GCN Avoriaz Roadbook 2019

WELCOME TO
GCN AVORIAZ
We hope you are ready for a spectacular few days in the beautiful alpine resort of Avoriaz.
We’ve got an action packed programme for you from riding to workshops, with fun on and off
the bike and of course plenty of time to relax too.
We are excited to be joining you for some amazing riding taking on some of the famous alpine
climbs that have featured in the Tour de France. It all culminates with the GCN KOM Challenge
on the final day so remember to keep something in the tank (and not get too carried away at
Lloydy’s pub quiz the night before!)
We really look forward to spending the next few days with you and hope you leave Avoriaz on
Monday with memories and achievements that you will remember for a long time to come.
GCN Team
Dan, Chris & Mayalen

WELCOME TO
AVORIAZ
We are delighted to partner with Avoriaz to host our second GCN event – GCN Avoriaz. Avoriaz
1800 is renowned as one of the best ski resorts in France. Located in the Portes du Soleil,
above the town of Morzine it is famous for its spectacular cliff top location and unique style and
architecture.
Outside of the ski season Avroiaz is a fantastic summer destination and perfect for cyclists. MTB
lovers will be in their element, you can switch easily between the cross-country trails, downhill
runs, equipped bike parks, fun features, beginner slopes and picnic areas where you’ll even find
a barbecue! The road cycling is also superb with a great selection of routes steeped in Tour de
France history – Avoriaz itself has hosted a stage finish of the Tour 6 times!
This only scratches the surface of activities and attractions in Avoriaz so make sure you check
out www.avoriaz.com before you arrive.
Special thanks to the Avoriaz Tourist Board for hosting us and helping to create the GCN Avoriaz
experience.
James Pope
GCN Events Director

GET TO KNOW THE PRESENTERS
A MASSIVE WELCOME TO YOU ALL FROM EVERYONE AT GCN AND GCN EN ESPAÑOL
DAN ‘LLOYDY’ LLOYD CHRIS OPIE MAYALEN ‘MAI’ NORIEGA
How would you describe yourself as
a cyclist? Sporadic.
Your best moment on a bike? Getting
into a breakaway with 100km to go at
my first Tour of Flanders with Hoste,
Chavanel and Quinziato.
Post-ride beverage? Beer.
You are most likely to...?
Overestimate my fitness.
Favourite bike tech? Wahoo Bolt –
love a few numbers.
Your cycling hero? Jan Ullrich. Most
people from that era now have some
question marks and asterisks next to
their name, but when I was young, I
wanted to be Jan Ullrich.
Your best joke? What do you call
a swimmer with no arms and legs?
Clever dick.
Favourite bit of GCN Mallorca? The
karaoke.
Looking forward to most at GCN
Avoriaz? Descending the Col de Joux
Plane.
How would you describe yourself as
a cyclist? Heavy. Retired. Sprinter.
Your best moment on a bike? Winning
myself, but when teammates won it
was even better as you could feel
everyone’s enjoyment and felt part of
something bigger.
Post-ride beverage? On heavy training
days if it was hot I would always lust
after something really cold and fizzy
like bitter lemon!
You are most likely to...? Win the
sprint for the cafe.
Favourite bike tech? Discs/thru axles.
Your cycling hero? Erik Zabel.
Your best joke? My list of results!
Favourite bit of GCN Mallorca? Aside
from the Karaoke, just riding with so
many people from different walks of life
with one common passion.
Looking forward to most at GCN
Avoriaz? I’m looking forward to using
GCN Avoriaz as a training camp to
prepare for my first competitive event
since retiring from racing. A 100 mile
MTB event called the Leadville 100.
How would you describe yourself
as a cyclist? Like all kinds of cycling
disciplines, not the best at any.
Your best moment on a bike? London
Paralympics road race, when we were
in the breakaway for the majority of the
race and got home with a silver medal.
Post-ride beverage? Beer, of course!
You are most likely to...? Go too
hard too early, I never learn from my
mistakes!
Favourite bike tech? Disc brakes.
Your cycling hero? Marianne Vos.
Your best joke? I am the worst person
at telling jokes!
Favourite bit of GCN Mallorca?
Apart from all the great riding
around Mallorca, getting to hang out
afterwards with the guests and seeing
Lloydy on the Karaoke.
Looking forward to most at GCN
Avoriaz? Riding my bike with great
people in the mountains for a couple of
days.
4

Spokes are online coaching specialists for cyclists, triathletes and endurance athletes. All of our coaching programmes are
completely tailored to the personal profile, circumstances, needs and aspirations of the individual. The coaching programmes
vary in terms of the specialist treatments included, ranging from: ‘video call’ consultancy and regular review time with the
coach and or nutritionist; DNA analysis; sweat analysis; access to expert and specialist webinars on mental fitness, strength +
conditioning; stretching + yoga and a nutritional recipe library.
Regardless of your age, experience or goals Spokes can provide you with a personal coaching programme to improve your
performance and enjoyment.
PAV BRYAN – PERFORMANCE DIRECTOR
Pav heads up the coaching team at Spokes and is responsible for ensuring the products and
services they offer is market leading and always at the forefront of innovation. Pav developed
the ‘Truly Personal Coaching’ methodology, which has provided countless successes not just
with his coaching, but within the industry that has now adopted it. Truly Personal Coaching is
a promise that you will always get coaching that is achievable, be that from the time you have
available, the goals you want to achieve or the manner in which you want to achieve them.
JAKE YARRANTON – COACH
Having always had an interest in sport and being quite a competitive individual, I fell into the
sport of cycling easily as I started working as a part time sales assistant at my local bike shop. It
wasn’t long before I became heavily involved with the sport in racing and also a chosen career
path of professional bike fitting and coaching. My only regret with cycling is not starting earlier.
I have been cycling for just over 10 years and have progressed through the ranks whilst working
full time and moving away to San Diego to gain experience and pass further qualifications in
bike fitting. Having studied sport and exercise science in my previous education brings the
interest of athlete performance and how to achieve the best results whilst training and racing.
AITOR ALTUNA – COACH
I have a passion for human performance and coaching. I started reading training books and
everything related to performance that I could, with the quest of understanding how the human
body works in the context of exercise. My curiosity kept growing, and I found myself reading
physiology textbooks, nutrition textbooks, and articles in scientific journals. That passion made
me start coaching other cyclists, applying the theory to practice.
My approach to coaching is focusing on the science, and building the training plan based on
principles of physiology, never forgetting the psychological aspect of the sport, and
all the social/mental factors that affect day to day training and performance. Having physiology
as a base, I try to find a way to apply it to practice, always in the quest of optimizing human
performance.
Twitter @spokesfit Instagram @spokesfit Facebook @spokesfit

AVORIAZ MAP
MORZINE
VIA ROUTE D’AVORIAZ
MONTRIOND
VIA COL DE JOUX VERTE
PUBLIC
PARKING
TENNIS COURTS
AMARA
SASKIA
LA FALAISE
BREAKFAST LOCATION
TOW
STAG
AQUARIAZ
6
PR
TO

GCN RESIDENCE
GCN RESTAURANT
CROZATS
GCN VENUE
The Place
LE REFUGE
DINNER LOCATION
TOURIST BOARD
GCN Information Point & Venue
ARRIVAL RECEPTION & TRANSFERS
Drop-off & Pick-Up
N
E
PRODAINS GONDOLA
(to Morzine)
KIDS ZONE
LANDMARK/PLACE OF INTEREST
ROAD
BOWLING
SHORTCUT
Passage Publique
ODAINS
MORZINE
7

RIDE GUIDE
The GCN Avoriaz ride outs will be fully supported with guides, mechanic support vehicles and feed stops. Plus you’ll get the
pleasure of the company of the GCN presenters!
RIDE GROUPS
Riders will be split into groups based on different speed and ability levels. We’ll contact you in advance to find out which
group is most suitable. Riders will also have the option to join the coaching masterclass on the two main ride days - this will
be a shorter route providing the opportunity for more hands on coaching by the Spokes coaching team.
There will be the opportunity to change groups if you feel that the group you are in is too fast or too slow. Each day we will
make any updates to ride groups and provide information and timings at the GCN reception in the hotel lobby.
RIDING GUIDE
Each group will be led by an experienced ride guide who
will lead the group. The ride guide will provide instructions
during the ride and any other warnings on the road so it
is important that riders follow their instructions at all times.
Although the ride guide for each group will lead the group
on the road, please bear in mind that we all have a collective
responsibility to conduct ourselves safely and respectfully
on the road at all times, both to your fellow riders and other
road users.
Signal Right
Signal Left
On the climbs, it is possible that the group will fragment,
and riders are encouraged to take the climbs at their own
pace. The ride leader will regroup everyone back together
at the top of each climb before continuing. If any riders are
struggling, the support team will be there to help and can
assist a rider to join a slower group on the road or provide a
short boost up the road.
Slow Down/Stop
RIDE SAFETY
A safety briefing will be provided each day before the ride
begins. Please ensure you follow the safety instructions
given and any further instructions of the ride leader on the
road. Riders are to ride two abreast within the groups unless
asked to single out by the ride guide. Groups must not be
spread across the road as you may see in a race situation.
Please ensure you ride safely at all times, observing the
rules of the road and following good basic riding etiquette.
Good etiquette means that we are always respectful of our
fellow riders, have good communication with each other
and take due care and attention to highlight any hazards or
obstacles you may encounter on the road, clearly and safely.
Point Out Hazard
Move Around Object
With respect to any descents on the rides: please ensure
that you take extra care and attention when descending as
a group. The rides are not a race situation and the roads are
all open to traffic. The ride guide will always be the first rider
8

on the road when descending, they will set an appropriate
and safe tempo for the descent. Please do not pass the
ride guide when descending, allow yourself some space
between you the rider in front and please remain on the
correct side of the road at all times.
FEED STATION
There will be a feed station on the main ride days (Thursday/
Friday) which will be just over halfway. The feed station will
provide snacks, nutrition products and the opportunity to
top up water. Before the ride there will be fruit and snacks
available at the GCN bike area to put in your pockets.
MECHANIC SUPPORT
Our mechanic team will be on hand for bike checks before
and after the ride. They will also provide support on the road
and can assist with minor problems and punctures. Please
be aware that this is not a “race style” neutral service and
riders are still expected to be capable of managing minor
problems and punctures. In the event of a more significant
mechanical problem that cannot be fixed at the roadside,
the support team may need to take the bike for further
assessment to ascertain if further repair or replacement parts
may be required. In the event that a bike is unrideable, the
bike and rider can be transported back to the hotel in one of
the ride support vehicles.
RIDE DETAILS
The following pages provide a detailed summary of each
ride day including route maps and profiles. Riders are
recommended to add routes to your bike computer – GPX
files will be available to download in advance.
KOM CHALLENGE
The grand finale to GCN Avoriaz will be the KOM Challenge
(see details of the climb on page 18-19). The KOM is
designed to be fun - riders can choose to race or ride at
your own pace.
PERSONAL INSURANCE
As is good practice when riding at home or abroad, We
highly recommend all riders have full personal insurance
(see insurance section on page 10).

TRAVEL INFORMATION
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Airport shuttles will be provided on the designated transfer days (see transfer details below). For guests who are arriving
outside of these transfer times please contact us for assistance with a private transfer by emailing
gcn@sportstoursinternational.co.uk or refer to the Avoriaz transfer service at www.avorinet.com/transfers
ARRIVAL – THURSDAY 1ST AUGUST
Transfers leaving Geneva airport at:
DEPARTURE – MONDAY 5TH AUGUST
Transfers leaving welcome point at resort entrance at:
12:00
07:00 for flights departing Geneva after 11:00
17:00
11:00 for flights departing Geneva after 15:00
Your flight should arrive 1 hour prior to the transfer time
to ensure that you and your luggage are ready to leave
on time. On arrival at the airport please exit the baggage
collection where the GCN team will be located.
Please meet at the welcome point at the entrance to the
resort (where you were dropped off on arrival day). Ensure
you are checked out of the hotel, have your bike packed,
and are ready to depart ahead of the transfer times.
INSURANCE
Please ensure that you have put in place your own travel and personal accident insurance cover for the event that
specifically insures you for cycling activities and covers potential theft and damage to your belongings. Having this insurance
in place is a condition of participation of GCN Avoriaz – refer to section 4.2 in our T&Cs here: www.gcnevents.co/pages/terms
ITINERARY
We have four action packed days of riding, events and
entertainment at GCN Avoriaz:
DAY 1: ARRIVAL
Thursday 1st August
DAY 2: COL DU CORBIER
Friday 2nd August
All Day
Guest arrival and transfer
Morning
Col du Corbier or Coaching
Masterclass
Afternoon
Short (optional) orienation
ride
Afternoon
Coaching Workshop with
Pav Bryan
Evening
Welcome with the GCN team
Evening
GCN Show Live
10

GENERAL, VISA, PASSPORT AND HEALTH INFORMATION
For passport and visa information, please check the relevant section on this page: www.gov.uk/browse/citizenship/passports.
General Travel and health Information for your destination is available on the FCO website. Please note that this information
relates to UK passport holders only and that other nationalities should refer to their own authorities for this information.
KIT LIST
☐
Passport
☐
Arm/Leg Warmers
☐
Power Meter Parts
☐
Flight Details & Pass
☐
Full Finger Gloves
☐
Spare Mech Hanger
☐
Insurance Documents
☐
Overshoes
☐
Spare Tubes
☐
Credit Cards & Cash
☐
Bottles
☐
Spare Cleats
☐
Mobile Phone & Charger
☐
Multitool
☐
Swim Kit
☐
Plug Socket Adapters
☐
Mini Pump
☐
Wash Kit
☐
Bike (in bike box)
☐
Tyre Levers
☐
Sun Screen
☐
Helmet
☐
Quick Chain Links
☐
Personal Medication
☐
Sunglasses
☐
Lights
☐
Energy/Hydration Products
☐
Cycling Shoes
☐
Pedals
☐
Chamois Cream
☐
Cycling Kit
☐
Bike Computer
☐
Waterproofs
☐
Heart Rate Monitor
DAY 3: COL DU JOUX PLANE
DAY 4: KOM CHALLENGE
DAY 5: DEPARTURE
MORE DETAIL
Saturday 3rd August
Sunday 4th August
Monday 5th August
Morning
Morning
Morning
Col du Joux Plane or
KOM Challenge
Checkout by 10:00
Coaching Masterclass
Afternoon
Afternoon
R&R – Free Time
Ask GCN Anything
& Wrap Party
Evening
Evening
Lloydy’s Pub Quiz
Dinner
11

DAY 1 THURSDAY
STAGE
TIMINGS
NOTES
Transfer
Various
Please refer to travel section on page 11
Arrival
All Day
On arrival at Avoriaz guests will be met at the Avoriaz
welcome point where you will be directed to you
accommodation to check in. Bikes can be taken to your
apartment to build yourself or transported to the GCN
bike area at the Tourist Board
Welcome Pack
From 14:00
After check in guests are invited to make your way to
the Tourist Board Office to collect your accreditation and
welcome pack at the GCN reception.The GCN reception
will be open from 14:00
Bike Build
14:30–16:30
19:00–20:00
GCN bike area will be located outside the Tourist Board.
Mechanics will assist with bike build and checks. Orbea
demo bikes can be collected here
Orientation Ride
17:00–18:00
Optional beginner coaching session to learn the basics of
riding in a group, riding etiquette and descending. Group
will ride down the top part of the Avoriaz descent and
back up to Avoriaz (approx. 10km). Please meet at GCN
bike area at 16:45 ready to ride. Riders will be set off in
groups following short safety briefing
GCN Welcome
19:30–20:00
Head to the GCN studio in the Tourist Board office for the
welcome briefing and to meet the team
Dinner
20:00–21:00
La Refuge Restaurant: GCN allocated area for dinner
12

APARTMENT INFORMATION
The accommodation in Avoriaz is apartment style run by Pierre & Vacances. Guests will be located in either Saskia, Crozats
or Amara apartments (please refer to the Avoriaz map for the location of the apartment blocks). On arrival in Avoriaz you will
be advised which block you are staying in and directed to the reception.
There are some important terms and conditions to be aware of:
Check-in Times
Check in is normally 17:00 but we will endeavour to organise
early check in for guests arriving in the afternoon
Check-out Times
Check out will be 10:00 on Monday 5th August
Security Deposit
A security deposit will be required on the apartment (200
Euros for Saskia, 400 Euros for Crozats, 500 Euros for
Amara). Please ensure you have a credit card available for
this – the deposit is for any damages so will be refunded
following departure
Kitchen
Each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen with kettle and
coffee machine
Wifi
Complimentary wifi is available and you will be provided with
an access code at check-in
Linen and Towels
Please note that a linen and towel pack will be available for
you, but you need to make your own bed
Cleaning
Daily cleaning of the apartment is not provided. End of stay
cleaning is provided, but please tidy the apartment and
follow any instructions provided at check-in
Bikes
Are allowed in the apartments
Laundry
An automatic laundry service is open daily in the resort
Taxe de Sejour
Daily tourist tax is payable in France (approx. 2 Euros per
day). This will need to be paid at check-in.
13

DAY 2 FRIDAY
STAGE
TIMINGS
NOTES
Breakfast
07:30–08:30
La Falaise Restaurant: GCN allocated area for continental
breakfast
Ride Out
From 08:30
Ride groups will depart from 08:30 – check daily groups
and start times at the GCN information desk in the Tourist
Board Office. Meet at GCN bike area ready to ride 15
minutes before your group departure time.
Massage
15:00–17:00
Complimentary post ride sports massage provided by
Katrina. Allocated in 15 minute slots – please register your
slot on return from the ride. The massage room is located
in the Tourist Board Office
GCN Workshop
17:00–18:00
GCN Coaching Workshop hosted in GCN Studio
Pav Bryan – Performance Director at Spokes
Dinner
18:30–20:00
La Refuge Restaurant: GCN allocated area for dinner
GCN Show Live
20:00–21:30
Head to the GCN studio for the GCN Show with Dan and
Chris
14

ROUTE INFORMATION
MAIN RIDE STATISTICS
Distance 72.5 km
Difficulty Difficult
Total Elevation 1420 m
Total Descent 2260 m
Est. Moving Time* 03:46
*average speed 19.2 km/h
MASTERCLASS RIDE STATISTICS
Distance 29.4 km
Difficulty Difficult
Total Elevation 990 m
Total Descent 990 m
Est. Moving Time* 02:08
*average speed 13.8 km/h
15

DAY 3 SATURDAY
STAGE
TIMINGS
NOTES
Breakfast
07:30–08:30
La Falaise Restaurant: GCN allocated area for continental
breakfast
Ride Out
From 08:30
Ride groups will depart from 08:30 – check daily groups
and start times at the GCN information desk in the Tourist
Board Office. Meet at GCN bike area ready to ride 15
minutes before your group departure time
Massage
16:00–18:00
Complimentary post ride sports massage provided by
Katrina. Allocated in 15 minute slots – please register your
slot on return from the ride. The massage room is located
in the Tourist Board Office
Dinner
18:30–20:00
La Refuge Restaurant: GCN allocated area for dinner
Lloydy’s Pub Quiz
20:00–21:30
Head to La Place bar for Lloydy’s Pub Quiz
16

ROUTE INFORMATION
MAIN RIDE STATISTICS
Distance 79.2 km
Difficulty Difficult
Total Elevation 1920 m
Total Descent 2750 m
Est. Moving Time* 04:39
*average speed 19.2 km/h
MASTERCLASS RIDE STATISTICS
Distance 38.6 km
Difficulty Difficult
Total Elevation 850 m
Total Descent 1680 m
Est. Moving Time* 02:34
*average speed 15.0 km/h
17

DAY 4 SUNDAY
STAGE
TIMINGS
NOTES
Breakfast
07:30–08:30
La Falaise Restaurant: GCN allocated area for continental
breakfast
Ride Out (Option 1)
08:00
Riders who wish to do the full loop ascending the Col du
Joux Verte to the start of the KOM must be ready to leave
by 08:00
Ride Out (Option 2)
09:00
Option for riders who wish to descend the Col du Joux
Verte to the start of the KOM
KOM Challenge
09:30–11:00
On arrival riders will sign in. Riders will set off at 1 minute
intervals in start order. Following the KOM riders will ride
back to Avoriaz (3km)
Wrap Party
15:00–17:00
Head to La Place bar where we will be hosting the wrap
party featuring Ask GCN Anything – your chance to ask
the GCN presenters anything you want
Dinner
18:30–20:00
La Refuge Restaurant: GCN allocated area for dinner
18

ROUTE INFORMATION
1750m
KOM SEGMENT PROFILE
1700m
1650m
1600m
1550m
1500m
0km
Avg Grade 6%
4.26km
VITAL STATISTICS
Distance
Difficulty
Total Elevation
Total Descent
Est. Moving Time*
Feed Stations
4.33 km
Easy
250 m
0 m
00:26
1
*average speed 10.0 km/h
19

DAY 5 MONDAY
STAGE
TIMINGS
NOTES
Breakfast
07:30–09:30
La Falaise Restaurant: GCN allocated area for continental
breakfast
Pack
Morning
Riders pack bikes into bike boxes ahead of departure.
Assistance will be available from our event team.
Please note: for early departures we recommend
packing bikes on Saturday afternoon
Transfer
Various
Please refer to travel section on page 11 for departure
instructions and information on the airport transfer times
20

GCN AVORIAZ PARTNERS
We are pleased to be supported by the following partners at GCN Avoriaz:
Wahoo Fitness harnesses the power of your smart phone to transform the way you ride, run
and reach your fitness goals. At GCN Avoriaz you will be able to try out the latest Wahoo Kickr
smart trainer - we will have two trainers set up in the GCN studio which will also be in the Wahoo
warm up zone at the start of the KOM Challenge. Wahoo will also have the latest Elemnt bike
computers available to test – you will need to download the Wahoo Roam app onto your phone.
Go to www.wahoofitness.com to download the app and find out more about Wahoo
Leading Bicycles, helmets and cycle clothing brand Orbea develops technology applied to
products for bike lovers. At GCN Avoriaz you will get the chance to test a top of the range Orca
Aero road bike as well as the new Orbea Gain road e-bike.
To find out more about Orbea go to www.orbea.com
Enervit Sport is a complete line of endurance sport nutritional supplements, providing specific
products for every step of your performance strategy. We are delighted to have Enervit providing
energy products before, during and after GCN Avoriaz rides.
Find out more at www.enervit.com
Whether hiking or biking, Komoot’s planning and navigation tech helps you to easily plan
your next adventure. GCN Avoriaz guests will get access to worldwide offline maps on
Komoot. You will also be able to download all the ride routes from Komoot as well as upload
images to the routes using your Komoot account.
Find out more at www.komoot.com
Find out more about our Coaching Partner, Spokes on page 5 or by visiting www.spokes.fit
Special thanks to Katrina for providing Sports Massages. Check out www.pilates-trainer.co.uk

EVENT TEAM
James Pope
Event Director
Ben Roberts
Drone Pilot
Gary Willis
Ride Director
Ed Nicholl
Event Support/Mechanic
Jamie Warren
Head of Marketing
Steve Drewery
Event Support/Mechanic
Neil Wyatt
Production Manager
Abi Gibb
Ride Leader
Keith Stocker
Event Manager
Tim Scott
Ride Guide
Dan Lloyd
Director of Racing
Grigor Wallace
Ride Guide
Chris Opie
GCN Presenter
Pav Bryan
Performance Director
Mayalen Noreiga
GCN en Español Presenter
Jake Yarranton
Coach
Stefan Darque
Video Creator
Aitor Altuna
Coach
Karl Wakfer
Video Creator
Olly Bowman
Photographer
Sid Albanis
Creator
Katrina Aldridge-Heath
Sports Massage
CONTACT INFORMATION
General enquiries info@gcnevents.co
Booking enquiries +44 161 703 8161 – gcn@sportstoursinternational.co.uk
Event Control Number +44 7968 264 196
Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram
#GCNINSPIRATION

in partnership with
www.avoriaz.com
www.wahoofitness.com
www.orbea.com
www.enervit.com
www.komoot.com
www.spokes.fit