EPIC21 2026 On Strava.
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Epic21 2026
Epic21 2026 was held in Alpe d’Huez between 6-12th June 2026. It was the first edition of Epic21 and intended as a full scale test of the concept but limited to a fairly small selection of about 20 riders including UK Hill climbing & GCN legend Andrew Feather, who will join us again in Bourg-Saint-Maurice in 2027.
For 2027 it was decided to offer a second French Alps base in addition to Alpe d’Huez and our immediate choice was Bourg-Saint-Maurice because of the range of routes and climbs it offers. In 2026, most participants joined group rides of different level and intensity whilst others did their own thing.
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Some of the rides in data
The Strava data for a selection of the rides done by various participants during the Epic21 week in Alpe d’Huez. Although for an entirely different area to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, this gives a good idea on the range of distances, elevation gain and pace that various participants undertook. The kind of climbs around both Tour de France famous area are not too dissimilar.
Day1- Easy pace, one of the most stunning nearby valleys with a return via Tour de France 2026 Queen Stage #20 finish via Col de Sarenne
Day-2 Easy pace, more elevation gain with the legendary Col de la Croix de Fer which will feature on Tour de France 2026 Queen stage 20 plus the World most famous climb and Tour de France 2026 Stage #19 finish : the legendary 21 Hairpins
The famous Marmotte Granfondo route (or a slight variant). A super tough route including legendary Col de La Croix de Fer, Col du Galibier, Col du Lautaret and Alpe d'Huez 21 hairpins. Definitely not for everyone and near enough the same route as Tour de France 2026 Stage #20
Day-3 the easy pace group discovering some hidden climbs like Oulles, a tough but scenic climb, 'easy' Col d'Ornon and it's average 6%, also feature on 2026 Tour de France Stage #19 and finish on the alternative incredibly scenic route back to Alpe d'Huez: Pas de la Confession and it's breathtaking views over Bourg d'Oisans and the whole valley.
Andrew Feather's slight variant of the easy pace group to La Berarde on Day-1. With some strong riders for part of the route and then joining the easy pace group.
To the world famous and ultra high (2600m) Col du Galibier via Col du Lautaret and returning on the same route as 2026 Tour de France Queen Stage #20 finishing on wild and stunning Col de Sarenne (1999m) before rejoining the top o Alpe d'Huez
Discovering hidden climbs and chasing KOMs and Cups above Oz, Pas de la Confession for two of the strongest climbers in the group
The two strongest climbers chasing more KOMs and Cups on more hidden climbs aside of Alpe d'Huez.
The incredible Col du Sabot above Vaujany, which is so high the last 50 metres still had snow on the narrow road. Easy pace soaking the magnificent views