For almost five decades, Morzine and the Tour de France have enjoyed a special relationship that has made this Alpine resort a key venue for the Grande Boucle. Nestling in the heart of the French Alps, Morzine, with its vertiginous passes, breathtaking scenery and warm welcome, has established itself as one of the world’s iconic cycling destinations. Here’s a look back at a legendary partnership that, since 1975, has thrilled thousands of cycling fans and riders at the top of their game.
Morzine: a dream destination for the Tour de France
Morzine, in the Haute-Savoie department, is a ski resort with an international reputation for its exceptional setting and outdoor activities. But far beyond winter sports, it has become a favourite playground for cycling enthusiasts, not least thanks to its key role in the Tour de France. With its winding roads and legendary cols, the town offers a major challenge for professional and amateur cyclists alike.
The adventure between Morzine and the Tour de France began in 1975, when the resort hosted a stage of the Tour for the first time. Since then, many stages have seen Morzine either as a thrilling finish or as a departure point for the legendary Alpine passes. This long-standing collaboration has enabled the resort to reinforce its image as a cycling destination par excellence, attracting enthusiasts from all over the world every year, eager to pedal in the footsteps of the champions.
Memorable stages
The link between Morzine and the Tour de France is punctuated by some of the most memorable moments in cycling history. From its first appearance in 1975, the finish in the resort immediately captured the hearts of spectators and riders alike. One of the most memorable moments of these Alpine stages came in 1997, when a fierce duel between Jan Ullrich and Richard Virenque set the roads of Morzine alight. This kind of epic battle has helped to make the resort a staple of the Grande Boucle.
The descents into Morzine, particularly those on the Col de Joux-Plane, are reputed to be some of the most technical and demanding in the Tour. The Col de Joux-Plane, often used in the final Alpine stages, puts the best climbers in the peloton to the test. The riders have to tackle a series of formidable climbs before embarking on the fast, technical descent that leads directly to Morzine. This configuration makes for some spectacular finishes, where the gaps can widen over the final kilometres.
As well as the finishes, Morzine was also the scene of several stage starts. The resort has seen the peloton set off towards other Alpine giants, offering spectators a breathtaking view of the teams’ preparations and the first pedal strokes. Each start from Morzine is a real event, both sporting and festive, attracting large crowds who come to cheer on the riders before their ascent to the summits.
A destination for all cycling fans
In addition to its central role in the Tour de France, Morzine has over the years become a must-see destination for all cycling enthusiasts. Whether you’re a road cyclist or a mountain biker, Morzine has routes to suit all levels. The resort is part of the Domaine des Portes du Soleil, a huge cross-border (France-Switzerland) playground offering hundreds of kilometres of signposted trails for both road and mountain biking.
For road cyclists, Morzine is surrounded by legendary mountain passes such as the Col de Joux-Plane, the Col de la Colombière and the Col de la Ramaz. These climbs, well known to fans of the Grande Boucle, provide an opportunity to test yourself against routes taken by the greatest champions. By following in the footsteps of the Tour de France, cyclists can relive the legendary moments that have marked the history of the race, while enjoying exceptional panoramic views.
For mountain bikers, Morzine and the Portes du Soleil are also a paradise. The resort offers numerous downhill trails, technical routes and paths suitable for beginners and experts alike. In summer, the resort is transformed into a veritable mecca for mountain bikers, with lifts open to mountain bikers, allowing them to take full advantage of the varied terrain on offer.
A promising future
The story of Morzine and the Tour de France is far from over. In 2022, the resort once again hosted a stage, confirming its key role in the Alpine stages of the Grande Boucle. With its expertise and infrastructure, Morzine is ready to continue hosting the Tour and offer riders and spectators unforgettable moments of sport.
The 45-year partnership between Morzine and the Tour de France has made the resort a benchmark cycling destination, whether for race fans or those looking for a sporting holiday. With each new edition, a visit to Morzine is a guarantee of spectacle, thrills and exceptional performances, consolidating the resort as a key player in alpine cycling.
Whether you’re a spectator of the Tour de France or a cyclist looking for a challenge, Morzine awaits you for unforgettable moments in the heart of the Alps.
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