Information on Alpe d’Huez, the iconic Alpine climb that has regularly shaped the outcome of the Tour de France | Subscribe to Cycling Weekly here: https://www.youtube.com/user/CyclingWeekly1?sub_confirmation=1
The word ‘iconic’ is often over-worked in cycling, but its application to the wiggling climb up Alpe d’Huez is entirely justified, with this fearsome climb set to make its 30th Tour de France appearance in the 2018 edition.
The 13.8-kilometres of tarmac slithers its way from Bourg d’Oisans to the ski resort of Alpe d’Huez in the French Alps, navigating 21 hairpin bends along the way. From the air, the road is instantly recognisable – as is its relentless turns and gradient when you are travelling up it or watching a race unfold on its slopes.
Although Alpe d’Huez is a regular fixture of the Tour de France now, it wasn’t used in the race until 1952, providing the location of the Tour’s first ever summit finish. It’s hard to believe that it wasn’t branded a success by the race’ organiser at the time – the sea of spectators spilling onto the road that we are used to seeing now did not exist.
The climb wasn’t used by the Tour again until 1976, when both the sport and the resort had rapidly developed. Since then, the climb has made Tour champions, and broken the hearts and bodies of many others – and not just racers. The climb has become a ‘must do’ ascent for cyclists, and is a mecca for bike-bound pilgrims every year when the snow melts away.
Alpe d’Huez stats
Location: Alps, France
Distance: 13.8km
Average gradient: 8.1 per cent, steepest part 11.5 per cent
Maximum elevation: 1850 metres
Fastest recorded ascent: 37 minutes and 35 seconds by Marco Pantani during 1997 Tour de France
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25 Comments
Looking forward to LeTour18
over rated climb compared to many others…
I was there this summer and it really was beautiful. Something to have on your bucket list
Alpe d'Huez is not in the Hautes-Alpes but in Isère region.
You make it sound so easy. I did it for the first time this year and it was the hardest 7 miles of my life.
You have to attack at the bottom to beat Pantani's time…
Does anyone have advice on pacing for a fast time? I’ve done it twice so getting up isn’t the issue anymore and I’m not really satisfied with my time as of yet. I currently have the 375th place or something like that on the mont ventoux, so I’d say I’m capable to do a similar placing on the Alpe.
Which Canyon bike are you using here please?
2.58 cut back to bend 16……..
Sounds like a documentary.
That facial hair makes me feel quite sick.
Pantani 1997 what a moment
Wow, I would like to make that climb one time in my life before I pass but it probably won't happen but you never know life's funny.
dutch corner is also where you can pick up some epo ….in the basement
2:01 Tours de France, not Tour de Frances. There's only one France but many tours.
No offence but the guy in the blue is way over weight to cycle up col's at a good speed.
I climbed this twice in September '15. One hour, nine minutes was my best time and a heavy saddlebag is the only reason I didn't break forty minutes. I can't say I enjoyed this as much as some of the iconic cols I've done, but the resort is a great spot to enjoy your cake reward and buy a souvenir in the bike shops. The alternative descent towards Allemont can save you a lot of brake rubber compared to back down to Bourg.
I am hoping to climb alpe d,heuz next year
Thx i did do it this year
I am pleased to say I did Alpe D Heuz this year and it was a thrill g experience and a plus was the weather fabulous I will deffo going back be going back to try some other cols
Hey guys where you stop is not the official end of l'Alpe D'huez climb :-). You have to get into the village, climb 1 or two more bends, go through the village and finish sprinting uphill to the "Arrivée" post which is near the slopes 🙂
Any idea where I can find useful information about this climb? Shoulder width, pavement quality, amount of traffic, speed limits, weekdays vs. weekends, watering, services, best season to ride, seasonal road closures, does traffic take the fun out of the descent?
How to climb the Alpe d'Huez?
Like Freddie Mercury said "Get on your bikes and ride!" 🙂
I rode (and walked) up the Alp, was a fantastic experience
Big mistake in your title Alpe d'huez is not in the high Alpe which is a French department not very far, but in the department of Isère with Grenoble for big city, capital of the French Alps.