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Press release Cycling 2021 The region offers a level of diverse opportunities Land of Cycling that can enchant the cyclist who prefers a leisurely contemplative pace just as much as it can motivate the ambitious athletes to ride the same roads as the top professional cyclists in the world. Mountains project, initiated in 2015, was born An inspiring tourist destination, Annecy Mountains from the desire to enhance this particular historical, project is innovative and resolutely focused on the geographic and cultural region that includes future. Annecy rests in the heart of a vibrant, healthy the Annecy Basin, the Sources of , ecosystem supported by the Outdoor Sports Valley, a Thônes and the des Aravis. network of protagonists committed to the economic Here, all the protagonists made the choice to bring development of the outdoor sector at the local and together a one-of-a-kind destination, that can international level. succeed in attracting tourists, retaining their loyalty From the edge of the lake to the top of the and innovating the industry. mountains, cycling is a “four seasons” passion. Ideally located in the heart of the Auvergne- Have a wonderful time in Annecy Mountains! Rhône-Alpes region, close both to and , in 2021, Annecy Mountains is confirming itself as an essential cycling destination. Its green cycleways that flow along the turquoise waters of Lake Annecy, with the beautiful roads that pave the way to the top of the mythical mountain passes, the region that is deeply connected to the story of 73 the Tour de , Annecy Mountains is the place where everything is possible. A perfect cycling Its allure has attracted the Grande Boucle since 1939. destination, And this is a relationship that will be strengthened Annecy Mountains again on July 3, 2021, for the 8th stage of the Tour de offers 73 hosts, France. It will be the 16th time that the Tour will visit restaurateurs, shops, the heart of Le Grand-Bornand. and tourist offices with "Accueil Vélo" With 1580 kilometers of marked roads for cyclists label. and 400 kilometers of mountain bike trails, Annecy Mountains is heavenly for all types of bicycles.

2 PRESS RELEASE 1 bike destination, 3 specialty labels

SUMMARY

2/ Annecy Mountains Ville et Territoire Vélotouristiques Land of Cycling Established by the Fédération Française de Cyclotourisme (FFCT), the “Ville et Territoire Vélotouristiques label” / Cycling acknowledges local authorities who offer cyclists a warm 4 welcome, services, and appropriate facilities. At the same time, between lakes it rewards regions that commit and act towards the development of sustainable cycling tourism. and mountains

Accueil Vélo 6/ Cycling "Accueil Vélo" is a national brand. Created in 2008, it offers treasures a unique, simple and understandable services adapted to to discover cycling tourists including cycling itineraries, cycling routes, and designated voies vertes (greenways) of France. 8/ The routes Base VTT around Annecy The "Base VTT" label rewards tourism structures and the Mountains communities that welcome mountain bikers with services and equipment that they need to make the best use of the MTB opportunities in the region. It guarantees fantastic benefits / Cycling: such as marked courses available to all skill levels, better safety 10 conditions, and a system to ensure that all participating mountain an economic bikers are respectful to the environment. animator

12/ Annecy Mountains and the

14/ Cycling and sustainable development

CYCLING 2021 3 Cycling between lake and mountains

-Seythenex

Bicycle tourism Between lake and mountains, Annecy Mountains allows for four-seasons cycling and makes it possible to take time to discover the region and its cultural heritage. The region offers family friendly options as well as sights that are best shared with friends, Annecy Mountains has many delights for the curious and contemplative traveler. Discover the shores of Lake Annecy, explore the green hills buttressed against the high mountains, and the land that extends all the way to the streets of . The whole region offers ample opportunities to escape the ordinary.

Cyclosport Annecy Mountains is an alpine location, rich and varied for people in search of sporting challenges. Since 1939, the region has often been showcased in the grand alpine stages of the Tour de France. Climbers have long tried to defy the clock on the mythical cols and routes carved out in the heart of the massifs des Aravis, de la Tournette and du Semnoz. Have a unique adventure in a dream landscape.

4 PRESS RELEASE -Seythenex

"The bike, here, "The bike, here, is an art of living. I know little places is an art of living" that have given me so much pleasure. Every day, you can discover a different summit. We can go along the lake using the bike path. The voie verte Jean Sulpice offers the possibility of riding from the beginning to the end of the season. It's a perfect place to expand your lungs and clear your mind. From the lake, we can also quickly dive into the mountains for a small PASSIONATE ABOUT CYCLING AND ride or a huge tour. In the summer, I can find myself THE MOUNTAINS, THE TWO-STAR CHEF LEADS riding on passes without once encountering a car. THE HISTORIC RESTAURANT/HOTEL L’AUBERGE The climbs are beautiful. At each summit we feel like we can touch ." DU PÈRE BISE IN -.

CYCLING 2021 5 Col des Annes

Less known than its neighbor col de la Colombière, col des Annes, located on the heights of Le Grand- Bornand, offers a magnificent point of view along the . With an average gradient of 9.72%, including passages up to more than 14%, this road that rises between forests and pastures is a real experience in the heart of the massif. At its summit, so the tradition goes, the famous reblochon cheese was first made at the turn of the 13th century. There you can also find the hamlets of farms that exhibit the typical architecture for the region, some of which still today accommodate pretty tables for summertime dining offering beignets de pomme de terre, which are delicious fried potato pockets…the ultimate reward for cyclists!

Chalet des Rhodos Built at the top of the summit of col des Aravis (1498 m), near the resort of , the Rhodos chalet offers a total change of scenery with a grandiose panorama offering breathtaking views of Mont Blanc. The themed hotel rooms of "Sport Vintage" or "Music Studio" and its gourmet restaurant provide a welcome respite after a day spent on the alpine roads. In this exceptional place, you are free to recharge your e-bike batteries as well as service your bikes or pump up your tires. The Rhodos chalet offers special rates for cyclists on drinks and food: the stage is completely set to have wonderful moments of pleasure and sharing!

Col de la Croix Fry

With 13 km of climbing for an elevation gain of 842 meters, and its 9% gradient, is a mythical climb of the . Since 2000 the Tour de France has challenged the best cyclists in the world on the slopes of col de la Croix Fry. Whether you plan on testing yourself against the clock, or prefer to take your time, climbing col de la Croix Fry will present you with unlimited panoramic vistas over the valley and the southern range of the Aravis. You can also admire the fantastic wooden chalets that line the road and represent the core of the Haut-Savoyard architecture. Halfway up, you can Cycling stop at Lo Garajo, a café-concept, which offers a refreshing place to rest. Take a quiet moment where treasures everything seems to stop. to discover

6 PRESS RELEASE Col de Plan Bois Hybrid boat "The Admiral" Less well known than other passes, col de Plan Bois, in the commune of Clefs, offers you the opportunity Do you want to tour around the lake by bike or to immerse yourself in the silence of altitude. by boat? You can do both! With the new hybrid The climb is difficult, but the small roads are quiet boat The Admiral, the Compagnie des Bateaux and pass between forests and meadows, offering du Lac d’Annecy links the center of Annecy with frequent views of the surrounding magnificent , located at the southern tip of the lake, in peaks. Small hamlets punctuate the ascent, and just 35 minutes. A section of The Admiral has been many farms sell homemade reblochon cheese. converted to provide a space dedicated to bicycle Col de Plan Bois offers an unparalleled viewing point storage. Depending on the season, it is possible to of la Tournette, silently standing watch over Lake cycle along the lakefront and then return by boat. Annecy, the Aravis range, and the valley of . This offers a unique and exciting adventure for The Auberge Restaurant de Plan Bois provides both cyclists of all levels. hikers and cyclists with a beautiful place to stop for a well-deserved rest. Bike Weekender, L’envers des Sources Tour operator of Lake Annecy Bike Weekender is a tour operator that specializes in short cycling vacations. They established the The region of the source of Lake Annecy is located massif Aravis as their main base 15 years ago. at the southern tip of the lake. At the heart of They have their own chalet-hôtel in Saint Jean de this countryside secret you’ll find well preserved Sixt. Ideally nestled where the roads from the Clusaz traditional farms and pasturelands. A winding 44km and Le Grand-Bornand meet, just 55 minutes from route that flanks the massif des offers Geneva and 30 minutes from Annecy, Saint Jean de unique views of the lake and access to the charming Sixt is the ideal starting point to discover the most hamlets typical for the region. The route gains beautiful Alpine routes of the Aravis massif, including only 370m in altitude, which makes it accessible col des Aravis and col de la Colombière, two climbs to cyclists of all abilities, and rewards the traveler that regularly feature in the Tour de France, and are with unexpected discoveries such as the traditional a highlight of Annecy Mountains region. communal ovens, village center washbasins, and fountains where you can refill your bottles with fresh and pure water from the source. The last kilometers will be completed on the voie verte, well protected and secure, which crosses the sources of the lake from the south to north and returns you to the edge of the lake.

CYCLING 2021 7 The routes of Annecy Mountains

le vers Bourg- D26 G iff Col de la re en-Bresse Viry Croisette Pers-Jussy St-Jean-de-Tholome 1862 m

Feigères le Grand D903 Châtillon- la Rivière- Valserhône D1206 Piton e susur-Clusesr- Enverse ValleiryValleiry Chênex Bonneville Présilly Le Chable1375 m v l' VulbensVulbens è CLUSES St-Sigismond VersVers Col des l la Roche- AAyzeyze vers Bourg- Léaz TheDingy-en-Dingy-en-Vuache Vuacheessential A40 PiPitonstons a susur-Foronr-Foron D1203 la Chapelle- VVougyougy en-Bresse S 44 Arcine JonzieJonzier-r- Rambaud ExtractsA40 from the cycling map in Mont Blanc. Eloise Le Vuache Andilly Eteaux Epagny St-Blaise VVovray-ovray- e St-Pierre-en- St-Germain- V Savigny en-Bornes Menthonnex- ClarafondTo downloaduache on the officialCernex app: L Faucigny sur-Rhônesur-Rhône en-Bornes Mont-Saxonnex Nancy- D1201 St-Sixt $ vélo Savoie MontMinzier Blanc St-Laurent Brizon susur-Clusesr-Cluses Chêne-en- A BarrageBarrage de Semine 4 1 VVilly-le-Bouveretilly-le-Bouveret A41 Génissiat Evires VVanzyanzy Chaumont les Usses n Romme o 21 Col de r Orange 45 d Solaison Contamine- Sarzin le Petit-Bornand- 44 D992 D1203 45 Allonzier-Allonzier- les-Glières la Pointe Sallenoves le Rhône la-Caille d’Areu Thorens-Glières Pic de Jalouvre

VVilly-le-illy-le- Col de la Colombière 2478 m le Borne Musièges le Borne 2408 m 1613 m Pelloux Chilly D1508 Choisy 6 D910 44 Mésigny les Ollières Aviernoz le Chinaillon Col des Annes 6 21 Entremont 7 St-Martin- Clermont Menthonnex- Col des Glières la Pointe Percée 16 sous-Clermont Bellevue le Grand- - 7 Le Parmelan 2750 m de- Bornand 1832 m Seyssel Droisy 16 V62 Epagny Pringy Crempigny- Sillingy Mont Lachat Cordon Nâves-Parmelan 2020 m St-Jean-de-Sixt Bonneguete 5 - St-Eusèbe 5 Tessy le Annecy- 3 VVal-al- le-Vieux 45 VaulxVaulx Meythet D16 Dingy-St-Clair le Nom la Clusaz de-Fier VVersonnexersonnex 45 les Villards- Tête Pelouse Motz Cran- la Balme-de-Thuy le Grand Hauteville- sur-Thônes 2537 m Colombier 12 sur-Fiersur-Fier 15 5 Gevrier le Fier 46 D909 14 15 13 14 16 le Clergeon 1 47 VVallièresallières Lac d'Annecy Col des Aravis 1025 m ANNECY 2 La Croix Fry 1486 m 13 2 Alex le Fier Etercy Veyrier- Thônes 11 Seynod du-Lac Dent du Cruet 46 Sâles 15 12 8 14 13 1833 m Megève Serrières-en- Montagny- 11 Chautagne Manigod - les-Lanches 10 (450 m) Menthon-St-Bernard Merdassier L’Etale 47 12 12 Rumilly 51 Praz-sur-ArlyPraz-sur- D1201 2484 m Boussy 9 51 Col de D1212 Culoz Quintal l’Arly 14 z Talloires Col du Marais Plan Bois Col du 837 m Marigny CleClergeonrgeon St-Sylvestre 9 o 11 St-Marcel St-Jorioz V62 13 13 Massingy la Tournette N.D.de Bellecombe n 4 2351 m 3 St-Nicolas-la-Chapelle Col du Alby/Chéran Mont Charvin 9 SapenaySapenay 4 2404 m VVionsions m 8 12 897 m Viuz-la-Chiésaz Montmin Crest- S Mûres 10 3 Col de la a e VVolandoland v Crêt de le Bouchet i St-Felix Forclaz è Cessens St-Eustache 1 r Châtillon e Héry- 1150 m A41 S s Héry-suHéry-sur-Uginer- sur-Alby 1699 m Col de l’Épine 8 Albens l e 46 la Chapelle- Col des Saisies C St-Maurice D1508 St-Germain- h Doussard Val de Chaise 1650 m St-Girod e St-Pierre- é 47 D1212 (230 m) la-Chambotte 11 ra St-Ferréol Marlens de-Curtille n Les Saisies D991 Ugine Chainaz- L 48 9 les-Frasses Col de Leschaux Montée Chevaline V62 8 St-Ours 897 m d’Entrevernes Giez le Rhône Allèves 8 Val de Chaise Cons-Ste-Colombe 13 - Villard-sur-DoronVillard-sur-Doron Lucey Mognard Seythenex 9 Bellecombe- Epersy St-Offenge-Dessous 9 en-Bauges 48 D1201 Sierroz 8 13 51 Faverges-Seythenex 8 10 Beaufort St-Offenge-Dessus 48 2064 m Thénésol le Montcel Doron de Beaufort Brison- Arith 66 Césarches Billième St-Innocent Grésy-sur-AixGrésy-sur-Aix 48 la Chapelle-du- TrévigninTrévignin turel régional Mont-du-Chat rc na la Motte-en-Bauges Pte de la Sambuy Mont Mirantin Arêches La Balme Pa 66 Col du Pré D1504 St-Jean- 2198 m VenthonVenthon 2461 m Col du Chat Pugny-Chatenod 1703 m de-Chevelu 633 m St-François- Doucy-en-Bauges 66 Legend de-Sales le Châtelard AIX-LES-BAINS Col de Tamié Mercury 48 ALBERTVILLEALBERTVILLE le Noyer l’Arcalod 907 m Family-Dent friendly du routes, flatBourdeau and short DepartureMouxy point of marked routes d la Compôte 2217 m St-Paul Chat 1390 m le RevardRevard u 66 -en-SavoieTours-en-Savoie TresserveTresserve Mas s Verrens-Verrens- TraizeTraize Hilly routesRelais of du moderate difficulty Voie verte sif des Bauge Arvey Gilly- Mont-du-Chat Drumettaz- 48 Clarafond TournonTournon sur-Isèresur-Isère Grignon Fitness routes Rustic path Aillon- le Grand Mont le-le-VieuxVieux n Cléry Ecole éra 2686 m Meyrieux- Highly athletic routes Tourist Office certified Accueil Vélo Mont Ch la Chapelle- Viviers-du-LacViviers-du-Lac Col de le TTrouetrouet la Féclaz Colombier St-Martin LE BOURGET- Mery Plainpalais St-VitalSt-Vital la Bathie VoglansVoglans 11173173 m 2043 m N.D. des DU-LAC Millières Isère Aillons- Esserts-Blay VerthemexVerthemex t les Déserts Aillon-le-Jeune a Margériaz Ste-Hélène- h susur-Isèrer-Isère

C Grésy- Ste-Reine l’Arclusaz St-Paul-sur-IsèreSt-Paul-sur-Isère u Verel-Verel- susur-Isèrer-Isère d Pragondran 2041 m t Leysse n Chambéry-

o Col des PPrésrés le-Vieuxle-Vieux N90 M Thoiry 11135135 m Fréterive la Motte-Servolex St-Pierre- Rochefort St-Alban-Leysse le Grand Arc Bassens Col du FFrênerêne d'Albigny St-Jean- D1090 A43 2482 m d'Arvey 950 m Feissons- Aiton CHAMBÉRYCHAMBÉRY Barby susur-Isèrer-Isère MAISON DU LAC Col de St-Sulpice St-Jean- Nâves l’Épine de-la-Porte Chamousset 03.21 AAynyn 987 m Bourgneuf A43 Randens Montgirod

Dullin St-Alban- Jacob- Challes- Col du Coise-St-Jean- Châteauneuf Chamoux-sur-GelonChamoux-su -Gelon Aiguebelle Mont BellachaBonneval de-Montbel Bellecombette Pied-Gauthier AIGUEBLANCHE ) les-Eaux Marocaz m 0 958 m D1006 c 7 la (3 Zoom to… Gravel riding

Similar to any dropbar road bike except for the wider, more durable tires, gravel riding is growing in popularity. This is no craze in Annecy Mountains since the region has been a pioneer in cultivating this type of riding. Most famously, “The Resistance,” the first non-timed gravel event in France, was established in 2016. With a course that traces over the historic locations used by the Haute-Savoie resistance fighters during the Second World War, on the plateau des Glières. The event starts in Talloires, on the shores of Lake Annecy, and offers two routes of varying length and difficulty (one with 130 km/3200 m climbing and one of 90 km/2400 m climbing) which scale the Hors Catégorie col de l’Arpettaz, and la Route de la Soif, a gravel ascent in the heart of the massif des Aravis that is 14.3km long and gains 347m in "There are so elevation (also Hors Catégorie). The latter offers an many possibilities" extraordinary panorama view of Mont Blanc.

Angelo Tulik

Eight secret routes that offer so many hidden HAVING BEEN A PROFESSIONAL treasures, characterized FROM 2012 TO 2019, ANGELO TULIK by their landscapes, and / PARTICIPATED IN THREE TOURS DE or quaint villages: la montée FRANCE. HE, ALONG WITH HIS OLDER d'Entrevernes, le circuit du col de Tamié - la Sambuy, BROTHER, OWNS LE CHALET NORDIC col aux 100 virages, IN CLUSAZ, A STORE DEVOTED TO col de l'Épine, Plan Bois, CYCLING AND SKIING. le Tour des Glières and la boucle col des Annes - "When I was a professional cyclist, I loved to col de Chatillon on gravel 8 come training in the massif des Aravis. This is where I made my debut in the mountains. There are so many possibilities. We can ride to Lake Annecy, to or towards the north of the department. There are many mythical cols of the Tour de France nearby, and others that are less known. This is the case for col du Marais, col de l’Épine and col de Tamié. When we ride, we look for calm and the solitude. These three passes are great for riders of all levels and ambitions because the gradients are not extreme, and the traffic is not intimidating or heavy. They provide a good introduction to riding in the mountains. You can make it as hard or relaxing as you like.”

CYCLING 2021 9 Cycling, economic animator

Companies SCOTT Sports SCOTT Sports France, located in the heart of the parc who roll! des Glaisins, at Annecy-le-Vieux, is the subsidiary of SCOTT Sports. SCOTT Sports is a sports equipment manufacturer based in Switzerland, but founded in the United States in 1958. The manufacture, development, marketing and sales of bicycles is the focus of the Group, a major player in the cycling industry.

WhaTTfornow Based in Annecy, WhaTTfornow was born in 2016 out of the imagination of four passionate Ateliers HeritageBike enthusiasts of riding and challenges. Since 2020, they have been marketing three models (urban, Founded in Annecy in 2019, Ateliers HeritageBike all-road, and mountain bike) of an amazing electric design high quality bicycles with electrical assistance bike with a double independent transmission. that are made to look like classic motorcycles. Their unprecedented approach to VAE (ebikes) The manufacture of these bikes is essentially centered on enjoyment and freedom bikes offer, manual and 80% of the parts used are of French however the bikes are powered. origin. These electric bicycles are produced in limited series.

Yuba Bicycles France MeroMero Yuba Bicycles France, based at the entrance of the massif Aravis in the municipality of the Balme-de- Created in 2016, the MeroMero brand designs Thuy, markets e-cargo bicycles. The objective of lifestyle bags and accessories for cyclists with an the company is to give people the opportunity to urban style. Three words characterize the company: discover the potential of the cargo bike as a means ingenuity, durability and design. MeroMero donates of simple, healthy, efficient urban mobility which is 1% of its turnover to environmental causes. environmentally friendly.

10 PRESS RELEASE "Cycling is a territorial issue" Patrick Giraudon

OWNER OF THE BRAND ARVA (DEVICES DETECTORS FOR VICTIMS OF AVALANCHES) AND IMPORTER OF DOZENS OF OUTDOOR BRANDS, PATRICK GIRAUDON IS PRESIDENT OUTDOOR SPORTS VALLEY, ANNECY BASIN ASSOCIATION WHICH DEVELOPS AND ENHANCES THE DYNAMICS OF PROTAGONISTS FROM THE OUTDOOR SPORTS INDUSTRY.

"The bike is a territorial issue. It's a diverse and varied activity with different types of consumers and users. Regarding the Annecy Mountains region, we can check all boxes for every type of outdoor and cycling "A perfect region for enthusiast. Within the Outdoor Sports Valley all sporting ambitions" (OSV), we are keeping track of the brands, distribution subsidiaries as well as many young companies and company founders Richard who are surfing on this wave and are creating new products in the region for the industry. Collomb Patton The outdoors is very vast. There are many sports from which to choose, and cycling is one of them. OSV is at the service of its members. The more we meet around the GENERAL MANAGER OF SCOTT SPORTS bike, the more we can energize the sectors.” FRANCE SINCE 2014, RICHARD COLLOMB PATTON IS IN CHARGE OF ALL RELATIONS WITH THE UNION SPORTS & CYCLES WITHIN THE OUTDOOR SPORTS VALLEY.

"SCOTT has been based in the Annecy Basin since 1992. The choice was to position itself in Annecy to take advantage of the availability of the winter sports as well as the summer since we had the idea that the bicycle also has its place in both season’s outdoor environment. We believed this to be the case, and it has remained the case to this day. We know that more and more of the trips around the region are being done on bicycles. Being based in the Annecy Basin means that the company benefits from the location, which is an asset for its employees with the proximity to beautiful roads near the offices, and a region that is perfect for all sporting ambitions. At SCOTT Sports France, we do not develop products, but we regularly visit the engineers based at the company headquarters in Friborg, Switzerland, who also come here to enjoy roads to test materials and products.”

CYCLING 2021 11 Annecy Mountains & the Tour de France

FROM THE SHORES OF LAKE ANNECY TO It was not only the emerald waters of Lake Annecy THE ALPINE PASSES OF THE MASSIF ARAVIS, that enticed the Amaury Sport Organization to THE ANNECY MOUNTAINS OFFER A WIDE continue to return to the region, but also the access RANGE OF TASTES AND POSSIBILITIES FOR to the magnificent climbs in the region that rise high above to offer unparallel views over the region, ANYONE WHO LOVES TO CYCLE. with its wealth of history. Le Grand-Bornand has THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THIS REGION maintained this tradition thanks to its dynamism AND THE TOUR DE FRANCE RUNS DEEP IN and expertise in organizing events. Since 1995, the THIS DIVERSE OUTDOOR PLAYGROUND. resort, located at the foot of the Aravis range, has welcomed a stage of the Tour de France eight times. The first time the Tour de France traversed The protagonists of the region have also always the roads of Annecy Mountains dates back to 1939 been able to raise up to the craziest challenges. when Annecy acted as a ville départ and ville For instance, the road along the lake was used in d'arrivée. 2009 for a unique and beautiful time trial around the Since then, the Tour de France has returned seven lake. Then in 2018 and 2020, the plateau des Glières, times to the shores of Lake Annecy: 1939 (ville used heavily by fighters during départ and ville arrivée), 1959 (ville départ and World War II, was instead used by the peloton for arrivée), 2009, 2013 and 2018. two amazing stages.

12 PRESS RELEASE "The gateway to the Alps of the Tour 2021" Christian Prudhomme

THE DIRECTOR OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE MAINTAINS A PRIVILEGED RELATIONSHIP WITH THE REGION OF ANNECY MOUNTAINS.

"Annecy Mountains is an excellent region for cycling where bike riding is booming, in all its different forms. It's no coincidence that the Tour de France regularly visits this The stage on wonderful region. In 2021, the 8th stage will be the gateway to the Alps for the Tour de France. It will be a truly beautiful day of July 3, 2021 in racing in the mountains with a series of very challenging climbs with steep ramps. Cols de three numbers Romme, Reposoir, and col de la Colombière: they are crazy difficult, which should please the punchy climbers. I have a of beautiful 3 JULY 2021, FOR THE 108th EDITION memories from Le Grand-Bornand. Meetings OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE that have transformed into friendships. Julian Alaphilippe's victory in 2018. The visit (26 JUNE – 18 JULY 2021), of the President Nicolas Sarkozy in 2009. I LE GRAND-BORNAND WILL first discovered the territory as a journalist in WELCOME THE ARRIVAL OF THE 8th 1995. I remember that very clearly because I STAGE BETWEEN OYONNAX (AIN) had forgotten my Nagra (recorder)!” AND THE ARAVIS SKI RESORT. 1 Since 1939, the Tour de France has hosted a stage in Annecy Mountains at sixteen times. However, only once has a French rider won a stage. In 2018, Julian Alaphilippe took the victory in the stage between Annecy and Le Grand-Bornand. 9 For the ninth time in its history, Le Grand-Bornand will act as a ville étape for the Tour de France on July 3, 2021. In 2007 the Aravis ski resort acted as both a ville départ and a ville arrivée.

1618 Col de la Colombière, the last of the three mountains to climb this year’s 8th stage, is 1618m high. Its average gradient is 8.5% over 7.5 km. The steepest percentages are between the 5th and 6th km (10.2%).

CYCLING 2021 13 Cycling and sustainable development

THE BIKE BELONGS TO THE CATEGORY OF THE SO-CALLED "SOFT" MODES OF TRANSPORTATION. THEY ARE ALSO OFTEN REFERRED TO AS "ACTIVE" MODES. RIDING A BIKE TENDS TO REDUCE THE IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT. LOCAL COMMUNITIES HAVE PUT IN PLACE SEVERAL INITIATIVES TO PROMOTE THE USE OF THESE MORE GENTLE MODES OF TRANSPORTATION IN AND AROUND THE ANNECY MOUNTAINS, AND THUS MAKE IT ACCESSIBLE TO EVERYONE (ATHLETES, TOURISTS, EMPLOYEES).

Thônes project for 4.1 kilometers of protected bike lanes The commune of Thônes, in the Massif des Aravis, is working on creating a network of three secure cycleways by 2025. The 4.1 km network will be dedicated to cycling of all types on a daily basis. The first section will be built in 2021, and as part of the cycling project, additional infrastructure such as bicycle storage and parking shelters will be built in support as well.

Tour the lake along a secure bike lane With an increase of 17% of the number of cyclists on the shores of Lake Annecy at the height of the season (July - September) in 2020, the greater Annecy region wants to offer cyclists a safe and secure way to negotiate traffic on their cycling paths and voies vertes. The goal is to facilitate the crossing of Annecy thanks to a secure bike infrastructure that will limit conflict and pinch points between pedestrians and cyclists, in addition to removing them from automotive traffic.

Seasonal parking Communities taking and rest areas action to develop Annecy Mountains is working to establish bike parking and rest areas that will communicate with cycling-friendly the various popular tourist sites in the region that are connected to public transport and bicycle infrastructures pathways. The objective is to reduce car traffic and promote modes of transportation that are much better for the environment.

14 PRESS RELEASE Develop dedicated services

A self-service bicycle rental system around Lake Annecy A self-service bicycle system has been put in place on the shores of Lake Annecy. This deployment of bicycles relies on 10 stations located around the lake and on the development of a dedicated application. Vélonecy 60 minutes is a rental system of self-service bike that offers attractive solutions and alternatives to everyone interested in getting away from using a car. This system is lightweight and adapted to people’s needs.

Financial assistance for bicycles purchases (road, ebike, cargo ...) “Ebikes have The bike is a means of transportation for many the capability of people on a daily basis around the greater Annecy democratizing area. Establishing a system by which financial assistance can be given to people who want to bicycle riding” have bicycles for commuting will help develop the use of bikes in the entire region. Lionel Beaumont

The SkiBus network accessible to cyclists INTERSPORT MANAGER AT GRAND-BORNAND Inspired by the system set up in the winter between the different stations of the massif des Aravis, the "In 2020, we offered more than 100 bicycles vehicles have been applied to summer uses with (MTB, ebikes, and road bikes) for rent. the "skibus été" network of Aravis, which serve the main locations of activity and residence around the In 2011, I was the first to rent an ebike at Le Aravis stations. They are equipped with a device Grand-Bornand and it immediately worked. to accommodate bicycles (between 3 and 5). Initially, it was a bit of a delicate issue because To limit the use of the car, the communities will want ebikes had to coexist with the other cyclists. to expand the skibus capacity to carry bicycles by There was a level of reluctance, but we increasing the bike racks storage space. were able to work with and convince them. Over the years, more and more brands have started making ebike of all sorts and styles. A day dedicated The use of ebikes has democratized cycling. to cycling in Thônes Over the past ten years, the evolution has been extraordinary. It has had a profound June 26, 2021, the town of Thônes in the massif impact on us. Today, the bike section des Aravis will celebrate a day entitled "Faites du represents 25% of our turnover. In Aravis or vélo" dedicated to getting around on two wheels. around the lake, everyone rents an ebike. They will host playful events, sporting activities It boosted the cycling economy, which and other ways to encourage everyone to have fun was running on empty. We have gained on bikes. The day is intended to raise awareness customers who want to ride bikes to discover regarding the choices in mobility: ebike and cargo the mountains. It's a new sport that reflects bike test rides are proposed, a workshop to teach the best traditions of cycling. Now ebikes basic bike maintenance, and local officials will are even available in racing bike models, be on hand to discuss the issues around bicycles which opens up even more opportunity and and mobility. interest. We had been missing that.”

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