Press release – New cycling event: La Plagne builds on its reputation as a cycling destination
Building on the destination’s long-standing cycling heritage and, more recently, the enthusiasm generated during the summer of 2025 with the arrival of *L’Étape du Tour* and the *Tour de France*, La Plagne aims to maintain and develop its connection with the world of cycling. The launch of the new cycling event ‘L’Échappée plagnarde’ on Friday 21 August 2026 supports this initiative.
Featuring the 21 bends of the climb up to La Plagne, sections along the Versant du Soleil ‘balcony road’ and the climb up to Notre Dame du Pré, the four routes – ranging from 37 to 108 kilometres – showcase the very best of the region’s roads.
Aim: to keep up with the legacy of the Tour de France
Thomas Saison, the managing director of the La Grande Plagne Tourist Office, is even looking further ahead, with the idea of the valley becoming a cycling destination in the summer. This diversification strategy would build on the investments already made over the past 10 years in mountain biking, electric-assist mountain biking (e-MTB) and, in particular, the bike park:
La Plagne’s connection with cycling is historic: one can recall, in particular, the 1980s, when mountain biking was first introduced to France, with the initial trials taking place in La Plagne. After a long period from 2002 onwards when cycling was less prominent, the return of the Tour de France has reignited the movement; there is real potential to ensure that the climb up to La Plagne regains its legendary status. To achieve this, we need to ride the wave. Creating our own event is the first step; we must also succeed in bringing all the destination’s stakeholders on board for this adventure.
L’Echappée plagnarde, 1st edition
For this inaugural event, the format is a non-timed ride on public roads, with routes suited to different ability levels. The event is included in the French Cycling Federation’s calendar. Participants may take part on an electric-assist bike.
4 routes
- Short route (excluding the climb): 37km and 905 D+
- Short route: 55 km and 2,290 metres of elevation gain (for ages 8 and over)
- Intermediate route: 76 km and 2,877 metres of elevation gain (ages 14 and over)
- Long route: 108 km and 3,709 metres of elevation gain (ages 14 and over)
Programme
Thursday 20 August
3.00 pm to 7.00 pm: collection of race numbers at the Macôt village hall
On-the-spot registration available
Friday 21 August
7.00 am to 8.15 am: race number collection and on-the-spot registration at the Macôt village hall
8.30 am: mass start for the 55, 76 and 108 km routes
9.00 am: start of the 37 km route
Online registration via the Sports’n’Connect website until 19 August.
A single entry fee of €10 applies to all routes (includes a meal at the finish, access to refreshment stations, luggage storage and bike parking).