Cent Cols Challenge 2022
Events for 2022 are now on sale.
2022 - New routes, new destinations, new formats : a very different CCC Calendar.
Places are limited on all the CCC events to 20 RIDERS MAXIMUM. There will be 12 single rooms and four twin-share rooms available on each event.
2022 sees the introduction of the “CC6” format, for which interest is already very high. You can find all the information and stage details on each event page. Prices can be found by clicking on “Book Now”.
“Adam and I look forward to riding with you on the CCC22 roads, hoping our world has become an easier place to travel in by then!" Phil D
(All photography on this website by Phil Deeker, unless otherwise credited.)
“There was that common bond. It was so warm. Sometimes you don’t need words. You just look at each other. You’re back at the same hotel that you started at. You recall being full of trepidation and doubt, and then you’re sitting there, 11 days later, and your whole world has changed. It’s extraordinary.” 2019.
" I miss these trips so much, they are one of the most meaningful things I’ve ever done on my bicycle and some of the best memories I have!" 2020.
Col de Champs,CCC Southern Alps
Col de La Crueta, CCC Eastern Pyrenees
Col de la Machine, CCC's Rhone, Classic Alps, Northern Alps
Tour Madeloc, CCC Eastern Pyrenees
Col de Sorba, CCC Corsica
Col de Sia, CCC Corsica
'Secret' CCC balcony road, CCC Corsica
Long Hours
Q
“What does it take to complete a Cent Cols Challenge?”
A
A combination of many things, the most important being : long hours of training ( see a Coach or talk to a CCC rider) + a focused mind + the right riding kit ( “learn to layer”) + a well prepared bike + recovery skill + good fortune!
Explore
Q
“Do we ride alone or as a group?”
A
As you explore your physical limits you will discover a lot about yourself. This is partly due to spending much time on your own on long climbs, alone in your own space, but also due to the strong bonds created between riders. We can often help each other even without words. Others prefer company and chat. After a day or two, riders usually find a ‘ride-pal’ or two. We start stages together and we usually see most of the group at the feed stops, but re-grouping is not imposed, except for safety reasons.
Support
Q
“What kind of support are riders given?”
A
The ethos of the events is based around encouraging self-sufficiency since instant vehicle back-up cannot be promised if weather takes a sudden turn for the worst at altitude. Our three vehicles look after your baggage, supply two roadside feed stops, and allow the mechanic to get to you if needed. After the ride, you look after yourself ( massage, stretching) : much pre-event advice is given on this.
Body
Q
“What happens to the body over the ten days?”
A
Stages 1-3 are about finding your own sustainable pace and settling into that. Stop yourself pushing a bit more ‘because you feel good’. Stage 4 is the test stage : your body and mind might both start to wobble a bit. Stage 5 is all about getting to the Rest day. Stages 6-10 should be the reward if you have got through the first half. Severe fatigue may begin to set in; heartbeat may stay lower than usual. But self-belief and an intense sense of connection with your body and with the mountains will grow. Bonds with your co-riders will take on a new dimension.
Respect
Q
“What is the spectrum of ability within the group?”
A
Some riders will arrive at the hotel at 18.00hrs, others at 20.00hrs. Sometimes later. There is never a race. A mutual, bonding sense of respect grows within the group by which the fastest riders connect with the slowest. Each rider must find their pace, their space on the road. Faster riders often encourage slower ones earlier in the day. Diversity of ability is unavoidable but is never a problem. Average daily ride-pace will vary roughly from 18 to 26 km per hour.
Get Ready
Q
“Once I sign up, what then?”
A
Your adrenalin level goes up noticeably and training becomes easier! From January you will receive a monthly “advice bulletin”, covering pre-event topics such as training, your bike, clothing, nutrition, packing for and getting to the event, and on-event ones such as navigation, daily routine and off-bike personal admin.
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If you are thinking of registering for a Cent Cols Challenge, please take time to read through all the information on this site. These events have been called “life-changing” by many, a description that has not been chosen randomly!
The list of planned events up to 2022 can be found on the about page.
THESE ARE TOUGH RIDES. YOU SHOULD NOT BE AFRAID OF DAWN-TO-DUSK DAYS ON OCCASIONS. YOU WILL BE TAKEN OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE ALL TOO OFTEN, BUT YOU WILL LEARN TO LOVE THAT!
“Am I capable of riding this? How much training time do I need to ride this?” Velo Pro, the official training partner of the Cent Cols Challenge, can help you answer these questions and can then go on to give you the confidence of having prepared for the event perfectly. Find out here: https://www.velopro.bike/programs/cent-cols-challenge