2025 EPIC 3 Nations
with Rob Taylor

After breakfast, orientation meeting, and bike build-up, you’ll head out for your first ride. you’ll head out on our warm-up ride featuring a magnificent, virtually unknown climb to the Lac de Bise, high in the Alps close to the Swiss border.

Shorter ride option:  43km +1082 (Les Bossons).

We’ve designed an absolutely stunning route featuring the most scenic and most challenging climbs in the Haute Savoie.

Leaving the hotel in Evian, you’ll head south towards the town of Chatel, scene of yesterday’s Tour de France stage finish. Just before Chatel you’ll head over the Col du Corbier to Morzine where tomorrow’s stage will start. From Morzine the Col de L’Encrenaz leads you to Samoens and the start of the super-steep Col de Joux Plane where Lance Armstrong had one of his worst days on the bike back in the 2000 Tour de France, losing 2 minutes to Richard Virenque in just 5km. We hope you enjoy the climb more than Lance did on that infamous day, and don’t forget to leave something in the legs for the final climb, the magnificent Col du Grand Taillet.

Shorter ride option: 91k+2647 (Lac de Bise, Col du Corbier and Col du Grand Taillet)

After yesterday ride, you’ll start the ride recovery ride through a lovely bike path by the Lac Léman.

but remember you are on Thomson trip, you always will be at the top of the hill, today it’s not an expetion the route up to your hotel it’s almost a real climb.

Today’s highlight is no doubt the magnificent Col du Sanetsch, a hidden gem known for its dramatic views and serene alpine lakes.

With a total elevation gain of 1500m over 20km, this is one to settle in to a steady pace and enjoy the spectacular scenery that surrounds this climb.

Shorter ride option: 73,3km+2114 (Col du Sanetsch)

On today’s ride we only have one climb, Mossalp but it’s gone a be one of your favourite climbs, provably it’s not one of the most famous ones but it’s gorgeous, Missal’s it’s been used by the Tour of Swiss several times.

I have deferents reasons why I like this climb, very little traffic, great opens views while you are climbing, it’s not really steep and very important a rely fun descent!

The “spectacular” theme continues, with an amazing loop over 3 Hors-Categorie climbs. Highlight of the day is, without a doubt, the cobbled Saint Gotthardpass. Only the Swiss could maintain such perfect cobbles, painstakingly repairing the road every spring. There are 2 other roads that lead to the summit, so you can enjoy the old, cobbled road without any traffic. In addition to the Saint Gotthard you’ll also conquer the Nufenenpass and the Furkapass, both of which rise to over 2,400m (7,900ft).

Tip: the St Gotthardpass is definitely one to enjoy and take in the surrounding scenery. Climbing 13km (8 miles) on cobbles is tough, even if they are very smooth, so best not to push too hard and just enjoy the ride.

Shorter ride option: 109km+2563 (st Gotthardpass and Furkapass)

Today will be a great surprise for everyone. You are embarking on a short but truly scenic ride, featuring one beautiful climb of Fäld, also on today’s ride we are going to cross a really nice bridge!

Queen stage today!

Grosse Scheidegg is the highlight of today’s ride. This remarkable climb winds its way through some of the highest peaks in Europe including the famous north face of the Eiger. Ask any cyclist who’s had the good fortune to ride this climb and they will no doubt tell you that it’s in their list of Top 10 climbs in Europe – it’s that good! The fun continues after Grosse Scheidegg with the 25km (15 miles) Grimselpass, topping out at 2,200m (7,200ft).

Tip: the road to Grosse Scheidegg is closed to regular traffic from Grindenwald – but there are regular shuttle buses taking hikers to the summit. The buses can take up most of the road on the switchbacks – so just keep an eye out for them and stay well to the right if you’re on a switchback.

Shorter ride option: 71km+1997 (Grosse Scheidegg and Grimselpass)

Your journey eastward across the Swiss Alps continues with this magnificent ride across the Furkapass and the Oberalppass. On the Oberalppass keep an eye out for the famous Glacier Express train which runs alongside the road, linking St Moritz and the Matterhorn. The ride ends with a sensational 25km (15 miles) stretch of single-lane road perched high above the valley

Tip: as you’re climbing the Furkapass, look off to your left for some incredible photo ops of the Grimselpass switchbacks in the distance

Shorter ride option: 87km+2138 (Oberlpass and Obersaxen)

Today’s ride features the Albulapass, one of the top climbs in Switzerland and often included in the annual Tour de Suisse stage race. From the hotel, enjoy the first 35km through typical Swiss countryside before reaching Filisur and the start of today’s main climb, the Albulapass. The summit lies 23km up the road at 2,300m (7,500ft) so you’ll need to pace yourself for this huge HC climb.

As a second course we have the Umbrailpass, The Stelvio from the Swiss side, provably the steepest side to climb the most iconic climb.

Shorter ride option: 126km+2903 (Albulapass, Trepalle and Fiscagno)

Another classic Italian ride today over both sides of the legendary Passo Stelvio. From Bormio you’ll head up the southern approach to the Passo Stelvio. Turn around at the summit, head down 3km and take the right turn that leads to the Passo Umbrail and the border with Switzerland. The descent takes you through the beautiful Val Mustair before leading back into Italy and Prato allo Stelvio where the northern approach to the Passo Stelvio begins.

Tip: with an average grade of almost 7.5% over 24 km (15 miles), the 2nd ascent of the Stelvio is a major challenge. Make sure you leave something in the legs for this epic climb!

Shorter option ride : 39km+1460 (Stelvio from Bormio)

The perfect way to end this epic trip with an iconic Italian loop.

The Mortirolo is considered the “Alpe d’Huez” of the Giro d’Italia- except it’s significantly more challenging than its French counterpart! With an average of 10.5% over 11km (7 miles), this is one of the toughest climbs in Europe. After conquering the Mortirolo you’ll head up the valley to Ponte di Legno to the start of the climb to the Passo Gavia, always remembered for Andy Hampsten’s epic ride through a snowstorm to win the 1988 Giro.

Tip: stop at the Café at the summit of the Gavia. If it’s cold, they have the best hot chocolate and hot soup! From the cafe you have a 25 km (15 miles) descent to the hotel.

Shorter ride option: 82km+2500( Gavia from Bormio and Lago di Cancano)

Unfortunately, your epic 3-nations journey has come to an end.

Our private shuttle will drop you off at Milan Malpensa airport.