For many British cyclists it will present a real dilemma – to choose between two of the biggest sportives on the European calendar, or to scrap plans for either and enjoy the visit of the biggest bike race on the planet to these shores.

Although preparations for next summer’s Tour de France Grand Départ in Yorkshire are well underway, thousands of sportive riders face missing the county’s big moment as the weekend coincides with the dates of La Marmotte and Il Maratona dles Dolomites.

As the Tour peloton races from Leeds to Harrogate on Saturday July 5, with Mark Cavendish bidding for the white rose-adorned yellow jersey, thousands of sportivists will be tackling the Glandon and Alpe d’Huez in the 31st annual edition of La Marmotte.

And the following day, when the 101st edition of the Tour takes in the rolling route from York to Sheffield, some of Britain’s most dedicated amateurs will be tackling some of the most notorious climbs of the Giro d’Italia, including the Passo Giau.

So, how do you solve this dilemma? We have assessed the options available to British riders torn between watching a Grand Départ on home soil and planning a grand day out of their own. Check them out over the next few pages.