Tour de France 2023 Returns to Morzine

Classed as a Mountain stage, Stage 14 tackles 6 Col’s throughout the stage, with two in particular getting the blood pumping, Col de le Ramaz (13.9km @ 7.1%) & Col De Joux Plane (11.6km @ 8.5%) both within the last 65km of the stage, before a big descent into town to finish the stage. The peloton will also tackle Col de Saxel, Col de Cou (7km @ 7.4%), Col de Feu (5.8km @ 7.8%) and pass through the nearby towns of Taninges and Samoëns before descending and finishing in Morzine. The stage features around 4,200 metres of climbing. The last few hundred metres are a false flat uphill to the line.

Annemasse to Morzine is stage 14 of the 2023 Tour de France, and is preceded by the 138km mountain stage Châtillon-Sur-Chalaronne to Grand Colombier. After finishing in Morzine, Stage 15 starts in the neighbouring town of Les Gets and ends in Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc 180km later. 

Like buses, two editions of Le Tour come through Morzine in succession, after a drought of 6 years. The 2022 Tour de France involved a rest day in Morzine before Stage 10 saw the riders start in town, before heading along the valley through the towns of Thonon-les-Bains, Cluses and Sallanches. The stage finished with a 19.2km climb before crossing the line at Megève Altiport. Despite starting in the Alpine town of Morzine, surrounded by Cols and mountain tops, the stage was classed as Hilly. 

The stage was won by Dane Magnus Cort and was not without drama, as the stage was stopped briefly to remove Climate Change protestors from the stage. Schultz of Australia finished second, and Sanchez of Spain completed the podium in third. 

The overall Tour de France winner in 2022 was Jonas Vingegaard of Denmark. Second place was Tadej Pogačar of Slovenia and third place was the Brit Geraint Thomas.

The last time Le Tour ended in Morzine was seven years ago was in 2016 and ended in the rain. This edition is a replica of the end of the 2016 stage, the last 65km’s being identical. Back then, Jarlinson Pantano, Vincenzo Nibali and Ion Izagirre were leading after cresting the climb, and all three being good descenders, the crowd were treated to a breathtaking finish, with Izagirre best navigating the tricky conditions before finishing 19 seconds ahead of Pantano and Nibali another 23 seconds behind. 

Le Tour first visited Morzine in 1975 during Stage 17, Valloire to Morzine Avoriaz. It was won by Vicente López Carril. The 1975 stage was 225km and took place within a heavily contentious Tour de France which was won by Frenchman Bernard Thévenet. Eddy Merckx was the early favourite and looking to win his sixth TdF title, however, in an attempt to stop Merckx surpassing Frenchman Jacques Anquetil’s record of 5 Le Tour wins, Merckx was attacked by members of the crowd during Stage 14 and ended up fracturing his cheekbone. Thévenet went on to claim the lead and the eventual overall title. 

Favourite of local riders, providing a steep, challenging climb with far reaching views from the summit. Fast hairpin turns follow on the descent back to the valley floor. 

With loops starting from the centre of Morzine, it’s a favourite of cyclists visiting Morzine, providing a stern test and leaving a feeling of accomplishment once conquered.  

The overal average gradient is 8.5%, but at its steepest, the gradient is as steep as 12.5%. 

Morzine also has Col de Joux Verte for cyclists to take on, again starting from the centre of town. One of the more scenic rides in the area and rideable in either direction, Col de Joux Verte starts/finishes right in centre of Morzine. During the ride you’ll enjoy a waterfall, a herd of goats in Linderet, an alpine lake and views of Mont Blanc. 

Not quite as challenging as Col De Joux Plane, Joux Verte is a popular route for amatuer cyclists holidaying in Morzine. 

To read more about local road cycling routes in Morzine, click HERE.

Popular with skiers and mountain bikers, Morzine is growing in popularity with cycling clubs in the shoulder seasons (spring & autumn) looking to make the most of a quiet resort with quiet roads, but one which is steeped in cycling history. 

Morzine is perfect for groups of cyclists looking to smash out the KMs and train on famous mountain stages, and at Atlas Ride Co you’ll enjoy Alpine hospitality, staying in our 20-person Chalet Chapelle, with safe and secure bike storage and professional chefs to refuel you. 

Open from Early May 2023, contact us to enquire about your road cycling holiday with Atlas Ride Co. We offer bespoke packages, based on group size and length of stay.