| [Average gradient: 8.1% - Maximum gradient :
10.6% - Distance 14km - Height gain 1071m]
Alpe d'Huez needs little introduction as it is probably the most
famous cycle climb in the world, with thousands of riders attempting
the climb
each week during the summer months. Famous for having 21 switchbacks
(actually there are more
than 21 bends - hence the name of the tours) the climb starts
just a few minutes from
our base in Bourg d'Oisans at 720 m and rises over 14km
to a height of 1860 metres.
The first 4 bends are the hardest, with the steepest
gradients, but once passed this point you should be on your way
to conquering the climb. Each bend is numbered with a
board starting at bend 21 at the bottom. As well as the number
on the board the names of each winner of the stage from the Tour
de France are also listed. It was last used in the Tour de
France in 2011.
The climb is also used at the end of
La Marmotte sportive and the Dutch Alpe d'Huzes charity cycle event
where a single or team of riders climb Alpe d'Huez 6 times. |
