50 KM Untimed

The first few kilometres provide a warm-up, following the cycle path along the upper Thur Valley. A small hill of 200 m will enable you to test your lowest gears, before crossing the See d’Urbès peat bog, a peaceful natural area. The warm-up ends with the climb to the village of Storckensohn. The Grand Ballon will soon rise up before you. You can’t miss the Grand Ballon with its round radar station at an altitude of 1424 m. When you reach Saint-Amarin, you must stop at the feed zone, so you don’t lack energy as you head off for the Col du Haag.

The first part of the pass leads to Geishouse.

Please note that if you do not have an e-bike, the climb starts with a gradient of 12%, forcing some riders to pedal standing up. Don’t overestimate your strength, take your time.

You will soon come out of the forest and cross the village with its sharp bends and beautiful panorama. But the hardest part is still to come... The greenway, with views towards the Grand Ballon, was renovated in 2024 and has a nice surface, but the slope is tough. The average gradient is nearly 8%. Above all, the end of the pass is particularly difficult. Regular short breaks will help you to cope with the climb. At the last bend, recognisable by its totem pole, 1500 m remain, one part with a gradient of over 12%. Take heart! You will soon see the Haag farmhouse inn.

There will be lots of photo opportunities: the forested mountain range, the Grand Ballon nearby, the stubble fields and the typical Vosgienne cows... After a well-deserved meal, head for the Markstein along the ridge, leaving the Grand Ballon behind you. The randonnée ends with an enjoyable descent. The road that brings you back to the Thur Valley is very wide and has no technical difficulties. Well done! You have crossed one of the most difficult passes in the Vosges Mountains. You have conquered the Col du Haag!