Triathlon de l'Alpe d'Huez
The legend of the 21 bends
About Triathlon Alpe d'Huez
Created in 2006, the Triathlon de l'Alpe d'Huez is one of the most prestigious sporting events in the French Alps. Every summer, for five days, around 4,000 athletes from all over the world gather at the foot of the mythical 21 bends of Alpe d'Huez to experience a unique event combining swimming in the lake of Verney, a legendary cycling climb with 3,200 meters of elevation gain, and an altitude running race. The event offers four races — Triathlon L, Triathlon M, Duathlon, and Triathlon Kids — in an exceptional mountain setting in the heart of Oisans. Based on the values of personal achievement, respect, solidarity, and humility, the triathlon has established itself as a world reference for mountain triathlons.
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The Triathlon de l'Alpe d'Huez: A Sporting Legend in the Alps
Since 2006, the Triathlon de l'Alpe d'Huez has been writing a legendary chapter every summer at the foot of the world's most famous 21 bends in cycling. This major sporting event brings together nearly 4,000 participants from all over the world to take on the challenge of a mountain triathlon, in the magnificent setting of Oisans, in Isère.
Four Races for All Levels
The Triathlon de l'Alpe d'Huez offers four formats adapted to all athlete profiles:
Triathlon L — The Premier Event
The Triathlon L is the flagship event, a demanding challenge that has earned the triathlon its international renown:
- Swimming: 2.2 km in the calm, clear waters of Lake Verney (EDF)
- Cycling: 118 km with 3,200 m of positive elevation gain, including the mythical ascent of the 21 bends of Alpe d'Huez
- Running: 20 km at altitude, on the trails surrounding the resort
Triathlon M — The Classic Format
More accessible but just as intense, the Triathlon M offers:
- Swimming: 1.2 km in Lake Verney
- Cycling: 28 km including the climb to Alpe d'Huez
- Running: 6.7 km
Duathlon S
For those who prefer solid ground:
- Running: 6.5 km starting from Bourg-d'Oisans
- Cycling: 15 km
- Running: 5.5 km
Triathlon Kids
The Triathlon Kids allows young athletes to discover triathlon with distances adapted to their age, in a spirit of fun and sports initiation. The event welcomes about 320 young participants.
Lake Verney: A Legendary Start
The swimming leg takes place in Lake Verney, an EDF artificial lake at the foot of the Alpe d'Huez climb. Its calm, crystal-clear waters provide an ideal setting for the start of the triathlon events, with the snow-capped peaks of Oisans in the background.
An Exhibition Village and a Week of Celebration
Beyond the sporting events, the Triathlon de l'Alpe d'Huez is a true sports festival that spans five days. The Village Expo hosts partners, sports brands, and exhibitors, with entertainment, tastings, and activities throughout the week. The event is also socially committed, with a historic partnership with Aviation Sans Frontières through the "Game Changers" initiative and solidarity bibs.
Strong Values
The Triathlon de l'Alpe d'Huez is distinguished by its founding values: personal achievement, respect, solidarity, and humility. These principles guide the organization and make this event much more than just a sports competition: a human and collective adventure in the heart of the Alps.
Triathlon Alpe d'Huez — edition 2026
The 20th edition of the Triathlon de l'Alpe d'Huez will take place from August 2 to 6, 2026, to celebrate the event's twentieth anniversary. This anniversary edition promises to be exceptional with four races and a special festive program to mark this milestone at the foot of the 21 bends.
20th Anniversary Edition — August 2026
The Triathlon de l'Alpe d'Huez celebrates its 20th anniversary from August 2 to 6, 2026! This anniversary edition will mark two decades of sporting adventure at the foot of the mythical 21 bends.
Race Program
- Monday, August 3: Duathlon S — start at 3:00 PM
- Tuesday, August 4: Triathlon Kids (320 participants — sold out!)
- Wednesday, August 5: Triathlon L — start at 9:30 AM at Lake Verney. Award ceremony at 7:00 PM
- Thursday, August 6: Triathlon M — start at 2:00 PM. Award ceremony at 6:30 PM
Registration for the 2026 edition opens on August 28, 2026, at 8:26 PM on the official website. The Triathlon Kids is already sold out.
The Village Expo will be lively throughout the week with special events to celebrate the 20 years of the legend of the 21 bends.
Programme Triathlon Alpe d'Huez 2026
Detailed Program 2026
- Sunday, August 2: Opening of the Village Expo, bib collection
- Monday, August 3: Duathlon S — start 3:00 PM, estimated winner's arrival 4:15 PM, award ceremony 6:30 PM
- Tuesday, August 4: Triathlon Kids — 320 participants
- Wednesday, August 5: Triathlon L — start 9:30 AM, estimated arrival 3:15 PM, award ceremony 7:00 PM
- Thursday, August 6: Triathlon M — start 2:00 PM, estimated arrival 3:45 PM, award ceremony and closing ceremony 6:30 PM
Highlights Triathlon Alpe d'Huez 2026
Highlights of the 2026 Edition
- 20th anniversary edition of the legend of the 21 bends
- Triathlon Kids sold out (320 participants)
- Village Expo with special anniversary program
- Solidarity partnership with Aviation Sans Frontières
Prices Triathlon Alpe d'Huez 2026
Practical information — Triathlon Alpe d'Huez
Practical Information
Location
The event takes place between Bourg-d'Oisans, Lake Verney, and the resort of Alpe d'Huez (38750 Huez), in the heart of the Oisans massif in Isère.
Access
- By car from Grenoble: take the RN91 towards Briançon via the Romanche valley, then follow signs for Alpe d'Huez (approx. 1 hour)
- By car from Lyon: A48 then A480 towards Sisteron, then RN85 and RN91 (approx. 2 hours)
- By car from Chambéry: A43 then N91 via the Col du Lautaret or via Grenoble (approx. 1.5 hours)
- By train: Grenoble station, then shuttle or VFD bus towards Bourg-d'Oisans and Alpe d'Huez
- By plane: Grenoble-Isère (1 hour), Lyon Saint-Exupéry (2 hours), or Geneva (2.5 hours) airports
Registration and Fees
Registration generally opens in September of the preceding year on the official website alpetriathlon.com. Places are limited and highly sought after. The Triathlon Kids is often sold out as soon as registration opens. Fees vary depending on the event and the registration date.
Accommodation
Alpe d'Huez and Bourg-d'Oisans offer a wide range of accommodation: hotels, residences, chalets, campsites. It is strongly recommended to book several months in advance. The Alpe d'Huez tourist office can assist participants in their accommodation search.
Typical Schedule
- Day 1: Opening of the Village Expo, bib collection
- Day 2: Duathlon S
- Day 3: Triathlon Kids
- Day 4: Triathlon L (premier event)
- Day 5: Triathlon M and closing ceremony
Contact
Official website: www.alpetriathlon.com. Email: [email protected].
Recommended Equipment
Wetsuit mandatory for triathlon events. Approved helmet mandatory for cycling events. Bring warm clothing for the altitude (1,860 m) and the changing mountain weather.
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Triathlon Alpe d'Huez at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Triathlon Alpe d'Huez
Alpe d'Huez et Lac du Verney
Station de l'Alpe d'Huez, 38750 Huez