Presentation of L’Aindinoise 2021, July 17th

A new event appears on the cyclosportive calendar this year: l’Aindinoise. This event offers two courses, one for muscle bikes and one for electric bikes, both 48 km long. We will focus on the 108 km event for those who will not be using electric assistance…

By David Polveroni – Images: cyclosportive-laindinoise.fr, Strava screenshots

This sportive is relatively short at 108 km and finishes at the summit of the now legendary Grand Colombier, the local “mini Ventoux”, with an announced elevation gain of almost 3500 m. It covers the last 75 kilometers of stage 15 of the 2020 Tour de France between Lyon and the Grand Colombier.

After a good twenty kilometers of rather flat riding in the valley, we will tackle the first difficulties in Artemare. The climb of the Selle de Fromentel, 11 km at an average of over 8%, which is nothing more than the climb of the Grand Colombier without its final section. Moreover, for those who don’t feel up to it, they can reach the finish from this intersection: l’Aindinoise express.

It’s after Virieu-le-Petit that the serious business begins: indeed, be careful not to rely on the average percentage of this ascent.

https://www.strava.com/segments/4341185?filter=overall

The steepest part just before the bifurcation includes more than 4 km at a 12% average gradient, including 2 km at 14% but with astounding percentages of over 20%: small gears are essential.

Richie Porte’s Strava KOM is under 12 km/h:

https://www.strava.com/segments/4317589?filter=overall

After this first selection by gravity, you will descend to Lochieu and begin the second difficulty: the Col de La Biche, 6 km at an average of 9%, before a descending section towards the finish, then another 1 km at 10% to conclude.

https://www.strava.com/segments/25587138?filter=overall

A hairpin descent that I don’t know but which seems tricky, winding, and steep. Be careful. We will arrive on the heights of Seyssel, then after a small, slightly descending valley to reach Culoz where it would be good to be in a small group, we will tackle the final climb: the Grand Colombier, by its most legendary side. A multi-stage climb 17 km long.

https://www.strava.com/segments/644707?filter=current_year

A difficult first part, 6 km at nearly 9% average, in switchbacks, where shaded areas are rare and can prove even more complicated if the sun is out. This is followed by a 2 km respite where the gradient is very gentle, allowing for a bit of a break. Then, at the bifurcation with the Anglefort side, the road rears up again for 3 km at 10%. This is undoubtedly one of the key moments. The last few kilometers are a little more irregular, and there’s a final ramp to close out the event at almost 10%.

Small gears will be essential, especially for the climb of the Selle de Fromentel; I recommend everyone to use the smallest possible. The weather should be good, and over 375 participants are already expected. Everything is set for a great time!

Note that registrations close on July 16th; there will be no on-site registrations.

Event website: https://cyclosportive-laindinoise.fr/blog/presentation-reglement-laindinoise/

Course: HERE