This cycling route is arguably the most legendary and famous cycling route in the world. Although challenging and relentless, it is far from the hardest, making it achievable to almost anyone with a basic level of fitness.
The climb itself can be split into four sections with their own milestones. It is important to warm up properly, because the first section from Bourg to La Garde and is arguably the most difficult, with the climb going instantly from flat to an average of 11%. Between Garde and the pretty hamlet of Ribot, the gradient drops of briefly before cranking up to 9%. This gradient now remains pretty constant, with no notable flatter sections, except for the briefest of rest-bites during the transitions in the hairpin bends. Between Ribot and Huez is the longest section which climbs quickly through a number of hairpin
bends, passing through
the Dutch corner, made famous by the huge sea of orange clad Dutch supporters
camped out here during each Tour du France. The final section form Huez to the
resort of Alpe d’Huez passes through the lowest ski slopes of the resort and
picturesque meadows. As you arrive into the resort the unofficial and more popular finish line is close to the tourist office. However be aware, that the official Tour du France finish line continues up through the tunnel and another couple of bends and roundabouts through the resort. This finish line, which is located along side the ski slopes is slightly understated, with just a small banner, plaque and a line on the road. Which ever line you chose to finish at, don’t forget your stopwatch, so you can compare your effort against the times of the professionals.
Most people, after a rewarding treat in a local café chose to return to the valley by the same route, but a
The climb was
first used in the Tour du France in 1952 and has been used 28 times up until it
was climbed twice in one day in 2013.
It is also the
final climb for the grueling Marmotte cycling event, which
welcomes 8,000 amateur cyclists to compete in this cyclosportive.
The race, which starts in Bourg d'Oisans, passes over the Col du
Glandon, Col du Telegraphe, Col du Galibier, before finishing in Alpe d’Huez, a
total of 174km and 5180m of climbing.
This climb is also the location for the Dutch charity
cycling event the Alpe d’Huzes in early June, where teams of cyclists aim to
climb the Alpe d’Huez six times in a day.
Depart altitude Le Bourg d'Oisans 2350ft/715m
Arrival altitude Alpe d'Huez 6100ft/1800m
Height gain 3750ft/1145m
Length 14km/8.8miles
Steepest gradient
13.5%
Average gradient 8.1%
Record 37min 35
Marco Pantani 1997
View Alpe d`Huez in a larger map
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