Col du Galibier:
Elevation: 2,646m Region: Rhone-Alps Open: June to October One of the greatest climbs in the world for a cyclist, the Galibier offers three different routes to the summit of this mythical pass. At 2,646m above sea level and 100 years of Tour de France involvement, climbing the Galibier is atop the bucket list of most cyclists. The Tour de France has challenged riders over 55 times and continues to create defining moments in Tour history. Who can forget Andy Schleck’s win on the summit and Cadel Evan’s chase to stay within reach of his ultimate overall victory in 2011. Of the three routes, the Northern side is deemed the most challenging when started from Saint Michel de Maurienne. Taking in the Col du Telegraphe en route, this climb rises 2,096m in the space of 35km at an average gradient of 7.4%. Given there is 5km of descent included, it shows how steep the bulk of the climb is. Make sure that you have plenty of water / isotonic with you as the rocky and exposed slopes near the summit can be very hot and there is few places to refill along the way. The Southern face offers two alternate routes, the first starts in Briancon and is most likely the least challenging of the 3, but don’t be fooled as it is still a long steady climb that will leave the legs feeling like jelly by the summit. Close to the Italian border, Briancon is a great base for exploring climbs like the Izoard and Sestriere. From Briancon, the road follows the valley giving a chance to warm the legs up at a leisurely incline before it gets steadily steeper as you near Col du Lauteret. Overall the ride is 36km with an average incline of 4% however pace yourself as the final 8km averages around 7% with peaks of over 12%. For those staying around Bourg d’Oisans, the third route is a stunning ride of approximately 46km of consistent climbing and an elevation gain of close to 2,000m. The ride starts on the valley floor before solid elevation gain that will take you past the turn off to Les Deux Alpes, past stunning lakes, waterfalls and snow capped peaks. Roughly 8km from the summit you will intercept the route from Briancon at the Col du Lauteret. With some of the steepest terrain in that final few kilometres, the summit of the Galibier will be a welcome and hard earned reward. Things to note: Just below the Col on the Southern side is a memorial to Henri Desgrange – creator of the Tour de France. Enjoy a coffee or lunch break at Col du Lauteret, a great place to soak up the sun and rest the legs surrounded by stunning scenery. Don’t forget your bike lights as there are poorly lit tunnels (particularly on the route from Bourg d’Oisans) and the local Gendarme will stop you from riding through without them. Alberto Contador can attest to this as he was stopped in a training ride in June 2011. As one of the highest passes, the weather can turn very quickly so be prepared for everything! |
Col d’Izoard:
Elevation: 2,360m Region: Provence-Alps-Cote d’Azur Open: June to October With access from either Briancon or Guillestre, the Izoard has been in Tour de France history for roughly 90 years and over 30 stages. Famed for its lunar like landscapes and steep pitches, the Izoard is a great riding road. The Southern side (from Briancon) is just over 20km in length and has an average pitch of 5.7% and an elevation gain of just under 1,200m. Roughly 3km from the finish a light reprieve is given as the road dips, however what goes down must come back up when you are climbing a mountain and it doesn’t last long! From Guillestre, the climb is longer and more challenging, with 1,438m of elevation gain over 31.7km and peaks of 11% gradient the climb is consistently demanding. A good rhythm is the key to this climb as once you pass the town of Chateau Ville Vieille the average gradient is 7.3%. Things to note: Be careful on the descents, snow exists on a number of the bends year round and as it melts it leaves water and sometimes ice on the roads depending on the weather. If you are looking for a challenging day in the saddle, park your car in Chateau Ville Vieille and ride the Col Agnel and Izoard in the same day. |
Croix de Fer:
Elevation: 2,067m Region: Rhone-Alps Open: June to October A feature in the Tour de France since 1947, Croix de Fer offers a stunning back reward with a high Alpine lake and majestic views. From the village of Rochetaillee (South East face) riders are challenged by an undulating climb of 31.6km and an elevation gain of 1,502m. With an average gradient of 5.4% on the surface this climb seems relatively calm by Alps standards but given the first 3km is relatively flat and there are downhill sections within, this ride is still one to tire the legs. Maximum pitches of 12% regularly feature on the climb. The North Eastern face from Saint Jean de Maurienne welcomes riders seeking a steadier climb. At an average of 6.8% over 30km, the climb is more consistent. Maximum gradient of 10% is only reached briefly however be warned that the last 5km averages approximately 8%. Things to note: The roads here also feature many tunnels so ensure that you carry your bike lights. |
Petit Saint Bernard:
Elevation: 2,188m Region: Rhone-Alps Open: June to October This climb is a rider’s road. It is not listed due to big gradients or being a long tough climb, it is a favourite due to the stunning views, tranquillity and the way it offers a wonderful day on the bike without the stress of more challenging roads. The South Western face from Bourg Saint Maurice is 27km of 3-6% gradient and contains 25 long bends lending itself to stunning photography and countless reasons to pause and admire the view. The North Eastern face from Pre Saint Didier is gentler still at 5% average over 23.5km but no less stunning. With views across Italy and the many fortifications you will appreciate why this region had such strategic importance during the many battles. Things to note: This was the route of Napolean III in 1867 and a major trade route of the middle ages. The road features dozens of tunnels so again keep your lights on your bike. From the summit you have views across to Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe. |
Mont Cenis:
Elevation: 2,083m Region: Rhone-Alps / Piemont Open: May to November Rarely used during the Tour de France as geographically it doesn’t link very well the larger mountains, Mont Cenis is still worth riding if you are in the area. Close to the summit is the Lac Cenis which is one of the highest Alpine lakes in France at roughly 2,000m above sea level. The South Eastern face offers riders a 30km ascent that is fairly steep early on before flattening over the summit as you pass the lake in the final kilometres. The pitch averages 5.5% but does have sections topping 10%. From the North West, the ascent is a steady 6.7% for only 10.3km. A much shorter ride, but visually spectacular, the road turns back on itself half a dozen times in a short space which can be seen from the base and more spectacularly from the air. Things to note: It is here that Hannibal marched his elephants through the Alps in 218 AD and where Napolean I ventured in 1805. If you are here in the second half of July, check your dates as there are multiple events happening that can make riding difficult due to the increased traffic, however in saying this it can also be great fun! |
Alpe D’Huez
Elevation: 1,850m Region: Rhone-Alps Open: March to November One of the most famous cycling roads in the world, L’Alpe d’Huez is a climb like no other. In a natural amphitheatre, the road winds its way up at an average of 7.9% for 13.8km over 21 legendary turns. With peaks in gradient of 13% that are found early in the ride, this is one to test your fitness and application. L’Alpe d’Huez was only first included in the Tour de France in 1952 however since then it has been used on average every two years due to its popularity with both riders and the crowd alike. In the week leading up to the passing of Le Tour, spectators from all over the world camp out on the road side and none more so than the Dutch. The famed Dutch corner is a sight to behold as the road becomes orange, the trees are orange, the people are all dressed in orange, they have DJ’s and an atmosphere to match. For cyclists riding up the Alp on the morning of the race it is incredible as they cheer you on and give you the feel of being a pro-rider yourself. The beauty of Alpe d’Huez as an amateur rider is that you can compare your performance directly to that of the pro’s. Given the history of the Time Trial on Alpe d’Huez and the defined route, everyday cyclists can start at that same point and time themselves to do the ride and cross the famed finish line. The record for the climb is held by Marco Pantani at 36m 40s. Things to note: Be sure to ride through to the finish. Many riders stop in the village of Alpe d’Huez by the podium which has a natural feel of being the finish. The true finish is another kilometre or so further on – just follow the writing on the road and markers. Each of the 21 turns has a marker signifying the number from the top and also the names of the legends of the Tour de France who have won on Alpe d’Huez. Take your photos on the way down! Turns number 8 and 9 give great photo vantage points as you can get excellent shots of the road winding up from below. |
Les 2 Alpes
Elevation: 1,652m Region: Rhone-Alps Open: March to November It is surprising that this climb has only been used a couple of times in Tour de France history, the first of which was 1998. The road itself is a wonderful climb that winds its way up the mountain on a road that is ultra smooth and nice and wide. The starting point for the ride is the Barrage du Chambon however if you are staying in Bourg d’Oisan you can add an extra 12km or so to your ride each way to make for a nice afternoon in the saddle. From the barrage the climb is 9.9km at an average pitch of 6.2% that peaks at 11%. Given the quality of the road surface and being fairly quiet in the warmer months, the descent from Les Deux Alpes is breathtaking. Things to note: If you are riding from Bourg D’Oisan take your lights as there is some dark tunnels en route and traffic on this section of road travels very quickly. Les Deux Alpes offers year round skiing so if you want to mix up your days it is a great place to head. |
Courchevel
Elevation: 2,015m Region: Rhone-Alps Open: March to November Courchevel is more famous for its skiing than cycling however it does offer a very enjoyable climb if you are in the area. The architecture of the buildings is traditional Alpine with a touch of affluence as it is home many wealthy winter retreats. The climb starts at Brides les Bains and averages 6.6% over 22km. It is a very consistent slope that peaks at 10% but otherwise stays close to its average. The views from the top are magnificent and it is easy to understand why Courchevel and the ‘Trois Vallées’is a magnet for skiers and snowboarders alike. Things to note: The ‘Trois Vallées’ takes its name from the valleys between the 4 dominating peaks of the region; La Saulire (2,693m), La Croix de Verdon (2,739m), Les Aiguilles du Fruit (3,051m) and Des Corneillets (3,055m). |
Col de la Madeleine
Elevation: 1,993m Region: Rhone-Alpes Open: May to November The Madeleine was first introduced to the Tour de France in 1969 and has been a regular feature ever since. The appeal of this climb is the challenge and the rewarding views from the Col. Of the two faces, the Southern aspect is the more challenging with an average of 7.9% gradient for 19.3km! To give you a comparison as to how challenging this climb is, Alpe d’Huez has much the same gradient but for just under 14km. The Northern face has much the same elevation gain however is over 26km giving rise to an average gradient of 5.9%. The Northern face does have some bit also though, as it is has sections that peak at 12% gradient approximately two thirds of the way through the climb. Things to note: Both faces of this climb are very open so heat can be a contributing factor to your performance. Services en route are limited so make sure you carry sufficient supplies. |
Joux-Plane
Elevation: 1,691m Region: Rhone-Alps Open: June to November A regular feature in the Tour de France since 1978, Joux-Plane has often been used to break open the race and separate the climbers from the rest. Both North and South faces are particularly challenging as they peak at gradients of 13 and 13.5% respectively. The North face from Morzine is 10.9km at an average of 7.6% however given the last 3km is roughly flat, it gives rise that the first 8km are on average around 9.5%! The Southern face is no more welcoming as it is on average 8.5% over 11.6km of very consistent pitch. Albeit tough, the beauty of a climb like this is in the reward you feel at the summit as you have just ridden one of the toughest roads used in the Tour de France. The Alpine lake near the col is also a great place to relax post climb with its views down the valley. Things to note: There is a restaurant at the lake but is only open in the busier months. The road is very narrow which means it stays free from heavy traffic but you need to be extra careful on blind corners and sharp bends. |