At Matchy, we particularly enjoy varying our routes, just as we dislike the unpleasant surprises of overly busy roads. That's why we've decided to present several must-do routes to help you kick off winter on the right foot and discover new training routes, all starting and finishing at our Clubhouse, of course!

Whether it's for a coffee before you leave or to quench your thirst upon your return, we will be delighted to welcome you and debrief together on the itinerary you have chosen and the options available to you!

1- La clubhouse favorite

The clubhouse favorite This ride was a sensation during one of our Saturday outings, where all participants unanimously loved the route. This hilly course takes you through villages surrounding Annecy.

Departure : Start your ride from the Matchy Cyclist Clubhouse, your ideal starting point for this adventure.

Key features:

- This route starts with an urban section, but don't worry, the cycle paths will be there to allow you to ride safely.

- At the 12th kilometer, the climb from La Balme-de-Sillingy towards Choisy, 6 kilometers long with an average gradient of 3.7%, is a steady ascent between houses.

- At kilometer 32, the climb from Sallenôves to La Combe de Sillingy, 6 kilometers long with an average gradient of 4.1%, is a less regular ascent, with sections where the gradient increases, reaching up to 15%; this is the moment to launch your attack!

-The return to the Clubhouse will be hilly, with a downhill profile that will take you to the town of Meythet, where cycle paths will be available for your safety.

Distance : 60 kilometers, D+ 893m.

Difficulty: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)

The map:

2- The Tournette loop

The Tour du Tournette This is a hilly route that takes you through the unspoiled landscapes of the Col du Marais. In winter, this outing offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of the nearby ski slopes.

Departure : Start your adventure at Matchy Cyclist Clubhouse, located in the heart of Annecy.

Key features:

- This route begins on the cycle path linking Annecy to the Col de Bluffy, a steady climb along the shores of Lake Annecy. Once you reach the top of the Col de Bluffy, you will turn left to descend before climbing back up to the Balcons de Sillingy road, which will take you to Thônes.

- A steady climb from Thônes awaits you towards the Col du Marais. This climb offers views of alpine meadows and the first approaches to the surrounding mountains.

Upon reaching the summit of the Col du Marais, you'll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the surrounding valleys and peaks, providing a welcome respite before the descent. At Serraval, there's a slight descent before a technical section with a series of switchbacks.

- The return to the Clubhouse will be via the cycle path along the lake, offering a calm and easy end to the route, ideal for spinning the legs.

Distance : 71 kilometers, D+ 730m.

Difficulty: ⭐️⭐️ (2/5)

The map:

3- Discovering Albanian

Discovering Albanian, This route will take you through the Fier valley. This hilly route will offer you natural landscapes on the outskirts of the Annecy countryside.

Departure : Dstart your outing from the Matchy Cyclist Clubhouse, your ideal starting point for this adventure.

Key features:

- This route starts with a short urban section; cycle paths will be there to allow you to leave the city safely.

- The first difficulty will await you at the end of 11 kilometers, when you begin the climb from Sillingy towards the Combes de Sillingy, followed by a descent of 3 kilometers towards Planchamps.

- A second climb awaits you at the 20th kilometer, leading you to a more demanding ascent, the climb of Saint-Eusèbe (2 kilometers at an average gradient of 7%), followed by a 5-kilometer descent towards Hauteville-sur-Fier.

- To continue this hilly route, the third climb will be at kilometer 34, just outside Hauteville-sur-Fier. You will face a 6-kilometer climb with an average gradient of 3.2%, leading you towards the Route des Creuses.

- A final climb awaits you at the 47th kilometer before descending towards Annecy, where you will rejoin the cycle paths to return to the Clubhouse and enjoy a cookie and a hot drink.

Distance : 56 kilometers, D+ 946m.

Difficulty: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)

The map:

4- The TDL

The tour of the lake, A true classic, whether for a coffee ride or a recovery outing. It will never disappoint, with its legendary views throughout the entire route. It's also an opportunity to admire the surrounding snow-capped mountains while enjoying the tranquility of the bike path, far from the summer crowds.

Departure : Dstart your outing from the Matchy Cyclist Clubhouse, your ideal starting point for this adventure.

Key features:

- This route starts from our clubhouse, where you will only have one kilometer to travel before joining the cycle path.

- Enjoy the first 8 kilometers of flat terrain to admire the view of the lake, before tackling the only difficulty of the course.

- The climb to Talloires, with more than 2 kilometers of ascent at an average gradient of 3%, constitutes the only difficulty of the route.

- After the descent of the Talloires hill, you will have 27 kilometers of flat terrain where you can take advantage of the cycling infrastructure to ride safely.

Distance : 39 kilometers, D+ 261m.

Difficulty: ⭐️ (1/5)

The map:

Now that you've chosen your route, it's time to get properly equipped. Find all our tips in our The ultimate guide to winter cycling gear! ❄️

A good route, combined with good clothing, will allow you to better face winter while staying in shape!