Les Dix Alpes 

The famous cols of the Tour de France: Col de l'Iseran, Col du Galibier, Col d'Izoard and Col de la Bonette. In addition, some less known, but not less challenging, climbs like the Simplon Pass, Col du Petit St. Bernard, Col du Grand St. Bernard, Col de Vars and Col de Lautaret. What can we say more ... 
Nine passes above 2,000 meters plus the legendary climb to the ski resort of l'Alpe d'Huez. A lot of famous professionals fought out here heroic duels in the past. Now it’s your turn to write your own cycling history.
  

You start with a relatively flat stage along the beautiful shores of Lago di Como, Lago di Lugano and Lago Maggiore. After leaving the Italian-Swiss lake district you climb over the Simplon Pass in the direction of Switzerland. The first in a row of ten 'Hors Category' climbs. From then on, every day another mythical climb is waiting.

The first rest day is planned in Visp which is the gateway to Zermatt and the Matterhorn, one of the world's most characteristic mountains. You return to the Italian Aosta Valley via the Col du Grand St. Bernard. At the end of the valley the highest mountain of the Alps looms up, the majestic Mont Blanc. You cross the border with France over the Col du Petit St. Bernard, after which the famous Tour cols follow each other rapidly. 
A second well-deserved rest day is planned in the picturesque village of Bourg d'Oisans at the foot of l'Alpe d'Huez. After climbing the last and highest Col de la Bonette of 2.802 meters you drop down to sea level in two days through wonderful gorges.

The third edition of “Les Dix Alpes” starts Monday June 20th, 2011 in Como.  The finish lies after 12 days, 1.100 kilometres and a multitude of beads of sweat at the waving palms on the boulevard in Nice. 

The whole route follows neatly paved and relatively quiet scenic mountain roads. The course varies from relatively flat roads along the lakes to long, steep climbs in the Alps. You are of course rewarded after each climb with a spectacular descent. 
The tour enters the Alps during the beginning of the summer season. Probably you will get some beautiful sunny days, but keep in mind : the weather conditions in the Alps can always be unsettled. The circumstances can become heroic if you reach altitudes above 2.000 metres.

The tour is open for cyclists from all around the world to create an exceptional atmosphere, during as well as after the bike ride.  

“Les Dix Alpes” is a physical challenge in a stunning setting. You don’t have to be a famous professional to get the feeling that you are a rider of the Tour de France. Climb the legendary cols at your speed and dream that you are Federico Bahamontes, Marco Pantani or Lance Armstrong.

Bike-Dreams co-operates with OCF Australia in 2010 and 2011. 
OCF ( Oncology Children's Foundation ) is a not-for-profit children's charity dedicated to helping sick and critically ill children suffering from cancer, leukaemia and other serious cancer related illnesses.  

"Les Dix Alps" is one of the OCF-charity challenges in 2010 and 2011.  

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