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This new event will let you discover, or rediscover, the Valence plain and the magnificent roads of the Vercors, an ideal playground for cyclists. With 4 routes from 80 to 190 km, every participant will find the right fit.
Source: press release, Specialized.com / lavalencevercors.fr – Photos: @billy_lebelge / Specialized / DR
The positive elevation gains on these routes range from 1,000 to 3,500 meters. The Vercors and its history are not handed out to just anyone, only to the most determined. The many viewpoints over the Vercors massif and the Valence plain will leave you in awe and help you forget the difficulties of the course for a while, before you enjoy a well-earned meal in the heart of the historic center of the Drôme prefecture.
Overview
The city of Valence and, more broadly, the Valence Romans agglomeration have long been a stronghold of sport. The many clubs in each of the towns let everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, practice the sport of their choice, whether for fun or competition. Many sporting events also punctuate the year (the Monte-Carlo Historique rally, the Tour de France, the 10 km race, etc.).
To round out the offering even further, a mass-participation cycling event was missing. That is now a reality with the launch of the Valence-Vercors on Sunday, June 27, 2021. This new event will let you discover, or rediscover, the Valence plain and the magnificent roads of the Vercors, an ideal playground for riders.
Many activities will also be offered that day, so companions can enjoy their visit to our region too. The organizers look forward to a big turnout to make this first edition a success.
The routes
From Valence, you will head toward the Drôme part of the Vercors to discover its unique landscapes.
- A first rolling section will bring you gently to the demanding small roads at the foothills of the massif. Very quickly, as you gain altitude, you will discover the Col Jérôme Cavalli and the Côte Blanche.
From there, riders on the leisure ride will drop down the Col des Limouches to reach Valence, where they can enjoy the meal and the activities on offer.
Once in Léoncel and its famous abbey, riders on the short route will climb the Col du Tourniol and also head for Valence via Saint-Vincent-la-Commanderie and Peyrus.
The most determined riders will continue toward the Royans; at Oriol-en-Royans, two options will be open to them: join the Col de la Bataille via the Col and Tunnel du Pionnier, or, for those who chose the long route, take the spectacular Combe Laval to reach the Col de la Machine. They will then ride through lands marked by history: Col de Carri, La Chapelle-en-Vercors, Vassieux-en-Vercors, and the Col de la Chau, to rejoin the riders on the intermediate route on the road to the Col de la Bataille; then toward Léoncel, the Col du Tourniol, and back to Valence.
Whichever route you choose, you will spend an unforgettable day amid these legendary landscapes.
Discover on the route: the Combe Laval
Located in the communes of Saint-Jean-en-Royans and Saint-Laurent-en-Royans, the Combe Laval is a gorge in the Vercors massif. It is bordered by the D 2 and D 76 roads, among the most touristic roads in the Vercors. There you will see a magnificent viewpoint over the Saint-Antoine-le-Grand Orthodox monastery.
Two members of the Chadam Cycling Team give their view*
Vincent Arnaud: “After a few kilometers along the valley from Valence, the first climb will put participants straight into the thick of it, with some sections above 10% gradient. The difficulties then follow one another quickly on the long route, with no fewer than six passes to cross. The transitions are fast, with little time to recover. You will still need to keep something in reserve to reach Valence, especially if the mistral is blowing.“
Camille Udny: “The Valence-Vercors routes follow my training roads, and I am always amazed by the scenery. Participants will be able to forget how hard the routes are while enjoying picturesque views such as the one at Combe Laval, with the famous road carved into the rock that everyone has already seen in photos. The Vercors plateau around Vassieux-en-Vercors will be just as pleasant, with a different landscape, not to mention passing the Resistance Memorial, a place rich in history. At the top of the Tourniol, the last climb of the day, you will enjoy a view over Valence and the whole Rhône valley.“
*Chadam Cycling Team is a French team focused on cyclosportive riding. Founded in 2018, it holds to the principles of enjoyment, camaraderie, and sharing a common passion for cyclosportives. The team’s strength lies in its varied roster, with women and men riders chasing performance at the biggest events and others seeking personal challenges. Whether aiming to win or simply to finish an event with the feeling of having given everything, its riders keep a cyclosportive spirit so they can live unique experiences.
Exchange with the cycling community, whether at cyclosportive events or on social media, is a key part of the adventure. Promoting cycling is one of the team’s pillars.
Official event website: https://www.lavalencevercors.
Registration: https://stsport-inscription.
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