The 2008 ROUTE
Patrick Zaniroli can proudly and confidently guarantee a spectacular 54th edition of the incomparable Neige & Glace Rally (Ice & Snow). Covering a total of 1,058 km with 25 regularity sectors and 80% new routes, the 2008 programme promises to be exciting – and challenging! What’s more, since we’ve moved the dates up to mid-January, there’s an even better chance we’ll have bona fide winter weather. All the ingredients have been put into the mix for an irresistible motor sport treat!
Sunday, January 13, 2008: Verifications in Aix-les-Bains
For the third consecutive year, Aix-les Bains welcomes participants for the official check-in and start of the 54the Snow & Ice Rally. Technical verifications will be held at the lovely Théâtre de Verdure and the traditional administrative verifications will be conducted at the brand new Palais des Congrès.The local tourism bureau has organised a charity event inviting rally participants to take disabled children for a ride around town. As an added highlight, there will be a gymkhana on the shores of Lake Bourget to determine the big rally’s starting order for the following morning.
Monday, January 14, 2008: 1st leg
Aix-les-Bains / Alpe d’Huez / Aix-les-Bains
375 km - 7 regularity sectors including
2 icy circuits: Alpe d’Huez and Chamrousse
After leaving Aix-les-Bains, we’ll head south. The first Regularity Sector (RS) is totally new and will start in Entremont le Vieux. Then we’ll cross through the Chartreuse Mountains via the Granier and Porte passes.A quick jaunt across the Isère valley will bring our adventurous teams into the Belledone Mountains, and the terrifying Luitel pass, before finally reaching the legendary climb to Alpe d’Huez, with its incomparable 14 kilometres laced with 21 hairpin turns so cherished by the Tour de France bicyclists. Frosting on the cake: one last icy RS before stopping to catch a bite.
That afternoon, those who’ve made this event a tradition will enjoy the familiar challenge of the Chamrousse ice circuit. And for those who’re new, you’ll discover the thrill! This will count as the second RS in the competition for the Trophée des Circuits* prize.
Thirty or so kilometres later, we’ll reach the Bauges peaks and the final RS of this first day on the slopes of the Marocaz, Féclaz and Mount Revard.
*NOTE: We remind you that there’s a special prize for the circuits, apart from the overall ranking. However, these circuits also enable the top performers to earn special bonus points, which can be used to counteract any penalty points accrued and improve the overall score.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008: 2nd legpe
Aix-les-Bains / La Chapelle en Vercors / Aix-les-Bains
385 km - 9 regularity sectors
We’ll kick things off with a climb up the Mont du Chat, which will serve as out first RS of the day, at the gateway to Aix-les-Bains, on a route that’s been opened just for us! Then it’s due south along the Chartreuse Mountains to reach Vercors and its wonderful classics: the Ecouges, la Bourne Gorges, Echarasson Pass, naturally covered with snow.
Lunch at the Chapelle en Vercors before tackling the famous passes just dripping with rally history, including the amazing trio: Col de Lachau, Col de la Rama, Col de l’Echarasson, which we’ll take in reverse of the morning itinerary.
The entire afternoon will be devoted to crossing the Chartreuse, with a few more RS along the way. We’ll visit Sacreras, the Col de Porte and Granier Pass before returning to our base camp in Aix-les-Bains.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008: 3rd leg
Aix-les-Bains / Nantua / Aix-les-Bains
298 km - 9 regularity sectors
This third and final day will bring us into the delightful Jura region and the Haut-Bugey, with their magnificent forests and precious snow-capped roads. This is the place where last year’s participants encountered a few surprises when they met up with a particularly tricky snowdrift.Starting with Mount Clergeon, Chamfronier and Belleydoux’s forest roads provide a riveting experience to build up your appetite before lunch on the soothing shores of Nantua Lake.
The afternoon’s trail will echo the morning’s magic, taking us through the Belleroche, Cuvillar and La Rochette passes. Then, it’s the dazzling descent to Lake Bourget before scaling the the Mont du Chat, opposite the previous day’s route.
That evening, the awards ceremony will take place, as always, at the sumptuous Aix-les-Bains Casino.
Break-out of the 54the Neige & Glace Rally| Dates | Morning | Afternoon | Total | Number of SR |
Monday, Jan. 14th 2008 | 181 | 194 | 375 | 7 |
Tuesday, Jan. 15th 2008 | 188 | 197 | 385 | 9 |
Wednesday, Jan. 16th 2008 | 173 | 125 | 298 | 9 |
TOTAL | 542 | 516 | 1058 | 25 |
Add a comment
