Pricing:Price per rider: AUD 4,870 (approx EUR 3,000 / USD 3,380)Price per supporter: AUD 4,090 (approx EUR 2,525 / USD 2,840)Limited to 26 guests​​Stay for More, Save MorePlanning to join us for more than one program? Save when you combine programs:Book 2 programs: save AUD 300 per personBook 3 programs: save AUD 450 per personThe discount is applied once per person to the combined booking when booking two or more 2027 World Championships packages.Inclusions:6 nights’ double/twin-share accommodation at Hotel Les Grillons, TalloiresDaily breakfast 5x 3-course dinners and 1x lunchReturn transfers between Annecy Train Station and TalloiresRider & Supporter Event packsRiders: 5 supported group rides, with GPX files, ride snacksRiders: Dedicated mechanic and support crew throughout the tourRiders: Additional feed station on course of Gran and Medio FondosSupporters: Lake Annecy cruise and Annecy visitSupporters: Sleeping Beauty Chateau visitSupporters: Alpine gondola ride and local farm visitOptional extras:Single share supplement: AUD 1,550Balcony Lake View room upgrade: AUD 480 per roomPre- and post-tour accommodation: Pricing & availability on requestBike rental: Pricing on requestTransfers outside scheduled group timings or locations: Pricing on request​Excluded:Race entry is not included. For details on qualification and registration, please click hereAquatic Centre entry (8-15 EUR per entry)Deposit: 30% of total cost due on confirmationBalance due: 60 days prior to travelAll packages and tours are subject to availability at time of booking. Rates are subject to change until bookings are confirmed and deposits received. Full terms and conditions are provided at time of booking, including payment schedule, cancellation & change fees, and general terms of service.​ Guests are required to complete a participation waiver which will be provided at time of booking.

The highly rated Hotel Les Grillons is our base for the Premium Experience. Set above the shores of Lake Annecy, the hotel enjoys stunning views across the lake and surrounding mountains, while its large swimming pool, jacuzzi and sauna provide the perfect place to relax after a day on the bike.​Food is another highlight, with the hotel’s restaurant recognised by the French Association of Master Restaurateurs for its commitment to quality and excellent cuisine. Combined with its relaxed Alpine character and exceptional setting, Les Grillons provides a memorable base from which to explore the region and prepare for race day.​Located just 14km from Annecy, 18km from the race start village in Thônes and 30km from the finish village in La Clusaz, Les Grillons is ideally positioned for both riders and supporters. Lake Annecy’s shoreline and a popular swimming beach are also just a five-minute walk away.​Race transfers for both competitors and supporters are included, making it easy to enjoy the World Championships while returning each evening to the comfort of your lakeside base.

Group arrival:Arrival transfers are available during the afternoon from 12pm from Annecy Train Station to Les Grillons, our lakeside base in Talloires, approximately 18km from the race start and 30km from the race finishGuests participating in our Alps Ride & Recon Camp will be transferred to Les Grillons in the early afternoonRiders:Our mechanic team will be on hand for bike assembly, set-up and post-flight troubleshootingOptional light warm-up ride before dinner to check bike set-up and get the legs moving after travel will take place at 4pmEvening:Welcome Dinner overlooking Lake Annecy — meet your support team and fellow guests, and preview the week ahead

Riders:A group ride taking in the first 30-40km of the Gran Fondo & Medio Fondo courses and some beautiful back roads through Alpine meadowsThe group will be split for part of the ride to allow riders to recon their respective courses before re-grouping for a scenic loop back to the hotelITT Competitors:Optional transfer to Thônes for Time Trial course familiarisationWhere practical, this will be scheduled after the main group ride; in hot conditions, the recon may instead take place in the morningSupporters:Morning visit to the Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard — the fairytale 'Sleeping Beauty's Castle' — overlooking Lake AnnecyReturn to Talloires with the afternoon free to relax by the lake or explore the villageEvening:Group dinner at Les Grillons

Riders:Morning group ride incorporating Col de la Colombiere, the longest climb of the Fondos, before the steady rise up to the finish in La Clusaz Guests will also have the option to include the steep Monte de Brizon which features in the Gran and Medio Fondos, or bypass it to reduce the load on the legs leading up to race dayThe ride focus is on understanding the key sectors of the climbs and taking it steady, rather than accumulating training loadITT Competitors:Afternoon transfer to La Clusaz for Time Trial registration and optional bike checkTransport support provided, with final arrangements confirmed closer to the eventSupporters:Visit Annecy, the celebrated “Venice of the Alps”Guests will cruise Lake Annecy by boat, followed by free time to explore the historic old town, admire its crystal clear canals, visit the historic castle, and enjoy a relaxed lunchEvening:Group dinner at the hotel

Riders:Supported group ride departing directly from the hotel, taking in some beautiful backroads and lighter climbs near to Lake AnnecyA balanced ride of rolling roads and lighter climbing to keep the legs freshITT Competitors:Transfer to the Time Trial start in Thônes ahead of the raceMechanic support available at the start areaPost race transfer back to the hotelSupporters:Day at leisure, with the option to cheer on the Time Trial competitors and explore La ClusazAll guests will be provided with lunch packs for the dayEvening:Dinner at leisure - stay in at Les Grillons, try one of the nearby restaurants or head into Annecy for one of the many great restaurants on offer

Riders:Relaxed morning coffee ride around Lake Annecy — approximately 37km with 315m of elevationTransfer to collect race packs from the event village, expected to be in Thônes or La Clusaz followed by time to rest, prepare bikes and organise race nutrition and equipment ahead of the raceSupporters:Gondola ride into the mountains followed by an easy walk through the alpine pasturesVisit to a traditional mountain dairy farm, with an opportunity to discover local farming traditions and sample Savoie produceReturn to Talloires in time for a relaxed afternoon by the lakeEvening:Pre-race dinner featuring a race-ready menuEarly night and final preparations for race day

Riders:Transfer to the start ahead of race start, with mechanic support available at the start areaAdditional Higher Ground feed zone on course (subject to race route access) — access your own bottles/nutrition, plus additional supplies provided by the teamSupporters:Transfer to the finish area in La Clusaz to enjoy all the event festivities and cheer all the competitors across the linePost race: All guests transfer back to the hotel following the race and presentationsEvening:Celebration dinner and a chance to re-live the day's experience with the group

All guests:The tour program concludes following breakfastA 9:30am departure will transfer guests to Annecy Train StationGuests continuing on to the UCI Super Worlds Elite Race Experience will be transferred to our new hotel in the morning

In 2027, the French Alps will become the centre of the cycling world.The UCI Cycling World Championships bring an extraordinary range of cycling disciplines together across Haute-Savoie from 24 August to 5 September. More than 15,000 athletes are expected to compete for 288 World Championship titles across 20 disciplines — from Road, Gran Fondo and Mountain Bike to Gravel, BMX, Track, Trials, Para-Cycling, E-sports and Indoor Cycling.It is far more than a single World Championship. For almost two weeks, the entire region becomes one huge celebration of cycling, with world-class competition taking place against some of the most spectacular scenery in the French Alps.Road, Gran Fondo — and everything in betweenFor road cyclists, the opportunity is particularly special. Amateur riders can compete for their own World Championship in the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships, taking on the spectacular roads and climbs around Thônes and La Clusaz.Then the world's best professionals arrive, with the UCI Road World Championships centred around Sallanches and the legendary Côte de Domancy — the same climb where Bernard Hinault won the 1980 World Championship.But the Super Worlds extends well beyond road cycling.Mountain bike racing takes centre stage at Les Gets, including Cross-country, Enduro and, most spectacularly, Downhill. Gravel heads to Châtel and the Portes du Soleil, while BMX, Trials, Pump Track and other disciplines bring their own unique style and atmosphere to venues throughout the region.Don't miss the DownhillFor cycling fans, the UCI Mountain Bike Downhill World Championships at Les Gets are likely to be one of the most spectacular events of the entire Super Worlds.Elite Downhill World Championship racing is scheduled for 27 August 2027, with the junior championships taking place the day before.Downhill is cycling at its most raw and spectacular. Riders hurtle down the mountain at extraordinary speeds, navigating steep gradients, jumps, technical sections and changing terrain, with the smallest mistake capable of deciding a World Championship.And unlike a road race that can disappear down the road in seconds, a mountain bike course creates an incredible atmosphere for spectators. You can get close to the action, hear the crowd, see the riders attacking the course and experience the intensity of a World Championship unfolding right in front of you.It is a completely different side of cycling — and that's what makes the Super Worlds so compelling.You can spend one day riding the legendary Alpine roads yourself, the next watching the world's best road cyclists fight for the rainbow jersey, and then experience the speed and adrenaline of Downhill at Les Gets.This is not simply a cycling holiday built around a race.It is an opportunity to experience cycling in all its forms, in one of the world's great cycling regions, while the world's biggest cycling event is taking place around you.

Higher Ground have a dedicated team of guides & mechanics based in Europe year-round that help design our programs and host our guests. Their local knowledge and love of what they do ensure that all our guests have a truly memorable experience and are immersed in great rides, incredible scenery and the local culture.The tour is managed by Will Maley from HGTE, Will has been running tours to the biggest cycling events in the world since 2010 and also spent three years managing the contracting, accommodation, flights, and on-ground experiences for all the men's and women's WorldTour teams competing at the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.

The Gran Fondo Premium Experience is designed to suit intermediate and advanced riders, with the option for lighter and longer days through the program.Group rides are supported by our experienced ride hosts and support/mechanic vehicle. Rides are carried out at a comfortable pace to suit the group and will require some re-grouping stops along the way. Typically the group will spread out on the climbs and descents to let people ride at a pace that is comfortable for them, and then ride together or in smaller groups on flat and rolling roads. Guests receive ride GPX files as part of our pre-departure pack along with further details on the specific tour ride program. Each evening we'll also provide you with an overview of the day's riding to follow.During the rides our support vehicles are there to carry extra gear, provide mechanical assistance, give weary legs a break, and also set up our coffee stops and provide rides snacks and drinks along the way.Group rides and supporter activities will primarily take place in the morning, allowing free time for recovery & rest, enjoying the hotel pool, sauna and jacuzzi, and the nearby lake and surrounding region during the afternoon.​Training and fitness building should be largely completed before arriving in the Alps. During race week, our focus is on getting you to the start line feeling fresh, confident and prepared — with targeted course familiarisation, focused riding and plenty of time for recovery. Distances and elevation will therefore be deliberately conservative given the proximity to race day. If you are unsure about the suitability of the rides to you, please give us a call or email and we'll be happy to discuss the program with you further.All ride programs are subject to change as we will refine the program based on the weather and road conditions as well as at times make some adjustments to suit the needs and ride pace of the group.

In 2027, we will not include a full course driving tour.​ With the condensed timeframe between the Time Trial and Road Races, our program is designed to prioritise freshness and targeted course familiarisation rather than taking the group on what would likely be a 5+ hour drive.​Instead, selected sections of the course — particularly areas closer to the start and finish and key climbs and descents — will be incorporated into our group rides where practical. Further course recon is also available through the Pre-Gran Fondo Alpine Retreat program and during our evening team dinners where we'll further discuss the route.Our premium program also incorporates some of the stunning roads on the Semnoz side of the lake. Here guests will enjoy beautiful back roads through Alpine meadows and views across the lake.​A private driver and vehicle hire are available should you wish to add a dedicated course drive to your experience.

Bringing your own bike:Our mechanic team is there to assist with bike set-up and on-site mechanical support for assembly, tuning, troubleshooting and base level repairs and maintenance. More complex repairs are subject to time available and the availability of parts (cost additional). Guests are recommended to bring their own spares such as hangers, chains, cables, tyres, tubes, bar tape, lube, hydraulic fluid and the like as the mechanic is not able to carry the breadth of parts required for all different bike types and bike shops in the area are quite limited.Bike rental:We have been working with Gippo Bike in Tuscany for over 10 years and their team provide both mechanical services and rental bikes for our tour programs. Gippo Bike offer a range of high quality rental bike options. Please contact us for further information. BYO bike versus Rental:Our recommendation is typically to get a rental bike as the hassle of lugging a bike around airports & train stations, the risk of damage, and often the extra baggage costs make the ease of the Gippo team turning up with a quality bike to suit very appealing and cost effective. We appreciate that for those competing at the Gran Fondo Worlds, having your own bike that you have trained on and are comfortable with will likely outweigh the hassles and is likely the best choice for you. Please do ensure that you have plenty of spares to suit though as sourcing parts can take time and the last thing you want is to miss out on an epic ride over a snapped hanger.Whichever you choose, we are happy to accommodate your preference and will support you with either.

Arrival TransfersTransfers will be provided from Annecy Train Station (pick-ups available from 12pm)Departure TransfersA group transfer is available from the hotel at 9:30am to Annecy Train Station (for trains departing from 11am) Guests transferring to the Alps Ride & Recon Camp will be transferred to the tour hotel in late morningTransfers outside of the scheduled times and locations are available. Please contact us for options and pricing.

"An awesome experience on a cycling tour for the 2026 Gran Fondo World Championships in Niseko, Japan. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Will and the team were great. Highly recommend."— Jason Smith"Will really focuses on creating an experience for his guests that perfectly matches their needs. Accomodation, meals, ride length and difficulty, time off the bike for exploring and the variety of terrain. Also building a great program for the non-riders. Its a result of years of experience, extensive consultation before building the trip and having a big care factor. His reputation with our group of riders means that we always can fill up a tour from just within our group. Cant wait for the next one !"— Rob Back"I was on a Private group tour for our European cycling tour in Girona and the Pyrenees with Will and the Higher Ground team in September 2024. The guided custom tour created a unique experience of local culture, boutique hotels & food and wine which will become a lifetime memory. The guides were all fantastic companions and extremely knowledgeable and 2 support vehicles with a travelling mechanic meant that any on road issues were quickly resolved. Very, very highly recommend!!!"— Marvin Coleman"This was the smoothest tour I've experienced. Everything worked and it all appeared to work flawlessly. You have built yourself something that will be hard to better"— Col Howkins (Gold Medal Winner - ITT, Niseko Japan)“Having the support takes the stress away knowing you are being kept informed of everything that is going on. A huge thank you to Will and the team for everything you did to make it a seamless experience.”— Glenda Signorini (2x Silver Medal Winner - ITT & Road, Niseko Japan)"A really excellent experience on our trip to Siena - calm competent professionalism and flexibility from all staff - Will especially - careful planning, superb support in terms of cycles, support vehicles, and mechanical assistance meant everyone could relax and enjoy the cycling, culture and fantastic food. Top marks from us."— Andrew FritchiePlease find further reviews here