Javier Angulo Guirao

Laurens Gilson

Peter Hollebrand

Charles Knight

Tim Van Gemert

Jeremy Read

Yannick Vandenplas

Rob Grift

Matthieu Distaso

Lucie Denis

Josh Reid

Sergey Ignatov

Sofie Joore

Josh Allen

Wilco Dragt

Michel Reuser

Erik Jager

Michael den Toom

Timothy Flott

Paul Cook

Julia Röhl

Benjamin Powell

Albert Meder

Samuel Powell

Julie Meder

Simon Seif

Gerdian Timmerman

Nina Hoogerbrugge

William Bastijns

Paul Verbist

Christoph Schaller

Valentijn Van der Valk

Tobias Reischle

Kathrin Springet

Yorit Kluitman

Tom Buelens

Lisa Pfeiffer

Cyril Chermin

Nils van der Heide

Simon Rosmolen

If first editions carry a sense of magic, second editions prove that an event has truly found its footing. The second edition of Le Pilgrimage, which sold out within 24 hours, attracted 40 riders and garnered attention from across the cycling community. With participants from the US, UK, Germany, Spain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Russia, the event took on a truly international flavour.

![LP2024 @serialcee-076](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/Y4yGCmXZ9zvslW6UEQLhU/753d9e7fc4915dddaf31b8982c51479c/LP2024__serialcee-076.jpg)
*Credit: @serialcee*

The essence of Le Pilgrimage is more than just a cycling event; it’s a journey inspired by the legendary travels of Saint Roch, the patron saint of pilgrims. Known for his arduous pilgrimages through mountainous regions, Saint Roch faced many challenges, from harsh storms to treacherous paths, all while forging deep connections with locals and fellow travellers. The flavours of local cuisines, the camaraderie along the way, and the hope of a safe haven at the end of each day kept Saint Roch going on his pilgrimage. In much the same way, Le Pilgrimage offers its riders not just a physical challenge, but also the opportunity to connect with fellow pilgrims and experience the unique blend of adventure and comfort that defines the event.

![Pilgrimage 2024 - @Yorit Kluitman Day 2 151](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6wiG9D11R2HrfxR00bXqMm/6059e69ccc22f4a37ad6a0674ca5a9be/Pilgrimage_2024_-__Yorit_Kluitman_Day_2_151.jpg)
*Credit: @Yorit_Kluitman*

Over three self-supported stages in the French and Italian Alps, riders covered a total distance of 461 kilometres and tackled almost 12,000 meters of elevation. Each stage looped back to the warm embrace of Chalet AlpeLune, the event’s base camp. After each gruelling stage, riders found not only shelter but also a sense of camaraderie, sharing delicious meals around the table each night.

__STAGE 1: PAYS DES ÉCRINS__
The event kicked off with Stage 1, featuring some of the most breathtaking climbs in the Écrins region, leading to the first Pilgrimage checkpoint at Cabane St. Jean. T o reach this mountain hut hidden in the forest along the river, riders had to tackle a short but steep hike-a-bike section. The cabane, a mountain shelter for shepherds and trekkers, became a haven for the pilgrims, offering warmth, with a fireplace and a delicious cheese fondue on the stove—a well-deserved reward for their efforts. Spirits were high as everyone gathered back at base camp AlpeLune for a shared dinner, but the mood turned more serious as the weather forecast for Stage 2 was revealed.

__STAGE 2: GALIBIER & VALLÉE DE LA CLARÉE__
Day 2 brought a dramatic shift in conditions. Snow, sub-zero temperatures, and fierce winds were predicted for the summit of the Galibier. Local authorities had already closed the Col du Galibier due to early snowfall just 24 hours before. The route was scheduled to reopen, but the real challenge was further down after the climb of Col des Rochilles, leading into the Haute Vallée de la Clarée. This section, a few kilometres of hike-a-bike over rocky terrain, ended at Refuge des Drayeres, the second checkpoint.

The innkeeper had warned that the route was dangerously icy and that descending could be treacherous. A helicopter evacuation earlier that day confirmed the difficult conditions. The pilgrims faced a tough decision: take the risk and hope that the sun would melt the icy trails, or opt for a safer, alternative route—a difficult choice for those determined to follow the intended path.

In the early morning, half of the pilgrims climbed the old Galibier route, battling fierce winds, snow-covered paths, and sub-zero temperatures. As the sun finally broke through the clouds, the descent of the Galibier began. The question remained: would the sun’s warmth be enough to melt the ice on the hike-a-bike section to the refuge? Fortunately, upon arrival, most of the ice had melted and the path was clear, as if the prayers to Saint Roch had been answered. All riders made it across safely, finding refuge, hearty food, and a well-earned rest before heading back to Chalet AlpeLune.

![Pilgrimage 2024 - @Yorit Kluitman Day 3&4 57](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5jRldehKN3iDtXY0N8YlAk/b17caf2b9fae3ab64bf4c888796be39e/Pilgrimage_2024_-__Yorit_Kluitman_Day_3_4_57.jpg)
*Credit: @Yorit_Kluitman*

__STAGE 3: STRADA DELL'ASSIETTA, VAL DI SUSA & MONTE JAFFERAU__
Stage 3, split across two days, offered riders a new adventure as they crossed the border into Italy. A steep climb over the Colle Begino brought the pilgrims into another world—through quiet valleys and deserted villages in the Piemonte region, where time seemed to have stood still.

After a break for coffee in Sestriere, they tackled the iconic Strada dell'Assietta, a dusty alpine gravel road above 2,000 meters that winds through some of the most awe-inspiring vistas in the region. Clear skies made the views even more unforgettable—a high point, both literally and figuratively, of the pilgrimage. Following the descent of the Colle delle Finestre, some pilgrims spent the night in a hotel in Susa, while others bivouacked in the forests at the base of the next day’s climb to Caserma Grotte del Seguret, at over 2,200 meters.

At dawn, the final climb to the checkpoint awaited, following a steep military road to the old Italian barracks. Here, the pilgrims received their stamp but faced another dilemma: should they be tempted by the pilgrim’s treasure hidden in one of the tunnels of the fortress on Monte Jafferau, an extra 600-meter climb to a height of 2,800 meters, or descend to the refuge to finalize their journey? A dozen brave pilgrims took on the extra challenge and were rewarded with spectacular views and the remnants of the fort. Waiting for them was a treasure left by Saint Roch himself, offering local delicacies as a reward for their perseverance.

![Pilgrimage 2024 - @Yorit Kluitman Day 3&4 115](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6qRkPtoO5QrLebk5suLJzV/3fe75b6e9d3938ad61ef86f5f4b685b6/Pilgrimage_2024_-__Yorit_Kluitman_Day_3_4_115.jpg)
*Credit: @Yorit_Kluitman*

A long descent into the valley followed, with a final stop in Bardonecchia to sample some Italian delicacies before the return journey to the base camp. Once back, the pilgrims embraced at the finishers’ party in the chalet. As the fire crackled and new friendships were forged, every pilgrim could reflect on a journey filled with challenge, discovery, and camaraderie—one that will stay with them long after they’ve returned home.

The next Le Pilgrimage Gravel will take place in September 2025.

Ride Report

__Le Pilgrimage de Saint Roch__

In a distant French village, a spirited young man named Roch embarked on a
pilgrimage that led him through towering mountains and lush valleys. Along theway, he faced storms and treacherous paths, but he also forged deep friendships with fellow travellers and locals. Amidst these alpine landscapes, Roch's journey took an unexpected turn when he encountered villages plagued by illness.

With empathy, Roch's touch and prayers eased suffering, and a sore on his leg became a symbol of his dedication. News of his healing powers spread, making him a beacon of hope for many. His pilgrimage was more than just an adventure; it was a journey of kindness and solidarity. It reminds us to this day that even in suffering, a caring gesture can ignite hope and healing.

This is why Saint Roch, as we call him today, is the patron Saint of Le Pilgrimage. A journey where the summit is your sanctuary and the trail your tribulation. It will challenge and inspire you while you follow in his footsteps.

![Screenshot 2024-09-12 at 09.07.04](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2Xuv98rnZ8q0e5wBGal2yv/3d8e44f31fa684cc782eac32d1a701cd/Screenshot_2024-09-12_at_09.07.04.png)

Background

The area around Puy-Saint-Vincent is blessed with breathtaking mountain
summits in natural areas like Parc National des Écrins, Vallée de la Clarée & the infamous military gravel roads along and over the border with Italy.
Riders will cross hidden valleys, pass isolated refuges, reach high-altitude mountain lakes and set their eyes on glaciers by tackling some of the toughest and trying trails.

All 3 routes are rideable on a gravel bike, a rigid or front-suspension MTB.

![Le Pilgrimage 2024 - route highligts](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3gLr817PzH0vaEXyvOr78H/da7b56d3422b7efe95efdae325b706f8/Le_Pilgrimage_2024_-_route_highligts.jpg)

__1. Pays des Ecrins__

Pilgrims will follow the gravel roads along some of the highlights of the Pays-des-Ecrins, one of France's most beautiful national parks. They will tackle various climbs through the heart of the park, weaving in and out of valleys. At the highest point of the largest climb, near the checkpoint, the gravel path ends, and they will need to find the checkpoint on foot, with bike in hand.

After the checkpoint, riders descend and follow the Durance Valley upstream to return from the Vallouise Valley to the AlpeLune basecamp.

![Le Pilgrimage 2024 - route highligts-2](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/IBBOzMF2tqUJ9RawQN2U7/6072d3c905ee6f7b1a25991201ed79d1/Le_Pilgrimage_2024_-_route_highligts-2.jpg)

__2. Galibier & Vallée de la Clarée__

We can call this ride a classic. Last year, there was intense rain and thunderstorms on the climb of the Galibier, with the entire landscape shrouded in thick mist. This year, the route returns and hopefully riders will enjoy the breathtaking views of the massifs.

Next, the climb up the Col du Lautaret on quiet gravel roads, before the steep Old Galibier road approaches. After the Galibier pass, riders will descend into the valley and follow a gravel climb to Col des Rochilles.
A short hike-a-bike past deserted mountain lakes follows to checkpoint Refuge des Drayères. Weather aside, this checkpoint will once again be a welcome shelter, no matter the conditions.

Overlooking Massif des Cerces, they descend through Vallée de la Clarée and return to Briançon to head back to the basecamp.

![Le Pilgrimage 2024 - route highligts-13](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/agSodqR8ubXIpZzS1XP1J/def572a3f8e756ce8b4f9593c50c1029/Le_Pilgrimage_2024_-_route_highligts-13.jpg)

__3. Strada dell'Assietta & Val di Susa__

The queen stage, a self-supported two-day route. Pilgrims will ride towards the fortified town of Briançon and approach the Italian border via a winding gravel road. Once across the border at Montgenevre, they will enter a different world, where time stood still, passing through quiet valleys with almost abandoned villages in the Piemonte region.

From the valley, they climb to former Olympic town of Sestriere, perfect for a resupply before heading higher to follow the (in)famous Strade
dell'Assietta, a gravel road that stretches for dozens of kilometers above
2000 meters in altitude. This long, high elevation journey.

At dawn the next morning, the ride to the final checkpoint awaits: towards
Caserma Grotte del Seguret at 2.200 meters. The climb is challenging and
will take several hours.

From the checkpoint, a pilgrim’s dilemma: Should they descend and start the winding journey back to basecamp, or be tempted by the hidden pilgrim's treasure in one of the tunnels in the fortress of the isolated Monte Jafferau... that’s even higher up?

Organisers will share the necessary coordinates, a photo, and a time slot the night before. A little hint: the location of the treasure will be found at an altitude of somewhat near to 2800 meters.

The Route

Le Pilgrimage 2024 Race and Tracking: A self-supported bikepacking race following the travels of Saint Roch, the patron saint of pilgrims.

Le Pilgrimage gravel bikepacking race

Le Pilgrimage is a journey inspired by the legendary travels of Saint Roch, the patron saint of pilgrims. Each day, the pilgrims embark on self-supported stages through some of the Alps’ most challenging terrain. Riders will navigate hidden valleys, isolated refuges, and high-altitude mountain lakes. 
This year’s stages will highlight the incredible beauty of the Parc National des Écrins, offering views of glaciers, glimpses of hidden valleys, and climbs to some of Europe’s highest mountain passes, like the Col du Galibier. 


Le Pilgrimage 2024

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Le Pilgrimage 2024

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