The top 5 things we're looking forward to this season

The 2022 season is imminent, and the Haute Route team are working around the clock to ensure it will be a season to remember!

To celebrate the new season, we’ve put together our top list of things were most looking forward to this summer. Scroll to find out…

1. Who will take the lead on the Haute Route Alps 2022…?

If last year was anything to go by, it's certainly going to be a race to remember at the Haute Route Alps 2022. With seven challenging days in the saddle, the Haute Route Alps is the highest and toughest event in the series. And it’s for this very reason, the race to the top is always a highlight for the team, riders, and spectators – all of whom are eagerly waiting to see which rider will triumph in this legendary course. In 2021 the race was certainly a close call between Haute Route 2021 winner, Antonio Garnero and two-time Haute Route 2021 champion and training coach, Loic Ruffaut. Garnero taking first position in the men’s GC at 20:50:21, followed closely by Ruffaut at +6’34 – the question on everyone’s minds this year – will the pair be in close competition with each other once again this season, or will they be faced with someone more unexpected to take up the challenge. We will just have to wait and see…

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2. Unexpected encounters with the beautiful wildlife on the Haute Route Pyrenees

If you didn’t know already, when it comes to the Haute Route Pyrenees you never quite know what will be waiting for you on route... Renowned for its raw, natural beauty the Pyrenees course is something you have to experience to really appreciate. With spectacular vistas, narrow roads, and untamed chain of peaks, it’s to no surprise these magical locations are home to a variety of wildlife. Prepare to encounter horses, donkeys and herds of cows along the way… 

3. Building the Time Trial Ramp on the Alpe d’Huez… 

The Haute Route team work tirelessly to ensure every aspect of each event is covered. From working with host cities on each course, organising accommodation to suit everyone’s needs and preparing each rider’s race bags, there’s certainly a lot that goes on behind the scenes. And if there is one element that the team considers to be one of the most important on the race set-up, it is the famous time trial ramp! The perfect way to conclude an unforgettable weekend in the mountains and make every rider feel like a pro! And to kick off this season, the riders will tackle the famous 15-kilometre time trial on the famous 21 switchbacks of Alpe d'Huez. Whether you are looking to break the one-hour barrier or simply to finish the climb, the Haute Route team will be there to help you achieve your goals.

4. Meeting new faces and experiencing the first-ever Haute Route Davos!

Home to the Haute Route Headquarters, it only seemed fitting our newest event had to take place in Switzerland. The closing event for the season, Haute Route Davos is set to be one to remember and we can’t wait to meet new (and plenty of familiar!) faces this September. Get ready to experience picture postcard scenery, and the vast, breathtaking vistas of the Graubunden region. Tucked away in the east of the Swiss Alps, the grand finale of the 2022 calendar is all about old-school charm, iconic Alpine passes and as always, first-class service!

5. Who will top the GC on stage one of the legendary Haute Route Dolomites?

The Haute Route Dolomites means business straight from the get-go. Riders will kick off the five-day race with two all-time classics, starting with the spectacular climb to Passo Umbrail. After dropping down into Switzerland via the stunning descent to Müstair, it’s time for the big one: Stelvio. One of the most famous climbs in cycling, the 48 switchbacks of Stelvio are the ultimate test for cyclists and we can’t wait to see how the results will pan out. In 2021, French cyclist Mathilde Terrasson took the lead in the women’s stage one of the unforgettable opener for the 2021 edition of Haute Route Dolomites – in the meantime we’ll be waiting in anticipation to see who will take the lead this year! Stay tuned.