will be cool trolled steady efforts.
Buzzing can't wait, 3rd year running
Surrey Hills
What's a Zwift?
I registered last week for a package but on looking at the Sport communication website it would seem that the Marmotte is still available. Normally it would be sold out within a day or so. Its been open for four days now. Maybe people have finally had their fill. I thought I had.
Strange there is so little forum activity though.
Although I will be there as support and training partner for my mates
Rule #9 // If you are out riding in bad weather, it means you are a badass. Period.
Rule #12 // The correct number of bikes to own is n+1.
Rule #42 // A bike race shall never be preceded with a swim and/or followed by a run.
Interesting it hasn't sold out in 5 minutes this year. I've done it 4 times and I can't see a situation where I'd do it again in the short term. Maybe in a few years when it'd be a challenge to see how close I could get to the time I used to be able to do - it'd be something to train for again then - or if one of my kids or maybe my brothers wanted a cycling challenge it'd be fun to do some training and go over with them.
As long as you get to the bottom of the climb to AdH within the time limit you'll get a bronze time, and can even exchange the 10€ you get back for your timing chip for a lovely medal
But presumably you still have to climb the Alpe?
I'd never get the bike serviced so close to an event. (actually I never get the bike serviced as such - I replace most bits myself as and when), The only real time things go wrong is when the bike has been messed around with - ie a service.
If you're going to get it serviced give it a few weeks of space before the big ride. Bikes are pretty simple. Its not like they need to be serviced immediately before a ride.
Yeah, there's no escaping that!
I just found out I am selected for the Maratona too. Although I think it's possible to defer until next year.
How's the training going!
I might have missed it but is it just a medical certificate that's required?
No race licence?
Also, do you only get a Gold or Silver medal? Nothing for times outwith those?
Cheers