Expert Ride : Partial reconnaissance of a stage of the tour

* Route details: La Giettaz – Col des Aravis – Col de la Croix Fry - Col du Marais – Faverges – Ugine – Col de la Forclaz – Beaufort – Col du Pré – Beaufort – Villard sur Doron – Bisanne 1500 – Les Saisies – Flumet – La Giettaz : 145km/4155m+ * Challenging sections: 4 main difficulties: - Col de la Croix Fry: 4 km long with an elevation gain of 242 m, featuring gradients of 7–8 per cent; it starts off relatively gentle before the gradient gradually steepens. - Col de la Forclaz de Queige: a second short but tough climb, 5.1 km long with an average gradient of 8.2 per cent. A short but particularly gruelling climb, with the final two kilometres averaging around 9 per cent. Take care on the descent towards Queige, which is quite steep and narrow, with sections approaching 9 per cent. - Col du Pré: a 12.6 km climb averaging 7.8 per cent from Beaufort. The first few kilometres are around 7 per cent until Arêches, after which the gradient steepens significantly: approximately 6 km at nearly 9.5 per cent, with sections exceeding 10 per cent. Descent from the Col du Pré: take care on the bends before reaching Beaufort. - Last but not least, the Montée de Bisanne: 12.4 km at an average gradient of 8.3 per cent from Villard-sur-Doron.!!! The first half is through woodland, with gradients ranging between 7 and 8 per cent; the final 6 kilometres average over 9 per cent, with sections reaching 10 per cent. After the summit, there is a descent followed by a final climb towards Les Saisies. Other sections not to be overlooked - Col du Marais: an intermediate section of around 4 km, less steep but adding to the total elevation gain. - Valley between Thônes and Ugine: a relatively fast-flowing section, best tackled as a group to conserve energy. Type of land : Hard coating (tar, cement, flooring)