There are races. And then, there are experiences.
Serre Chevalier Altitude Challenge
One starting area. And all around you… climbs stretching out in
every direction.
You leave the hub. You climb.
The silence, the view, the burning in your legs.
Then you head back down.
And you go again. Five times in total.
That is SCAC.
A challenge you build, climb after climb.
A ranking you shape by adding up your ascent times.
Will you make it to the end?
• Col de l’Izoard
• Casse Déserte
• Croix de Toulouse
• Col du Granon
• Puy Saint Pierre
• Col des Gondrans
• Lac de l’Orceyrette
• Croix de Toulouse
• Chalets de Sachas
• Puy Saint Pierre
Start : Villard-Saint-Pancrace
How it works :
Key words : Freedom, Fun, Discovery
Come and enjoy a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where exploring the breathtaking Alpine landscapes matters just as much as the final ranking.
The decisive climb of the gravel race is a little-known giant.
"The Alpe d'Huez of the Briançonnais" truly deserves its nickname with its 25 hairpin bends in 5 km.
The villages of Puy, west of Briançon, offer a beautiful glimpse of the local landscape.
The rugged slopes leading up to it are no walk in the park, but the sheer wonder of the lake’s turquoise blue waters is well worth the effort.
This lovely gravel track links the valley to a few chalets that are only accessible for part of the year, once the snow has melted.
"The Alpe d'Huez of the Briançonnais" truly deserves its nickname with its 25 hairpin bends in 5 km.
Less famous than its southern face, the climb up the Izoard from Briançon offers a manageable ascent in its first section (untimed, making it ideal for a warm-up) before getting seriously tough in the second half—which, fortunately, takes place almost entirely within the forest.
Stunning sceneries and a visit to the Coppi/Bobet memorial should give you an extra boost!
The villages of Puy, west of Briançon, offer a beautiful glimpse of the local landscape. SATURDAY
2 PM – 7 PM :
Bib collection at the Centre Montagne reception desk, Villard-Saint-Pancrace.
7 PM :
Welcome speech by the organizers, race briefing, and dinner (booking required).
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM : Bib collection
8:50 AM : Gravel race start
9:00 AM : Road race start
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM : Feed zone open
1:00 PM : Post-race meal served continuously until 6:30 PM
6:30 PM : Podium ceremony
The Briançonnais region, in the heart of the Hautes-Alpes, is a true paradise for cycling enthusiasts. Surrounded by majestic peaks, the area offers legendary mountain roads such as the Col du Granon and the Col d’Izoard, alongside more intimate climbs like the Col des Gondrans.
Every summer, countless cyclists come to test their legs on these legendary passes made famous by the Tour de France. With its Alpine villages, pure mountain air, and breathtaking panoramas, the Briançonnais appeals to both performance-driven riders and those looking for a scenic bike tour.
Free parking is available next to the race start, at the Centre Montagne in Villard-Saint-Pancrace (located 3 km from the Briançon train station).
No, the choice is yours! You can complete the climbs in whichever order you prefer. 😊
No, every participant must strictly follow the rules of the road. Violating these rules means automatic disqualification. This means always riding on the right side of the road and never cutting corners.
Yes, the top three finishers in each category (Overall Men’s and Women’s rankings) will receive prizes.
The course might look intimidating, especially in the mountains, but it remains very approachable.
Don’t put yourself under pressure—just enjoy the experience and the scenery at your own pace. There is no obligation to finish every climb; the starting hub is never far away (especially on the way down!).
The most important thing is to have fun on your bike and share a great day out together.
If weather conditions or health regulations make it impossible to hold the Serre Chevalier Altitude Challenge, registrations will be :
Automatically deferred to 2027
Refunded upon written request
Kept as a donation to support the organizer (please specify in writing)
Yes ! You must upload your supporting document to our website or present it in person at the bib collection desk.
📌 https://maps.app.goo.gl/Q4gsdzyQrWjUfVReA
By Car :
1.5 hours from Gap
2 hours from Turin
2 to 2.5 hours from Grenoble
3 hours from Valence, Lyon, Annecy, or Marseille
4.5 hours from Nice or Montpellier
7 to 8 hours from Paris
By Train :
Regional TER trains serve the Briançon train station. Direct lines are available from :
Paris (Night Train): Departure at 8:51 PM, arriving in Briançon at 8:38 AM. Return departure at 7:58 PM, arriving in Paris at 7:53 AM.
Romans-sur-Isère (4 hours): via Valence TGV, Valence, Crest, Die, Gap, and Embrun.
Marseille (4.75 hours): via Aix-en-Provence, Manosque, Sisteron, Gap, and Embrun.
Other cities: Travelers from Perpignan, Béziers, Montpellier, Nîmes, Lyon, or Annecy can reach us with a connection at Valence TGV or Romans.
International & High-Speed Options :
From Italy : You can take a train to Oulx and finish the journey by bike (a scenic 30 km ride via the Col du Montgenèvre).
Paris-Turin Line (TGV INOUI or Frecciarossa): A great option for those near Paris (4.5 hours), Mâcon, Lyon, Aix-les-Bains, Chambéry, or Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne. Stop at Oulx to reach the event.
All types of bikes are welcome: road bikes, gravel bikes, mountain bikes (MTB), e-bikes, and e-MTBs… However, e-bikes and e-MTBs are not included in the official rankings.
Registration includes :
- Race bib
- 5 feeding zones
- Complimentary post-race meal
- Route details: GPX tracks of the route + timed segments (GPX tracks + Flags on the right side of the road)
- Prizes for the top 3 finishers of each category (Road/Gravel and Men/Women)
- Event photos
- Course safety (on-site doctors and first aid)
- Massage stand: For those who wish to book a post-race massage (€25 for 30-minute session)
Optional extras :
- Saturday night hot meal: €10
- Bag drop service: €2 (ideal if you are arriving without a car)