The virus situation continues to wreak havoc on European gran fondos this month with two Alpine giants, La Marmotte and Les 3 Ballons, now affected for the second time in a year.

The iconic 186 kilometre La Marmotte is on virtually every gran fondo rider’s bucket list with its three Tour de France climbs (Col de la Croix de Fer, Télégraphe and the Galibier), plus the final climb up Alpe d’Huez with its famed 21-hairpin bends. Originally planned for 27 June, the organiser, Cycling Classics, has now moved the event to 4 September hoping the pandemic situation will allow the event to proceed.

“The organizers of the LEPAPE Marmotte Granfondo Alpes will have tried everything to keep the event on the date initially scheduled for June 27, 2021. However, the current context and the recent government announcements of April 29 do not allow us to organize the event this next June.

Therefore, we confirm the postponement of the LEPAPE Marmotte Granfondo Alpes to Saturday September 4, 2021.”

Cycling Classics France

Another very popular Cycling Classics event, Les 3 Ballons, was not so fortunate with rescheduling and has been cancelled. Originally scheduled 5 June, the gran fondo was already rescheduled to 28 August and now has been completely called-off due to lack of interest. Of the 1613 riders registered for the June date, only 282 moved their entry to the August date while the remaining 1331 riders requesting a refund. Les 3 Ballons traditionally attracts 3500 riders and Cycling Classics hopes the race will will return in 2022, but no date has been confirmed.

It is therefore with regret that we have taken the decision to cancel the 2021 edition of the 3 Santini Balloons. Great regret because we were eager to work on this new formula with great partnerships and a more suitable starting point closer to the finish in Ronchamp.

It’s a difficult decision, especially since it’s the second time in two years …

We rely on our understanding.
Take care of yourself.

Cycling Classics France

Additionally, the pandemic has not been kind to Cycling Classics other events. UCI Gran Fondo Vosges (part of UCI Gran Fondo World Series and a Gran Fondo World Championship qualifying event) has been postponed to 12 September. Finally, their ultra-epic 330 kilometre Tour du Mont Blanc will now skip 2021 and plan for a return in 2022.

PHOTOS: Cycling Classics France

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