Morzine cycling guide
The long, winding mountain roads are perfect for road biking, if people are looking for a summer activity that will really help them get fit and see the surrounding area.
Tour De France
One of the reasons that Morzine and the surrounding areas are popular with road bikers is that it has featured in the Tour De France numerous times over the years. Most recently, in 2016, the Col De Joux Plane featured on the last stage of the Tour De France, climbing from Samoens with the stage finish in Morzine. Previously the last time the Tour De France had come to Morzine was in 2010, with the Tour passing through Morzine on the way to a stage finish in Avoriaz, followed by a rest day, followed by a stage start in Morzine.
Criterium Du Dauphine
A less well known road biking race that regularly visits Morzine in summer is the Criterium Du Dauphine. The race was first held in 1947 and was organised by the Dauphine newspaper to help increase its circulation. The idea was to hold a race that crossed the Dauphine area and would take advantage of the increased popularity of road biking following World War Two.
The Cols
Some of the most popular routes for road cycling are the local Cols. These involve large climbs so are not recommended for people who havenít been training. Whilst they are hard work they do give a great sense of achievement at the summit and provide some spectacular scenery to enjoy along the way.
Some of these Cols, such as the Col DU Joux Plane and the Col Du Joux Verte have featured in the Tour De France in previous years. The Col Du Joux Plane can be tackled from either Samoens or Morzine. As Samoens is three hundred metres lower than Morzine it is less arduous to go from Morzine to Samoens than the other way round.
Other notable Cols in the area include the Col Du Corbier, heading over towards Chatel and the Col DíEncrenaz, from Essert Romand to the back of Mt Chery.
Lake Geneva
An option for those who do not want to attempt any of the harder climbs is to cycle around Lake Geneva. This is a route of approximately one hundred and eighty kilometres and can be done over a course of a few days.
Guiding
There are a selection of companies in Morzine that provide guiding services to show visitors some of the hidden gems of the area as well as providing support vehicles to drive bikers to the start of the ride and bring them home afterwards as well as providing support along the way.