Introducing the GFNY Vaujany, a new granfondo in Oisans on June 20th

After a first edition in 2020 under the rain for the GFNY Alpes Vaujany, this year a new GFNY event will take place next Sunday, June 20, in Vaujany, thanks to Cedric Haas, a motivated organizer who wants to offer beautiful routes in Oisans. The GFNY Vaujany 2021 is a very challenging course of 105 km and 3700 m of elevation gain!

The course begins with a first ascent of Alpe d’Huez via Villard Reculas, followed by the Col de Sarennes. It is divided into three parts:

– A first part with 9.5 km, rather consistent, between 6 and 9% maximum

– A short respite in Villard Reculas before a transition with the Pas de la Confession, a small descent (1500 m) before rejoining the classic Alpe road in Huez up to Avenue du Rif Nel at 1850 m.

– After crossing the Alpe d’Huez resort, a first short climb will allow you to rejoin the altiport road and then the Col de Sarennes. Not always in good condition, this is a mountain pastoral road! The last two kilometers are always complicated with the accumulation of efforts since Allemont and the approach of 2000 m. The gradient is around 10%, and if the wind comes from the south, it can also play tricks on you because it’s very exposed.

Here we are in a dream setting. But there’s little room for distraction, because concentration is needed to tackle this descent, which has many traps in its first part down to Clavans. Often gravelly, with wet sections due to snow that should still be present on the sides, winding and steep, so you have to be careful.

The second part of the descent will be more “pleasant” on a road that is easier to negotiate. After crossing the Chambon dam, Le Freiney, a short climb before descending the Rampe des Commères. After 2 km of flat, it’s time for the ascent of the Alpe by the royal road (the usual road with its steep gradients from the bottom). A classic, 13.7 km with an average of 8% and its 21 hairpins… After 13 km of effort, descend by the same road taken at the start, via Villard Reculas.

A few switchbacks before plunging down to the Verney dam, and we’ll finish with the ascent of Vaujany: 5.5 km with an average of almost 10%. A recently resurfaced road to help us a little to finish this short but truly difficult event!