L’Étape du Tour 2026 – Full Route Recon & Climb Analysis | Bourg d’Oisans to Alpe d’Huez

Join us for a full reconnaissance of the L’Étape du Tour 2026 route — from Bourg d’Oisans to Alpe d’Huez — covering the Col de la Croix de Fer, Col du Télégraphe, Col du Galibier, and Col de Sarenne. #etapedutour2026 We explore the full course profile, danger points, water stops, and tips to get you to the finish line of what could be the toughest Étape du Tour on record. #letapedutour

This video includes:

👉 Etape du Tour 2026 Route preview with detailed climbs and descents
👉 Etape Course insights
👉 Real footage from the Marmotte Granfondo
👉 Water stop and refill locations outside official Etape stations

English narration with French subtitles

In collaboration with Olympian and Tour de France 1987 finisher Adrian Timmis. Adrian specialises in coaching, bike fitting and mentoring.
👉 His palmares is extensive and you can take a look here 👉 https://cadencesportbikefit.blogspot.com/2017/11/about.html
👉 Adrian is based in Burton on Trent and you can contact him through his website 👉 https://cadencesport.co.uk/index.php and here https://www.facebook.com/cadencesport

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👉 first time Etaper? e-guide here 👉 https://breathebike.gumroad.com/l/etapedutour?layout=profile

🔗 L’Étape du Tour 2026 (pro route): https://www.strava.com/routes/3416489342524894810
🔗 Adrian Timmis Coaching: https://cadencesport.co.uk/index.php
🔗 Adrian’s Palmares: https://cadencesportbikefit.blogspot.com/2017/11/about.html
🔗 Etape du Tour 2026 e-Guide: https://breathebike.gumroad.com/l/etapedutour?layout=profile
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💧 For when your bottle’s emptier than your legs:

Refill stops outside the official Étape feed zones —

🔗 Descent of the Croix de Fer https://maps.app.goo.gl/y5RTtavZ8yJriusz5 Descent croix de fer
🔗 St Michel de Maurienne https://maps.app.goo.gl/rK7dHcXcFUppUKbQ8
🔗 Mizoen Col de Sarenne https://maps.app.goo.gl/YVWvB8o9fLf76Cry8

How hard is the L’Etape du Tour 2026?

The 2026 L’Etape du Tour Route is BRUTAL and possibly the toughest L’Etape du Tour on record – Etape from Bourg D’Oisans to Alpe D’Huez , we take a close look at the route – the Col de la Croix de Fer, Col de Telegraphe, Col du Galibier and the Col de Sarenne.

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We film and edit all our videos ourselves, sharing stunning scenery, Etape insights, and cycling tips from Haute-Savoie — home of the 2027 UCI World Championships.

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Welcome to Cycling in the French Alps.

Etape du Tour 2026 Route Preview | English Language Version | Bourg D’Oisans to Alpe D’Huez | Reconnaissance parcours L’Etape du Tour 2026

Timecode

0:00 Introduction Etape du Tour 2026
0:45 Adrian Timmis Olympian and Tour de France finisher
1:27 The route of the 2026 L’Etape du Tour
2:16 Etape du Tour 2026 start line logistics
2:57 Bourg Doisans to first Etape du Tour 2026 climb
3:32 Col de la Croix de Fer Etape du Tour 2026
5:59 Col de la Croix de Fer analysis
6:33 Col de la Croix de fer descent
7:07 Maurienne Valley Etape du Tour 2026
7:53 Col de telegraphe
9:29 Col du Galibier
11:38 Cingles de Mont Ventoux
11:58 Descent of the Col du Galibier
13:50 Col de Sarenne
14:36 Col de Sarenne to Alpe D’Huez

@alpscycling

#etapedutour2026 #letapedutour2026 #letapedutour

Good morning from the French Alps. After seven 
days of rain, the storm’s finally cleared. We’ve already got snow on the mountains. So that 
means it’s the time of year when we look forward to next year’s L’Etape du Tour 2026. And what an 
absolute monster it is from Bourg D’Oisans to the summit of Alp Duez. I think to be honest, this 
is the toughest L’Etape du Tour 2026 that I’ve ever seen. The good news for the first time 
in many years is that the logistics of the L’Etape du Tour 2026 are fairly simple. There’s 
no buses to worry about and the start line is just a roll down the hill from Alp DHuez. If it’s your 
first attempt tour, I’ve put together a guide for that and there’s a link to it in the description 
down below. Before we get into the L’Etape du Tour 2026 preview, a quick heads up, this video is 
in collaboration with Adrian Timmis, Olympian, 1987 Tour to France finisher. That’s Adrien on the 
right climbing Alpe DhUezin the 87 tour. Today, Adrien specializes in coaching, mentoring, 
and bike fitting. And over the coming months, I’m hoping we’ll be doing some rides, chats, 
and insights together. If you want to check out his super impressive Palmares or get in 
touch with him, there’s a link with all the details in the description below. So, let’s 
take a close look at the L’Etape du Tour 2026 So the 170 kilometer route takes in three hors 
category climbs. The cuol de la croix de fer, the cul du galibier and the col de Sarenne. Add in 
the first category col de Telegrahe, a kick in the teeth ramp on the descent of the Croix de Fer 
and the final undulations on the Sarenne descent. It all adds up to a whopping 5,400 m of climbing. 
with footage from the Marmotte Grand Fondo which mirrors quite a large portion of the route 
of the L’Etape du Tour 2026. If you have been disappointed not to get an entry to the L’Etape du 
Tour 2026, I would certainly consider the Marmott Grand Fondo as a great alternative which does 
include the 21 bends of Alp Duez. So here we are at the start line in Bourg Doisans . But before 
we set off, we need to get to the start line. So many riders will be descending from Alp DHuez 
down to BDO as there’s lots more accommodation up on the mountain than there is in the valley. Just 
a note of caution, the Marmott Grandfondo normally has between 5 and 7,000 riders, many of which are 
descending down from ADH down to the starting BDO. We’ve seen many Marmott rides ruined over the 
years with mechanicals and incidents on the way down to the start in BDO. Now looking at the 
L’Etape du Tour 2026 with 16,000 riders, of course it’s going to be a lot busier on that descent on 
the morning of the L’Etape du Tour 2026. Even in July, it could be a chilly morning. We’ve seen 
riders with bin bags on, those CSI white suits or even old jumpers just to get down to the start 
and then to ditch that before the flag drops. So rolling out from BDO, it’s a flat, fast, 
and no doubt full gas start towards Alamond. There’s some road furniture on this section with 
roundabouts to negotiate and a sweeping right turn through Allamond Village. And this 
is the first climb of the day, but it’s not the croix de fer. It’s just the 
road that climbs up the reservoir dam wall. It’s a 27.6 kilometer climb to the summit 
of the col de la croix de Fer at an average gradient of 4.7%. The summit’s at 2,067 
m, but don’t be fooled by the 4.7% as that does seem to include the descents 
that we’ll come on to in a minute. Now, the secret to success in this L’Etape 
du Tour 2026, as it is in the Marmmott, is pacing on the croix de fer It’s one of those 
situations where you shouldn’t get carried away in the moment. Now, the first section of the 
croix de fer is up to the tiny village of La Rivier D’Allemond. It’s only 5.6 kilometers with 
an average gradient of 8%, but it does top out at 10%. On the right here in the village, there is 
a water fountain that I’ve used many, many times. After the village, the road flattens out and then 
the croix de fer descends for around 3 kilometers before this danger point where the road swings 
to the right over a bridge and then immediately ramps up to over 10%. This is the steepest part of 
the croix de fer. It maxes out at 13.4%. However, it does get easier the closer we get up to the 
second dam. And as you can see here, this guy on the right has shipped his chain. Just a quick 
tip here. You’ll be riding on closed roads, so use all of the road. This guy in the red on 
the right looks way fitter than me. However, look how much distance I gain for no effort by 
cutting across the switchback. Skirting the edge of the second reservoir, there’s another short 
downhill. And on a clear day, you can start to see the summit of the climb. And you’ll likely 
hear the marmott in the distance. Eventually, you’ll pass the Glandon junction on your left. 
The glandon summit is literally 220 m around the corner. The L’Etape du Tour 2026 route temporarily 
leaves the Marmott Grand Fondo course here and the croix de fer swings to the right and up to 
the summit in another couple of kilometers. The famous croix de fer the iron cross is on the 
left at the summit. There’s also a mountain refuge that’s open in the summer and in previous attacks 
there’s been a feed station on the right here. Now let’s just reflect on the croix de fer 
and to break it down into three sections. So at least psychologically it doesn’t look like 
the monster climb that it actually is. So on paper the croix de fer is 27.6 kilometers to the 
summit. But if we look at this slide we can break it down into three somewhat easier sections. 
5.6 km up to the first village, a 3 kilometer descent. Then we climb again up to the second 
dam, descend a bit more, and then up to the croix de fer summit. So at least on paper, it does 
look that little bit easier than it actually is. Over the top, the first section of the descent 
is quite technical and narrow. Heading down to Saint Sorlan D’Arves, there’s a water fountain 
in this village. It’s just in front of the Mairi, the town hall. You might have used 
this one in the 2022 Etape when you were climbing this section. I’ll put a 
pin for this in the description below. Once you’re through the village, 
whilst the road is fairly narrow, there is nothing too technical. However, 
once you pass the Col du Mollard junction, the road does climb again before the final 
part of the descent to Saint Jean de Maurienne. through St J de M and we’re out onto the main 
road towards Saint Michel de Maurienne and the bottom of the Col de Telegraphe. Now, it’s always 
a headwind here and the valley temperature can be well into the 30s on this section. My advice 
is to make sure that you’re in a group to do some wheel sucking. If you find yourself in no 
man’s land on your own, I would consider slowing up and waiting for the next group to catch you up 
so you can save some energy. Through St Michel and the road turns sharp right to the foot of the col 
de Telegraphe. But just before the bridge here, there’s a water fountain that I’ve used 
previously. It’s one of those green ones that you spin the top. There’s also toilets 
just behind where the arrow is pointing. Onto the col de telegraph. This is the 
easiest climb of the day. Although it’s 12 kilometers long, it averages just 6.8% and 
summits out at 1,566 meters above sea level. I can’t add much to this climb. It’s very 
steady. And as we get near to the summit, this is the old telegraph station on 
the right here. And there could well be a water stop at the summit as 
there usually is in the Marmotte. On the descent, it’s a wide non-technical 
5 kilometer descent down to Valloire, and you only lose about 100 meters 
in altitude. So, it’s time to eat, drink, and spin the legs out before we 
reach the bottom of the Galibier. Now, there is a danger point here in Valloire as you 
meet these cobbles in the center of the village. There’s usually bidons flying everywhere, 
and you can see the camera slipping here. We all know that YouTube algorithm only works 
when you hit the like and subscribe button. So, if you have found this video useful, 
I’d really appreciate your support by considering subscribing to the channel. And 
also, I will be documenting my journey to the L’Etape du Tour 2026 start line in 2026. and I’ll 
be uploading fortnightly during the winter months. Immediately after the cobbles, the road swings 
round to the left and then over a bridge. This is the start of the col du galibier. Now the road 
does ramp up out of the village and it does reach 10% in places and in previous Marmott and also 
uh I think the 2011 Etape tour there was a feed station on the left here as you were leaving 
Valloire behind. I’d check for feed stations on the official L’Etape du Tour 2026 website closer 
to the time, but in front of you, you’ve now got 17 kilometers to the summit of the Galibier at 
an average gradient of about 6% to the summit at 2,641 m above sea level. Now, there are some 
sections of the climb that are much steeper and reach 10 and 11%. The road drags up past Valloire 
Golf Course and through this stunning valley where you eventually arrive at the tiny enclave of Plan 
Lachat. If you look up to the right here, you’ll see riders in front of you that look like they’re 
riding up a wall. And before long, the road swings round to the right and you start climbing this 
super steep pitch. Now, there’s a fantastic view here back down towards Valloire. Now, depending 
on your training, altitude might start to have an effect here as we’re reaching that 2,000 meter 
level with another 600 m of climbing to go. When you reach Marco Pantani’s memorial on the right, 
you’re at 2,331 m above sea level and with just 4 kilometers to the summit. In past Marmott, 
I’ve always struggled on this section before I’ve recovered on the descent. And to be honest, 
I think that has been the altitude. 1 kilometer to the summit and you pass the tunnel entrance on 
your right as the road splits to the left. And this is the final grind up to the summit. Now on 
the cold Libby summit, I’ve been up there over a dozen times and even in a heat wave in July, 
I’ve had to put a gilet on for the descent. If you’re looking for another challenge in the 
Alps this summer, I got to ride the three sides of Mont Ventoux in a day. The challenge 
is called the Cingles de Mont Ventoux and you can see more about that in this video. Now, 
there’s more bakeries than feed zones. However, it is an epic day out. If the video spikes your 
interest to take on the Cingles de Mont-Ventoux, you can drop me an email and that’s in the 
description down below. Straight from the off, it’s a narrow descent and whilst it’s 
not too technical, problems are evident as you can see from the ambulance here. Far 
below you can see the buildings at the col de Lauteret junction. That’s where we’re aiming 
for and it’s 8 kilometers down to that point past the exit of the tunnel and straight in 
front of you before the first lefthand band is the monument to Henri LeGrange the founder 
of the to France. That’s on your right. Arriving at the Lauteret Junction. It’s a right 
turn and the road is a lot wider here as it’s one of the main roads that stays open in the 
winter. It’s a long sweeping descent now to the foot of the Col de Sarenne and there’s 
two key points for this section. Number one, it’s again critical to be in a group as it’s often 
a headwind. Now, you can see from this footage that even though this was my fourth Marmmotte, 
I made the mistake of not waiting. And it wasn’t until after the ski village of La Grave that 
the Pelaton formed and made life a lot easier. Secondly, there’s a series of tunnels 
on this section and over the years, whilst the lighting’s improved dramatically, 
it’s always one to be wary of as there has been incidents previously. Now, it’s a long descent 
down to the Saran Junction from the Galibier summit and can be broken down into two sections. 
As I mentioned earlier, it’s eight kilometers from the Galibier Summit to the Lauteret Junction 
and then another 24 1/2 kilometers down to the Col de Sarenne Junction. And it’s certainly 
one where you don’t want to be on your own. And we’re on to the Col de Sarenne. So, this is 
nearly the final climb, 12.73 km to the summit, climbing 974 m to top out at 1,995 m. The 
climb was last used as an ascent in the 2017 criterium du dauphine when the isle of 
man’s little peak kennaugh took the win. Now, unfortunately, I have no clips of the ascent 
of the col de Sarenne and winter’s already arrived as you can see behind me here 
with all the high cols already closed. So, we’ll revisit that in the spring and have 
a detailed look. However, stick with me as I do have some clips as we go over the top 
of the Sarennne and head towards Alp DHuez. So, if you’ve made it this far, you’re now at 
the summit of the Sarenne and you’re heading in the Alpe DhUez direction. It’s definitely 
not flat, though. Here we’re looking down the initial descent towards Alp DHuez. The 
road’s narrow and the surface isn’t great. Now, I recall there was some debate back 
in 2013 as to whether the road should be resurfaced for the centenary 2013 tour 
de France. It wasn’t, and I’m not aware that it has been since. There’s some odd 
patches where the tarmac’s been repaired. You can see from the footage that the camera’s 
bouncing around as we’re on this initial 3 kilometer descent from the summit before climbing 
a further and final 150 m in altitude over the next 3 kilometers before dropping down into Alp 
Dhuez and over the finish line. So there it is. Possibly the toughest L’Etape du Tour 2026 on 
record. However, at least the logistics are a lot easier than in recent years. So, I’ll 
see you on the start line next July. Good luck with your training over the winter months. 
And as usual, if you do have any questions, drop them in the comments below. Thanks for watching. 
We’ll see you next time on Cycling in the Alps. [Music]