Thursday, 14 October 2021, the new course of the Tour de France announced. The rumours were persistent, namely that Switzerland and specifically the cities of Lausanne and Aigle would be start and finish locations in the 2022 edition of 'La Grande Boucle'. That is why we spoke to local guide, Vaud connoisseur and cycling guide phenomenon Alain Rumpf. For cyclingdestination.cc We asked him about some beautiful places in his home region, the Alpes Vaudoises in the canton Vaud. We follow in the footsteps of Alain Rumpf through the Alpes Vaudoises in this article.
Alain, tell us who are you and what do you do?
I am a former elite cyclist from Switzerland. I was born in Geneva and grew up in the region around Lac Lemain. After a short career as a rider, I worked for the UCI for 20 years, here in Aigle. That was from 1994 to 2014. Since 2001, I have also lived in this region in the beautiful mountain village of Gryon. After my time with the UCI, I started as a self-employed person. Many know me as 'A Swiss With a Pulse' via Instagram. It's a nickname I was once given by a friend. I thought that was very fitting and I have kept it ever since.
Under that heading, people mainly see my photographic work (I am a photographer) and my work as a guide for groups. In addition, my involvement in the Alpes Vaudoises highlighted herein.
Besides those things, I have my own website, Cycliste.ch, really aimed at the French-speaking cycling enthusiast. It's a great place for me to post content and an additional source of income. I am also still active as a consultant in various areas of cycling. My experience at the UCI (and especially my rule knowledge) comes in handy there!
You've been active in cycling for so long and a long time cyclist yourself. What do you love about cycling?
What I like most about cycling is its versatility. When I am on the bike, I am working on my health. At the same time, I am in nature and enjoying beautiful places. As a photographer, I naturally get to many beautiful places. In addition, meeting people is a very nice aspect of cycling. You have a 'common ground' right away. That makes it such a wonderful hobby or actually almost a lifestyle. As a guide, I am in the lucky position of meeting different people very often and I can show them the most beautiful places.
When I'm working to finish the Tour des Stations (an ultra cycling tour, ed.) it's all about pushing the limits. That's when I really go for it. I really have to train for that, so I'm doing a work-out outside again.
No shortage of beautiful places in Switzerland. You yourself live in the municipality of Villars-Les Diablerets, what is life like there?
I deliberately came to live in this region, in the Alpes Vaudoises. It is the combination of the mountains, the beautiful landscape, the peace and quiet, the fantastic climbs. Also don't forget that these mountains are very close to the city. In just 45 minutes, I am in the city. So the distances are short.
Col des Mosses (C) Alain Rumpf
About the climbs: they are high, big and challenging, but they are not insurmountable. There is a lot of variety. The mountains are really accessible, it's not extremely remote. You can choose to go for a quiet climb in this region where you won't meet many people or look for something more crowded. For example, here in Villars and Gryon, but also in other places in the region.
When you take people on a cycling tour, which places do you choose?
Col de la Croix (C) Alain Rumpf
From here, the Col de La Croix is the best option. It is the highest climb and this one is truly stunning. The road up is relatively quiet and at the very last part you won't encounter much traffic. I usually combine it with a lap via the Col du Pillon and the Col des Mosses. That's a brilliant combination, which also includes parts of the UCI Granfondo take away.
If I have to mention anything else, it's Les Agites. This is quite a challenging climb. At the foot you are in the Rhone valley and once at the top you have a magnificent view of Lake Geneva. The climb is steep, there are tunnels, it really is an adventure. You end up on the other side of the mountain.
On the trail of Alain Rumpf through the Alpes Vaudoises: gravel tip!
If I take the gravel bike, I have a nice 45-kilometre lap, in the ski resort. Between Villars - Les Diablerets and Gryon.
Now for the real insider tip. If you live here, then of course you have a favourite lunch ride. That one is up the Col de la Croix and then I take a 'secret' road that eventually comes back to my doorstep. Want to know which road? Then check out this page!
Col de la Croix (C) Alain Rumpf
If you really want to explore this region and also have a great race experience, then you really need the UCI Granfondo Suisse do. All the main hills are in there and you'll get a regional quick course that way. Book a few days in advance to get used to the area. The race itself is not completely closed, but because there are so many cyclists on the road, you basically have the road to yourself. The region is then very bike-friendly.
Favourite stop
I am totally a fan of Boulangerie Charlet in Gryon. They have by far the best croissants in the village. My honest opinion.
Boulangerie Charlet (C) Alain Rumpf 
When on the road, I like to stop at mountain or alpine huts, either on the side of the road or on the summit. Almost every one of these has good coffee and you can usually get a delicious local cheese. The standard is just high in that respect (when we ourselves were in Vaud in 2020, we got to experience that).
What is your favourite hotel or place to stay.
Well, that's tricky. Of course, I am a local and then you usually just sleep at home. But if I have to choose, I would say choose Villars as a base. You can go up or down from here. It is a big ski resort, with several cafés and restaurants (including. Alpe Fleurie, highly recommended).
Alternatively, Aigle also be a good one. Not only because of its location (in the valley, with therefore lots of possibilities) but also because of the presence of the UCI and the Centre Mondial du Cycliste. At the headquarters of the World Cycling Federation, you can schedule a coffee stop (they have delicious cycling coffee) and you can also take a look at the indoor cycling track. There you will not only find an impressive photo gallery of cycling greats.
You also have the chance to bump into David Lappartient there (he drinks his coffee black ;)) and spot the new Chris Froome or Egan Bernal. Because the CMC is where great talents from all over the world come along.
You can also take to the cycling track yourself, for an introductory course or you can opt for a multi-day guidance from the Centre Mondial du Cyclisme. For that, check out the site of the UCI
Best time to go?
Do you also want to follow in the footsteps of Alain Rumpf through the Alpes Vaudoises? Then for the best experience, head to this region during the period from 15 May to 15 October. Of course, the weather can always be against you (but also with you), but then you have the best chance of a great experience.
Also check the offers of the Alpes vaudoises region
