TROPHÉE DES ALPES
A LEGEND
From the Rallye des Alpes...
to the Trophée des Alpes:
nearly a century of history
a legendary race,
A rich history
a legend of the Alps
from Albert Roussel to Zoulou Racing Heritage, via Patrice Sidrac
And Patrick Zaniroli
The 6th TROPHÉE DES ALPES
will take place
From 15 to 19 SEPTEMBER!
Conceived in 1931 by Albert Roussel, president of the Automobile Club de Marseille, the Rallye des Alpes gave rise to one of Europe’s most legendary and selective motor racing competitions.
The origins of the legend
First launched in July 1932 under the name Rallye des Alpes Françaises, it quickly established itself as an extreme challenge against the elements. Crossing several Alpine countries, the event put as much strain on the cars as it did on the crews, who had to tackle mountain passes and special stages one after another at a breakneck pace.
From the Critérium to the Coupe des Alpes
After the Second World War, the event resumed in 1946 and was renamed the Rallye International des Alpes before finally being christened the Coupe des Alpes in the 1950s. It became a major round of the European Rally Championship.
The challenge was formidable: drivers had to cover between 3,000 and 4,000 kilometres and cross mountain passes at altitudes of over 2,000 metres whilst maintaining very strict average speeds. Losing even a single second at a checkpoint meant elimination. Those who managed to complete the event without a single penalty were awarded the prestigious ‘Coupe des Alpes’.
The legacy of the Trophée des Alpes
Revived in 2016 on the initiative of Patrice Sidrac, Managing Director at Kiss FM, a gentleman driver and enthusiast of classic cars and legendary races, the Trophée des Alpes has, over the past ten years, established itself as a worthy successor to the great Alpine motor races. The organisation has since been taken over by ZCE and Patrick Zaniroli, and its legacy is now carried on by Zoulou Racing Heritage.
Focused squarely on the Alps, with no detours, and offering a more convivial atmosphere whilst maintaining high standards of pure consistency on open roads, the ‘new-format’ Trophée des Alpes adapts to the times whilst successfully bridging the gap with the history of the legendary Alpine races.
A special edition to mark the 10th anniversary
To celebrate its 10th anniversary, the Trophée des Alpes is organising an exceptional event at the end of the summer (15–19 September) in Aix-les-Bains. Five days, four stages, over 1,000 kilometres through the Alps – an experience that will leave a lasting impression!
