In search of a big challenge

[Chris.IOW]

I'm really enjoying my cycling at the moment but I'm feeling the need for a big challenge, something to get me to up my training to the next level, sort out my nutrition and motivate me to shift those last few pounds that are still hanging around.

I'm thinking of trying for a big alpine sportive for next year, I know of the Etape and le Marmotte but does anyone know of any other events? Google doesn't seem to bring anything up other than more race type events (might be that Sportive is the wrong term for this type of event in France).

If anyone has any suggestions for events to look into it would be much appreciated.

Thanks

 

[PoweredByVeg]

Well, there's London-Edinburgh-London next year, or Paris-Brest-Paris in 2015.

The qualifying will certainly be training enough!

 

[tmcd35]

Have a look on www.cyclosport.org they have a lot of events listed there.

 

[Rallybiker]

Have a look at the Wild Wales Challenge 2012 ?

 

[oldfatfool]

Bergen - Voss looks like a very scenic ride, possibly not quite as difficult as the Etape, more a midway point oh and not the alps either but..
http://bergenck.no/defaultBV.aspx?pageId=118

 

[TheSandwichMonster]

Schwalbe Transalp, perhaps?

 

[nantes23]

Have a look at Le Vaujany in the French Alps it's on a week before the Marmotte.
107 miles unlike it's more popular cousin, less riders competing for the same road space BUT just as tough !!