the trip

This new five-night trip for keen amateur cyclists culminates with the ultimate bucket-list challenge, the Epic 21. This new cycling challenge takes places in legendary Alpe d’Huez in Isère from 6 to 11 June 2026. The Epic 21 challenges participants to cycle the mythical 21 hairpin bend ascent to France’s cycling capital, Alpe d’Huez as many times as they can on the day of the challenge - that could be 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or even 8 times.

The challenge is designed to be modular. You might want to aim initially for three ascents, then depending on how the legs feel after three, push yourself to your limits and get one more done! You might have your mind set on the kudos of having Everested the challenge with 8 ascents, bearing in mind that very few people can manage that.

The trip is brought to you by Peak Retreats, French Alps specialists since 2002, and will be hosted by keen road cyclists, Xavier, one of Peak Retreats founders and Olivier, a Director.

Before the day of the challenge, you’ll have a couple of days to acclimatise by enjoying some of the other legendary road rides, climbs and itineraries in this amazing location. We have properly researched almost a dozen amazing itineraries for all levels, each with their own appeal. Some of the pictures shown illustrate these. We will provide detailed guides and GPX for all the routes. The idea is that groups of similar level riders will form and that you will be able to ride these as a group.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS ICONIC SETTING →

DISCOVER WHERE YOU’LL BE STAYING →

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT GETTING TO ALPE D’HUEZ →