Stage
Valais Cycling Tour: Veysonnaz - Verbier (stage 7)
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/ Aussicht auf VeysonnazPhoto: lafouinographe, Valais/Wallis Promotion -
/ Martigny-CroixPhoto: Martigny Tourisme, Valais/Wallis Promotion
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/ The Pierre Gianadda FoundationPhoto: Valais/Wallis Promotion
From Veysonnaz to Verbier, this seventh stage takes you over the Col des Planches, a challenging climb that is well worth the effort!
The first part of this stage takes you along the sides of the mountain to the village of Isérable before the descent into the Rhone Valley. From Riddes to Martigny via Saxon, the route is straight and relatively flat. However, the wind can work for or against you. This part of the journey takes you through vineyards and orchards, typical of the Rhone valley. After reaching the town of Martigny, it’s time to attack the Col des Planches. While the final ascent towards Verbier is less difficult than the previous climb, you are certainly starting to feel the day’s effort in your legs. Enjoy the beautiful landscape of the Val de Bagnes on your last sprint to the top.
Author’s recommendation
In the Rhone Valley, the wind usually changes directions between 11am and noon. From Riddes to Martigny, you are more likely to be pushed by the wind in the morning than in the afternoon.
Safety information
Strictly respect the Swiss traffic rules. Please note that you are running the tour at your own risk and all liability is refused. Please be considerate to plants and animals. For your own safety, wear an helmet every time you ride a bike. Emergency numbers: 144 Ambulance / 117 Police / 1414 Helicopter Rescue (Rega).
Equipment
We recommend: bike in excellent working order, helmet, gloves and bell, clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof), food and drink.
Tips, hints and links
More information:
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
The beginning of the stage, from Veysonnaz to Isérable, is relatively easy. And the kilometres are just eaten up at a good pace from Riddes to Martigny. The effort really begins on the second half of the route with the ascent to Col des Planches and the final climb to Verbier. From Martigny, the climb starts on some unrelenting slopes to reach the Col des Planches, but you are rewarded with some stunning scenery. The descent into the Val de Bagnes will give you some much needed recovery time before you attack the final climb to Verbier. A fact worth remembering while spinning up those final switchbacks is that Alberto Contador won a legendary stage on this very climb during the 2009 Tour de France.
Note
Public transport
Bus from CFF train and bus station at Sion.Getting there
From the autoroute A9, take Sion exit 26 or 27 Sion and follow signs towards Nendaz. After several kilometres going up hill take the fork to the left towards Veysonnaz.Parking
This tour is one stage of the Valais Cycling tour where the finish is not at the same place as the starting point. Therefore, we recommend arriving by public transport. Otherwise use the Grangettes parking (in the underground of Hotel Chalet Royal), follow the local park routeing to access it.Book recommendation by the author
Brochures:
Questions & answers
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