Other DisciplinesRoad CyclingRoad Running

The Grand Departure

Endurance Event and Road Cycling covering 5 km to 60 km in Poitiers (Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France)

LocationPoitiers, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, FranceShow on map(46.5802° N, 0.3404° E)
Date & StatusDecember 19, 2026Date confirmed
Elevation gainUp to +329 m

The Grand Departure is an endurance sporting event in Poitiers, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, FR focused on Other Disciplines, Road Cycling and Road Running. Key features include City Run, Nature & Off-Road, Untimed.

The race program comprises 4 competitions, including Road Cycling 60 km (60 km, +329 m D+), 45 km Road Bike (45 km, +283 m D+), Vélo de route 25 km (25 km, +187 m D+), and Social Run 5 km (5 km, +57 m D+). The next edition is officially confirmed for December 19, 2026. Official race regulations, course details, and registration information are provided on the organizer's website (fdj-suez.fr).

Official website
The Grand Departure in Poitiers (Work: "La Côte Basque depuis le col d'Ibardine - picture image photo pays basque biarritz saint jean de luz anglet bayonne", Photo: Grand Parc - Bordeaux, France from France, License: CC BY 2.0, Source: Wikimedia Commons)
"La Côte Basque depuis le col d'Ibardine - picture image photo pays basque biarritz saint jean de luz anglet bayonne" · Photo: Grand Parc - Bordeaux, France from France · Wikimedia CommonsCC BY 2.0
Cropped to 16:9 (960 × 540 px), WebP

Event characteristics

City RunNature & Off-RoadUntimed

Races & distances (4)

CompetitionDisciplineDistanceElevation gainAltitude rangeCourse typeCourse & profile
Road Cycling 60 kmRoad Cycling60 km+329 m54 m - 138 mLoop courseRoute & profile
45 km Road BikeRoad Cycling45 km+283 m57 m - 137 mLoop courseRoute & profile
Vélo de route 25 kmRoad Cycling25 km+187 m65 m - 122 mLoop courseRoute & profile
Social Run 5 kmRoad Running5 km+57 m84 m - 102 mLoop courseRoute & profile
Course & Elevation Telemetry

Course route & map

Distance
60 km
Elevation gain
+329 m D+
Elevation loss
-329 m D-
Altitude range
54 m - 138 m
Gradient (Avg / Max)
1.1 % / 4.9 %
Course format
Loop course
60 km+329 m D+
Start (S)Finish (F)
N1020304050FS46.6639° N, 0.3674° E

Elevation profile & course telemetry

Altitude from 54 m to 138 m above sea level (+329 m D+, -329 m D-)

Peak: 138 m·at 46.2 km·Ø 1.1 %
54 m82 m110 m138 m0 km12 km24 km36 km48 km60 km138 m
Event Information & Answers

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

When and where does The Grand Departure take place?

The Grand Departure takes place in Poitiers, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, FR (start area at coordinates 46.5802° N, 0.3404° E). The next edition is officially confirmed for December 19, 2026.

What races and distances are offered at The Grand Departure?

The race program comprises 4 competitions, including Road Cycling 60 km (60 km, +329 m D+), 45 km Road Bike (45 km, +283 m D+), Vélo de route 25 km (25 km, +187 m D+), and Social Run 5 km (5 km, +57 m D+). The competitions belong to Other Disciplines, Road Cycling and Road Running.

What is the course layout and elevation profile for The Grand Departure?

The main competition (Road Cycling 60 km over 60 km) is designed as a loop course featuring +329 m of elevation gain and -329 m of elevation loss, ranging between 54 m and 138 m above sea level. An interactive course map with a verified 3D GPS track, kilometer markers, and GPX download is available in the course section on this page.

Where can I find registration and official race rules for The Grand Departure?

Official race regulations, course details, and registration information are provided on the organizer's website (fdj-suez.fr).