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The Alpine Challenge - Entries Open 23rd October

by Henry Peacock

Entries to HotChillee’s Alpine Challenge 2013 will open on 23rd October 2012 at 12:00 BST. Following the previous year’s sell-out success, the 360 places on this end-of-season, multi-stage cycling event are expected to be filled quickly.

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Riders Take In The Scenery Around Lake Annecy

The four Stage, three day Alpine cycling event will be held on the 11th to the 15th September 2013. Starting each day from the Riders’ village on Lake Annecy, cyclists will cover approximately 320km and 7,000 metres of climbing, winding through the stunning French countryside of the Haute Savoie region. The route covers many Cols with some of the famous Tour de France climbs en-route, including Col de la Croix Fry, Col de la Forclaz and Col des Aravis; a pass used 39 times on the Tour de France.

There will be six speed groups, from those who want to take home the ‘King of the Mountains’ Jersey by winning the Timed Mountain sections, to those who see the challenge as completing the event. With the ride finishing in the early afternoon each day, riders can also take the time to relax off the bike in a beautiful lakeside setting with family, friends and colleagues.

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Fully Supported

The rolling road closures, Timed Mountain sections, motorbike outriders, support vehicles and extensive support crew all add to the pro-cycling experience of a lifetime. Cycling with legends and professionals such as Stephen Roche and Rapha Condor Sharp’s Dean Downing, creates a pro-tour atmosphere. Like The London-Paris, the event is the subject of a 30 minute Eurosport programme, aired numerous times following the event.

2012 Pink Jersey winner, Tracy McAvoy says: “It’s an amazing event. I cannot fault the outstanding organisation that went on behind the scenes to ensure this was one of the most memorable and exhilarating experiences I have ever had. Everyone was friendly and lots of laughs were had between the timed climb sections when legs were tested to their limits."

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Tracy McAvoy

Official Team places are also available, consisting of four riders. Rapha Condor Sharp’s Dean Downing is HotChillee’s new Team Manager and all teams will be able to gain useful advice on training, nutrition, kit and even mental preparation for a staged cycling event. All team enquiries should go to dean@hotchillee.com.

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Riders Can Relax On The Stunning Lake Annecy

Once the hard work is done, riders and their friends and families join a Celebration Dinner and awards presentation overlooking the beautiful Lake Annecy.

To sign-up to the event, go to http://www.thealpinechallenge.com/.