A very technical and fast descent links the Maurienne valley before the 12 km col du Télégraphe is conquered. The toughness of the Marmotte is highlighted when a mere 6 km decent of the col du Télégraphe into Valloire leads you directly into the mighty and daunting 18 km ascent to the summit of le col du Galibier, at 2642 m altitude. The long drop of the Galibier to the col du Lautaret and the tough ride to Bourg d'Oisans brings you to the final 13 km.

This final section of La Marmotte is probably the hardest finish anyone will ever undertake in a sportive, a test of determination and courage. The 21 hairpin bends of Alpe d'Huez to the summit and finish at 1726 m will test the resilience of everyone finishing the Marmotte and can be the insurmountable obstacle that many fail to overcome ;  the final 13 km of La Marmotte is guaranteed agony for everyone.

SportActive had a fantastic diverse group for this 2010 event. With early start numbers the group had breakfast at 5 am and departed the hotel to decent the "Alpe" for their 7 am start.

A beautiful warm alpine morning with the rising sun lighting up the snow peaks greeted the group along with 7000 participants. Whilst looking beautiful, this set in motion factors that were to make the 2010 Marmotte one of the toughest in recent years.

The SportActive group rode out in a controlled pace and was joined by other cyclists taking advantage of the SportActive pacing. The group maintained unison until the barrage du Verney (the dam) where a few settled into their own pace. As we climbed le col du Glandon everyone found the pace that would comfortably get them to the first rendez-vous at the summit.

As the forest area of the ascent cleared the heat of the day became evident and everyone was glad to reach the summit and take on water and food.

The 20 km long technical decent was negotiated with safety in mind.
Regrouping in St Etienne de Cuines the cyclists formed large pelotons that would bring them to the Col du Télégraphe. The tough climb and rising heat were now taking their toll as many riders started to suffer. 
The water stop on the summit of the Télégraphe was more than welcomed as the heat caused a lot of discomfort for many riders. It was now becoming clear that this Marmotte was going to be an extreme challenge as two of the cyclist's most daunting and toughest climbs still lay ahead. The extreme of the day was evident as the riders left the summit and road temperatures of 43°C were been recorded.

The short descent into Valloire got the riders on to the fearsome col du Galibier and the prospect of at least 90 minutes of climbing. With summit temperatures of only 15°C this added to the extreme of the day. The difficult descent of Le Galibier and then le col du Lautaret brought the riders though La Grave and La Meije and onto Bourg d'Oisans for the final climb of Alpe d'Huez.

The "Alpe" is when everyone finds that inner determination and reserve to suffer the way to the finish and everyone has their own story of this final section. The Alpe is hard in a prospective that only makes sense to those who have completed La Marmotte. Everyone who attempted the 2010 Marmotte should be proud to have taken part in one of the thoughest sportives in the world.

The SportActive trip was another success and everyone is looking forward to a 2011 attempt to better their performance. Just wait a few weeks for the feeling to fade before seeking confirmation.

To see all the pictures go to the photogalery written by Alastair Irvine