La Marmotte is known as one of the original "cyclosportives" in Europe and is one of the toughest single day road cycling events to be found. So no wonder I've been roped into doing it! It just so happens I'll be in the UK over that period, so it's not that much of a stretch to pop across to Geneva, drive 3hrs to Bourg D'Oisans, cycle a few quick km's and zoot back to London in time for my nephew's christening (this being the main reason for being in Europe). I think it's going to be a very big day out, so expect a few expletives in my race report! I am also taking my camera and intend to stop at the top of the climbs to take in the vistas. Where: Bourg D'Oisans, France When: 5 July 2008 What: 175km with over 5000m climbing Who: Grand Trophee Why: Colin made me... What I know of the race so far:

• It's long
• There is a lot of climbing, like I have never done before
• It's in the Alps, where I have never been before
• At the top of some of the climbs they hand out newspapers to put down your shirt to keep warm on the descent
• There are long, dark tunnels with potholes. They only light a tunnel if there's a bend...
• Apparently one year 7000 people started, and only 4000 finished!
• The French are mad about their cycling, so there are bound to be crowds lining the route
• It follows "mythical" passes such as the Col de Glandon, Col de Telegraphe, Col de le Galibier and Col de le Lautaret
• And the cherry on the top, if you're not already tired after 160kms try ascending Alpe d'Huez. Yes folks, that famous climb from the Tour de France. It is 13.8km long, climbing approximately 1150m, that's at an average gradient of 8.1%, with 21 hairpin bends.