UltraChampsaur.
The Tour de Frustelle is the shortest race of the UltraChampsaur: a loop out of Pont-du-Fossé through the hedged farmland of the Champsaur, with the Petite Autane in view. The climbs are short but frequent, and the only longer one comes in the second half.
UltraChampsaur 2027: Course, Elevation & Route Profile
Start and finish are on the Place de la Patinoire in Pont-du-Fossé, a little over 1,100 m up in the upper Champsaur on the edge of the Écrins massif. The first four kilometres stay close to the valley floor and climb only in small steps of 40 to 50 m. The organiser routes the course through the bocage, the hedge-lined farmland of the valley, and past viewpoints of which the Petite Autane is the best known.
From km 3.9 the main climb begins: around 180 m in two kilometres, with short pitches above 30 percent. After a short break a second, steeper step of about 100 m starts at km 6.6 and leads to the high point just under 1,400 m. From there the course drops quickly over the last two and a half kilometres back to Pont-du-Fossé, where all four races of the day finish.
| Start | Length | Ø | Max. | Gain | Cat. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| km 0.7 | 0.5 km | 8.6 % | 19 % | +39 m | — |
| km 1.4 | 0.5 km | 9 % | 22.3 % | +43 m | — |
| km 3.9 | 2 km | 9 % | 31.5 % | +182 m | Cat. 3 |
| km 6.6 | 0.9 km | 12.5 % | 32.1 % | +106 m | Cat. 4 |
Climb categories follow the road-cycling convention and rate the terrain itself (length and gradient) regardless of sport: Cat. 4 marks the easiest rated climbs, Cat. 1 the hardest, and HC (hors catégorie, “beyond categorization”) is reserved for the most brutal ascents. Short climbs below the Cat. 4 threshold stay unrated.
How to pace UltraChampsaur.
Start under control
The first four kilometres invite you to think flat, but they are not quite: the small steps cost you if you take them at speed. Run them evenly and save your strength for the part that counts.
Hold your rhythm
The race is decided between km 3.9 and 7.5. On the pitches above 30 percent hiking is often barely slower than running and spares the legs for the second step.
Spend what is left
If you can still run at the top, the fast descent to Pont-du-Fossé is where you gain the most time; if you overdid the first climb, that is where you lose it again.
Training plan for UltraChampsaur: 12-week build
Build the base
For most runners the Tour de Frustelle takes between one and two hours. The effort is a brisk, mostly aerobic run with two short, hard phases on the hill where the heart rate climbs clearly.
Train race pace
Train short hill intervals of three to eight minutes on steep ground, and practise switching deliberately between a strong hike and running. One run a week on meadow and farm tracks with small rises prepares you for the first part of the loop.
Rehearse the course
The finish is a fast descent of around 250 m. Downhill running on paths and tracks, ideally at the end of a session, makes your quads ready for it.
Arrive fresh
The race is held in early July in the morning, above 1,100 m and partly in the open. Do some training runs in warm weather and plan enough fluid for the start time.
Courses
Download the UltraChampsaur course as a GPX file for your watch or bike computer.
Let YOUB adapt your plan for UltraChampsaur dynamically
Ben connects your goal, the course, current load, recovery, and calendar. Your plan stays pointed at race day even when real life is not perfectly plannable.
Everything about UltraChampsaur.
How long is UltraChampsaur?
UltraChampsaur is 10 km long. That distance shapes how much aerobic endurance, pace durability, and race-specific work belong in the training plan.
How much elevation gain does UltraChampsaur have?
UltraChampsaur has around 431 m of elevation gain over 10 km. That affects pacing, muscular load, and preparation for late-race sections.
What is the route profile of UltraChampsaur?
UltraChampsaur is classified as Mountainous, averaging 42.1 vertical metres per kilometre. 11% of the route is flat, 28% climbs moderately (2 to 6%) and 20% is steeper than 6%.
What climbs does UltraChampsaur have?
The hardest climb of UltraChampsaur starts at kilometre 3.9, runs for 2 km at an average of 9% and gains 182 metres. Cycling-convention rating: Cat. 3. 4 climbs are mapped in total.
Is UltraChampsaur a loop course?
Yes, UltraChampsaur is laid out as a loop: start and finish are in the same place.
Is there a GPX file for the UltraChampsaur course?
Yes. The UltraChampsaur course is on this page as a free GPX download — ready to import into Garmin, Wahoo, Komoot, Strava or any other app that reads GPX.
How should I prepare for UltraChampsaur?
Preparation for UltraChampsaur should account for 10 km, 431 m of elevation gain, current training load, and available training time. An adaptive plan helps place key sessions without ignoring recovery and real life.
What pacing strategy works for UltraChampsaur?
The pacing strategy for UltraChampsaur should reflect 10 km, 431 m of elevation gain, and your current fitness. Start controlled and keep margin for sections where the profile or fatigue makes target pace harder.
When does UltraChampsaur take place?
UltraChampsaur takes place on July 3, 2027.
Where does UltraChampsaur take place?
UltraChampsaur takes place in Pont-du-Fossé, France.
Which distances does UltraChampsaur offer?
UltraChampsaur offers 4 distances — Tour de Frustelle: 10 km; Le Balcon des Champs d'Or: 20 km; Trail des Venasques: 32 km; Tour du Haut Champsaur: 83 km.
How do I register for UltraChampsaur?
Registration runs through the organiser: ultrachampsaur.com. YOUB shows you the course, elevation profile and training plan for your preparation.
