It is named after the large ground squirrel that is known to inhabit the slopes of the final climb to the finish in Alpe d'Huez.
The Marmotte remains one of the most popular cyclosportive events today in Europe, with interest in participation exceeding the 7000 places available.
Covering a distance of 174.4 km (108.4 mi) and with 5,180 m (16,990 ft) of climbing, the route is considered to be one of the hardest of any cyclosportive and comparable to the most challenging high mountain stages of the Tour de France.
Online entry on the event's official website is possible but demand greatly exceeds the limited number of places available (approximately 7000).
A limited number places are available to groups, organised sporting holiday companies and individuals who enter the Trophee de l'Oisans, a series of cyclosportive events held in the Oisans region over the previous week, starting with the Vaujany Master ride.