alpe d'huez tour de france

Alpe d’Huez cycling climb, French Alps

• 1120m Max 19% Ave 8%
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To cycle Alpe d’Huez is to conquer cycling’s most famous mountain: the Alpe d’Huez cycling climb is the most famous climb the sport has.

The 21 bends that wiggle up the Alpe d’Huez climb are instantly recognisable and have been responsible for shaping the outcome of the Tour de France more often than perhaps any other.

For that, if nothing else, cycling Alpe d’Huez is a must-do ride for most serious road cyclists.

All metrics in this article are approximate.

Cycling Alpe D’Huez: highlights

Riding Alpe d’Huez and conquering it!

It’s been in over 25 Tour de France stages; climbing it brings you closer to the sport. It also makes you realise the unbelievable strength it takes to be a Tour de France champion.

Climbing Alpe d’Huez: what to expect

1. base at bourg d’oisans to la garde: first 6 bends (bends 21-16).

Look out for the “Depart, KM 0” tombstone by the side of the road: it’s a couple of kilometres outside town, just before the turn onto the first ramp up. The first six bends up to La Garde are the toughest of the mountain, averaging around 11%.

Our advice: don’t push it too hard here or you’ll blow up later.

2. La Garde to Huez: middle 10 bends (bends 15-6)

After a brief 200m respite from the harsh gradients as you ride through La Garde, it’s up past the monument dedicated to Joachim Agostino at bend 14 and onto a string of corners before you reach the church of Saint-Ferréol . Gradients in this section are still a hefty old 8-9% but they’ll feel easier than the first bends. Next step is through Huez village.

3. Huez to Tour de France finish: last 5 bends (bends 5-0)

As you head out of Huez village , be prepared for a series of stinging bends which are as difficult as the first on the mountain. It’s only in the last three kilometres that you find some respite with average gradients of 5-6%.

4. Descending Alpe d’Huz

There are a few options:

Return the way you came

Via Villard Reculas and down to Allemont: take a look at our Pas de La Confession loop . This route involves a few meters of additional climbing, but the cliff road to Villard Reculas is stunning.

Via La Guard and the balcony road: this would be the first leg of our Balcons d’Auris, Col de Sarenne and Alpe d’Huez ride, but instead of going on to ride Col de Sarenne, you would return home along the main road between Freney d’Oisans and Bourg d’Oisans. This route involves approximately an additional 350m climbing. Like the Pas de La Confession loop, the views from the balcony road are incredible.

Via Col d’Sarenne: this is our Balcons d’Auris, Col de Sarenne and Alpe d’Huez route in reverse .

Water is available from a water fountain at bend 16 (La Garde en Oisans). Alpe d’Huez village also has a good choice of cafés.

Where to stay

Find our tips on where to stay and specific accommodation suggestions in our article on where to stay in/around Alpe d’Huez.

Cycling Alpe d’Huez: tips

• Alpe d’Huez’s 8% average gradient over 13km and should not be underestimated. Don’t start too quickly! The first six bends to La Garde are the most difficult.
• This guide is based on the Tour de France finish. Confusingly, there are two finishes. The earlier finish (known as the tourist finish) is as you first go into Alpe d’Huez, just before the wooden bridge. The Tour de France finish is another kilometre or so into town on the Avenue du Rif Nel, by a car park next to the ski slopes.
• Each bend is numbered and named after past stage winners. This article lists the names you can expect to see on each bend. If you want to see the road in its full painted glory, come for (or just after) the Tour – or indeed the Alp d’Huzes sportive.
• If you want to see the road in its full painted glory, come for (or just after) the Tour – or indeed the  Alp d’Huzes sportive.
• Marco Pantani holds the record for the fastest ascent – 37 minutes, 35 seconds (based on 14.45km).
• Take enough water: in summer the climb gets very hot, with the sun reflected off the tarmac and walls.
• On average, nearly 400 cyclists a day make the legendary climb (we’ve seen estimates of around 1,000/day during the summer). Go early if you want to be amongst the first of the day.
• Want to know the best time to cycle Alpe d’Huez? Read this section of our guide to the region.
• There are professional photographers on the way up, in case you want a photo to prove you were there!
• If you want a race up Alpe d’Huez, then every Wednesday at 10am there is a mass start timed event. It starts under a big inflatable start banner from the centre of Bourg d’Oisans. Registration is from 9am at the Bourg d’Oisans tourist office (though we think you could get your number and chip the day before). The chip starts timing when you pass the sensor at the bottom of the climb. You may also want to consider a sportive incorporating Alpe d’Huez.
• Ever wonder why people refer to Alpe d’Huez as the Dutch mountain?  8 out of the first 14 winners were Dutch. The Dutch have adopted bend 7 as Dutch corner and during the Tour de France they turn it orange!
• Still want to try cycling up Alpe d’Huez?! Read our tips for cycling in the Alps before you set out.
• Alpe d’Huez forms the finish line for the notorious Marmotte Granfondo – here’s our guide to the Marmotte and a reader Q&A too.

Found this guide useful?

• We’d love to hear from you – comment below or drop us a line .
• Check out our ultimate guide to cycling around Alpe d’Huez and other articles on the Alps, below.
• Want to do an Everest cycling challenge on Alpe d’Huez? Read our experience here .
• Don’t miss our other ride guides on the area: find them all in the Road Rides section of our ultimate guide.

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8 Responses to “Alpe d’Huez cycling climb, French Alps”

Where can we hire bikes to ride the Alp Duez?

Hi Peter, check out the information in the “bike hire” section of this article: https://www.epicroadrides.com/destinations/cycling-france/alpe-d-huez-region/ Have a great trip! Clare

I’m currently sat at the top of the climb, unfortunately your route is incorrect and does not take you to the iconic finish and Tour de France plinth rather it goes around and up a parallel road.

Pretty gutted to have have missed that. Please compare to Strava etc and update.

Hi Sam, thanks for flagging this. I’m sorry you were disappointed, we’ve now updated the route. Perhaps an excuse to tackle the Alpe again another day?!

Thanks for a great website full of all the info i am looking for. my name is John and i am travelling from New Zealand to experience a week watching the Tour d’France and ride some of the famous rides. im bringing my own bike. i will be riding alone, but after reading your info i will be amongst many other friendly cyclists. Cant wait. i can say now it will be slow going but wonderful! thanks

I hope you are having/had a wonderful time! Thanks for your kind words. Please tell your friends about the website! And if you know anyone that would be interested in sharing their knowledge of cycling in New Zealand, do get in touch ([email protected]). We would love to tell our readers about it!

Dears, I kindly ask you for information Is there during October some days to climb the Alpe d huez only for cyclist? So close for car? Thanks a lot for answer Martin

Not as far as we know, I’m afraid, but you could check with the local tourist office in Bourg d’Oisans – they should be able to tell you definively!

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Alpe d'Huez: A classic climb for Tour de France 2022

The alpine climb of Alpe d'Huez has regularly shaped the outcome of the Tour de France winner

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The iconic Alpe d'Huez returns to the Tour de France for stage 12 in 2022, which is set to be its 31st appearance on the Tour since its first introduction in 1952. 

Instantly recognisable from the air, riders have to navigate 13.8 kilometres and 21 hairpin bends as it slithers from Bourg d’Oisans to the ski resort of Alpe d’Huez in the French Alps. 

First included in the Tour de France in 1952, Alpe d'Huez provided the location of the Tour's first ever summit finish. Now a regular and popular feature of the French Grand Tour, it's hard to believe that in 1952 the climb up the mountain didn't prove a success for race organisers - the sea of spectators spilling onto the road that we are used to seeing now did not exist.

It took 24 years before organisers used Alpe d'Huez again, though, when in 1976 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.

All 21 hairpins are named after the winners of stages, and by 2001 all 21 hairpins had been named. Consequently, naming restarted at the bottom of the mountain, with Lance Armstrong's name replacing the race's first winner in 1952, Fausto Coppi.

The stage last featured on the Grand Tour in 2018, where Geraint Thomas took the stage win.

Alpe d'Huez stats

Location: Alps, France

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Distance: 13.8km

Average gradient: 8.1 per cent, with the 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

Tour de France stages on Alpe d'Huez

Spectators line the hairpin bends on stage 19 of the 2011 Tour de France

There are more cameras now, but the scene on Alpe d'Huez remains the same: fans grabbing a glimpse of their favourite riders and a party atmosphere.

It is estimated hundreds of thousands of fans often gather on Alpe d'Huez during the race, offering encouragement and support up the painful climbs and hairpins. However, this sometimes isn't without controversy, with heavy police intervention required on occasions.

At the 1986 Tour de France, Bernard Hinault said he would help Greg LeMond to win the Tour, however, his actions suggested otherwise throughout the race. In an apparent sign of truce, the pair crossed the finish line arm in arm, making it one of the most iconic photographs in Tour history. 

For pedants sake, Hinault crossed the line fractionally earlier and won the race, though LeMond eventually secured the overall victory. 

Marco Pantani climbing Alpe d'Huez at the 1997 Tour de France

Marco Pantani, Richard Virenque and Jan Ullrich fought it out on stage 13 of the 1997 Tour, but it was Pantani would win the stage. Meanwhile, Ullrich went on to win the GC for the first and only time in his career, with Virenque claiming the King of the Mountains title. 

Pantani won on the Alpe for the second time in his career with this 97 win, attacking three times with only Ullrich able to match him. The German lasted until 10km were left, before the Italian rode alone to win the stage and climb the mountain with a record speed.

In 1999, Giuseppe Guerini led the Alpe d'Huez stage comfortably and was only a few hundred metres from the finish line when he collided with a spectator who had stepped into his path to take a photograph.

Unperturbed, Guerini managed to get back on his bike and finish 21 seconds ahead of second-placed Pavel Tonkov, in what is perhaps one of the most bizarre Tour de France moments.

Christophe Riblon winning the Alpe d'Huez stage in the 2013 Tour de France

Stage 18 of the 2013 Tour de France, the 100th edition of the race, included a double ascent of the Alpe d'Huez climb for the first time ever. Riders reached 1,765m on the first passage, climbed Col de Sarenne in between, before continuing to the traditional finish on the second climb in what proved an especially gruelling stage. 

Christophe Riblon prevailed in 2013, having chased down Tejay van Garderen over the second ascent before winning the stage by over a minute.

Geraint Thomas became the first, and to date, only rider to win the Alpe d'Huez stage of the Tour de France while in the yellow jersey when he crossed the line first in 2018. 

Steve Kruijswijk had been on a 70km solo attack, but Thomas, along with Tom Dumoulin, Chris Froome, Romain Bardet and Mikel Landa, was able catch him two-thirds into the climb. With around half a kilometre left of the race, Thomas dropped the remaining riders to create history, setting himself up for an extended lead in the GC. 

Tour de France stage winners on Alpe d'Huez

1952, Stage 10, Fausto Coppi 1976, Stage 9, Joop Zoetemelk 1977, Stage 17, Hennie Kuiper 1978, Stage 16, Hennie Kuiper 1979, Stage 17, Joaquim Agostinho 1979, Stage 18, Joop Zoetemelk 1981, Stage 17, Peter Winnen 1982, Stage 16, Beat Breu 1983, Stage 17, Peter Winnen 1984, Stage 17, Luis Herrera 1986, Stage 18, Bernard Hinault 1987, Stage 20, Federico Echave 1988, Stage 12, Steven Rooks 1989, Stage 17, Gert-Jan Theunisse 1990, Stage 11, Gianni Bugno 1991, Stage 17, Gianni Bugno 1992, Stage 14, Andrew Hampsten 1994, Stage 16, Roberto Conti 1995, Stage 10, Marco Pantani 1997, Stage 13, Marco Pantani 1999, Stage 10, Giuseppe Guerini 2001, Stage 10, [Lance Armstrong]* 2003, Stage 8, Iban Mayo 2004, Stage 16, [Lance Armstrong]* 2006, Stage 15, Frank Schleck 2008, Stage 17, Carlos Sastre 2011, Stage 19, Pierre Rolland 2013, Stage 18, Christophe Riblon 2015, Stage 20, Thibaut Pinot 2018, Stage 12, Geraint Thomas

* result annulled due to doping conviction

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Tour de France 2022 Route stage 12: Briançon - Alpe d’Huez

Last year’s Bastille Day’s stage saw a finale on the Col du Portet. The eventual podium in Paris – Pogacar, Vingegard, Carapaz – crossed the line in the same order.

It has been five editions since Le Tour last visited Briançon. The race went to the Col d’Izoard, where Warren Barguil took the spoils with a solo of 8 kilometres on the finish climb.

The last Alpe d’Huez visit happened one year later. In 2018, Steven Kruijswijk almost brought a 70 kilometres solo home. The Dutchman was caught with 3.5 kilometres to go before Geraint Thomas outsprinted an elite group to win his second consecutive stage in the edition that would eventually bring him eternal glory. What’s it going to be this time?

The riders enter the Col du Galibier from the start. Or, actually, first the Col du Lautarat and then the Galibier. The two passes together add up to 23 kilometres of climbing at 5.1%.

The Col du Télégraphe appears halfway through the descent, which is merely a 4.5 kilometrs false flat on this side. Interestingly, the riders travelled these exact same road in stage 11, only in the opposite direction.

The riders reach Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne at kilometre 80.5 and that’s where the Col de la Croix de Fer begins. This is a giant of 29 kilometres long with an average gradient of 5.2%. The statistic is misleading though, as it’s an extremely irregular ascent. The first part features a number of double digit ramps, and downhills as well. The last 6 kilometres of the Croix de Fer are more steady with an average gradient of 7.6%.

A descent of almost 30 kilometres leads to Allemond and after 10 kilometres on the flat the Grande Finale presents itself. The climb to resort town Alpe d’Huez is 13.8 kilometres long, features 21 hairpins, and comes with an average gradient of 8.1%. The hardest ramp at 11.5% appears with almost 4 kilometres remaining.

The first three riders on the line gain time bonuses of 10, 6 and 4 seconds.

Ride the route yourself? Download GPX stage 12 Tour de France .

Another interesting read: results 12th stage 2022 Tour de France.

Tour de France 2022 stage 12: routes, profiles, more

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The Most ICONIC Tour De France Climb | Alpe D'Huez

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Alpe d'Huez a.k.a. 'The Alpe' is a classic climb of the Tour de France, with 21 hairpins and an average gradient of 7.9%, this is a challenging climb. Hank guides you through the climb statistics and how to ride it, along with top tips on cafe stops and tackling the toughest segments of this epic cycling climb! We help you plan your cycling holiday down to the very last switchback.

00:00 Intro 01:30 Ride to Alpe d'Huez 02:00 How to get to Alpe d'Huez 02:44 Cycling equipment 03:01 The climb 05:50 Cafes 06:11 When to ride Alpe d'Huez 07:51 KOM and QOM Alpe d'Huez

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Alpe d'Huez

Cycling alpe d'huez - the most famous bike climb in the world..

Page Contributor(s): Ard Oostra, Montreux, Switzerland; Stacy Topping & Bruce Hamilton, Midway, UT

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Alpe d’Huez

Turn 10 after 2018 TdF Stage 12

141,656 Strava members have ridden Alpe d’Huez 279,124 times as of July 8, 2023.

Alpe d’Huez Tour Profile.

77.5% of the entire climb is at 5-10% average grade.

Steepest kilometer is 10.7%.

Climb summary by PJAMM’s John Johnson.

Photo clockwise from top left:

Start; Turn 21 (first turn); Turn 1 (last turn); finish; Turn 1 (center).

There is a parking lot and TdF kiosk just off D1091 at the beginning of D21, 100 meters from the start.

The route up Alpe d’Huez begins in Le Bourg-d’Oisans as the road pitches up towards hairpin 21.

Finish near the end of the ski resort at the top of the mountain.

While Lance Armstrong originally won Alpe d’Huez stages in 2001 and 2004, his name has been removed.

Of the hundreds of climbs we have documented for this website, Alpe d’Huez needs the least introduction -- everyone has heard of this most famous of all World Climbs!  The finish is inauspicious (other than during the TdF of course), but it is the well known 21 switchbacks and its rich TdF history that makes this “The One”!

TdF history is present nearly the entire climb.

Known as the “Hollywood Climb” when included in the Tour de France (29 times since 1976) it is always the stage finish (except for the first of two in a day - 2013 - see below for more detail).  Alpe d’Huez is to cycling as the Indy 500 is to motor racing, St. Andrews to golf, Fenway to baseball, Wembley Stadium to football, Wimbledon is to tennis, and so on.  This could be the most famous and well known of any sporting venue and certainly the most famous in cycling.  See our “Tour de France History” towards the bottom of this article for more information.

Hairpin #1 during Tour de France

Photo:   capovelo

Geographically and geologically, Alpe d’Huez is located in the Dauphine Alps of southeastern France, a part of Europe’s Alps Mountain Range. The climb begins at the eastern edge of Le Bourg-d’Oisans (population ~2,900). Following the famous 21 hairpins to the top of the climb takes us to the ski resort of L’Alpe d’Huez.  On the way, we pass through the village of Huez (8.5 km - population 1,398 in 2011; elevation 1,400 m).

Before heading to France on your cycling adventure, be sure to rely on our list of Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip , and use our interactive checklist to ensure you don't forget anything.

It’s the turns, not the finish, that makes this The Most Famous Climb in the World.

Hairpin 21 is the first hairpin on the climb and #1 is the last.  

It’s all about the hairpins/bends/turns/laces/tornates/kehres -- by whatever name you call them, this is the best game of 21 you’ll ever play.

The world’s most famous hairpins.

#21 is at the bottom, #1 near the top of the climb.

As of July 2023, there were kilometer markers from kilometer 13 to 5.

In addition to it’s TdF fame, Alpe d’Huez offers stunning views along the climb.

ALPE D’HUEZ IS ONE OF WORLD’S 4 MOST FAMOUS BIKE CLIMBS

The world’s four most famous bike climbs ( in our opinion ) are:

• #1 Alpe d’Huez  (photo top left and center)
• The undeniable front runner -- 32 times featured in the TdF from 1952-2022.
• #2 Col du Tourmalet (bottom right)
• Featured in the TdF than any other climb (88 times from 1910-2022).
• #3 Passo dello Stelvio  (top left)
• Highest finish of any Grand Tour -- Featured in Giro 13 times (1953-2022).
• #4 Mont Ventoux  (bottom left)
• Featured 18 times in the TdF between from 1951-2022.

DUTCH CORNER (#7)

Dutch Corner is where cycling fans from the Netherlands congregate on the day the Tour de France comes to Alpe d’Huez for its inevitable exciting mountaintop finish.  On this day and at this hairpin, the air is filled with loud European music, the smell of barbeque, and sounds of some of the greatest cycling fans in the world.  The tradition originates with Joop Zoetemeik, who in 1976 became the first Dutchman to win the Alpe d’Huez stage.  Thereafter, Dutch riders won the next seven of twelve Alpe d’Huez finishes, but have not done so since Gert-Jan Theunisse in 1989 (Joop Zoetemelk 1976, 1979; Hennie Kuiper 1977, 1978; Peter Winnen 1981, 1983; Steven Rooks 1988 and Gert-Jan Theunisse 1989).

Joop Zoetemelk wins Alpe d’Huez Stage 18, 1979 (Hinault chases)

Photo - Scanseb / Pinetrest - Raffaele Spiazzi

While the Alpe d’Huez cycling climb is not the hardest to be included in France’s Grand Tour, it is by far the most iconic and popular.  Whose bucket list doesn’t include cycling Alpe d’Huez?  At 14 kilometers and gaining 1,018 m of altitude, this climb is fairly manageable by most cyclists.  While the steepest kilometer averages 10.7% grades, the climb is generally of a moderate 7.7% gradient.

THE CLIMB AFTER DUTCH CORNER

Pass through Huez Village at kilometer 8.8

(population:  1793 368; 2011 1,398)

Red bike is just as you come out of the turn at Dutch Corner.

The white bike is between turns 5 and 4 at km 10.2.

So many amazing photo opportunities - you may never make it to top . . . 😉

But WHEN you do - many photos ops there, too . . .

Be sure to get your Podium Shot once you begin passing through the ski resort just past Bar L’Indiana on your left (700 meters up from Turn #1).

Stacy Topping atop the podium.

This photo opp is in the village just to the right of the left hairpin up the road after passing Hairpin #1.

ALPE D’HUEZ TOUR DE FRANCE HISTORY

TOP 10 MOST FREQUENT CLIMBS OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE

AND 10 FAMOUS ONES AFTER THAT

As of 2022, Alpe d’Huez is #13 on the all-time TdF climb list.

Bernard Hinault sealed his fifth Tour victory on Alpe d’Huez in 1985.

Photo: Bloomsburysports.com

Alpe d’Huez (Dutch Mountain/The Alpe) was the first mountaintop finish in the history of the Tour de France in 1952, Stage 10.

Alpe d’Huez has become “the summit of the modern era,” and no other stage of the Tour de France has such presence.  With its 21 bends, steep ramps, and massive crowds, it has become the “Hollywood climb,” according to the ride’s official historian, Jacques Augendre.  Each year that this climb is included in the TdF, thousands of spectators flock to the area.  The massive crowds create what some participants in the ride have described as a feeling of both fear and exhilaration, and as French journalist Philippe Brunel described the look of the road during Marco Pantani’s victorious ascent in the 1995 race, “that thin ribbon of burning asphalt, covered in graffiti, between two deafening walls of spectators, which threaded between his wheels.” Alpe d’Huez has been included in the Tour de France 32 times between its first appearance in 1952 (including two appearances in 1979 and 2013) and 2022.  Each of the 21 hairpins of this climb has been named after one or more of the winners of the 29 Tour de France stages to finish here.  Of note, the first stage up this exceptional climb was fittingly won by the incomparable climber Fausto Coppi .  Only three cyclists have won the Alpe d’Huez stage more than once: Marco Pantani  (1995, 1997), Gianni Bugno  ( 1990, 1991), and Hennie Kuiper  (1977, 1978).  

Fausto Coppi became the first stage winner of Alpe d’Huez - Stage 10 in the 1952 Tour de France.

YouTube video of Coppi win  

Photo:   dw.com  - 10 most memorable moments on Alpe d’Huez

Likely the most famous and widely remembered and retold stories of Alpe d’Huez is from 1985 when, after two weeks battling each other, it appeared that Greg Lemond and Bernard Hinault had reached a truce and that Hinault would achieve the glory of his fifth TdF win without further challenge by Lemond. As the two rode up Alpe d’Huez, the Frenchman led and Lemond followed directly on his wheel.  The two passed through throngs of ecstatic French fans and the path grew more narrow as the two neared the climb finish.  In the end, the two embraced and Hinault moved slightly ahead of Lemond for his 26th Stage win, at the time placing him second all-time behind Eddy Merckx (34).  Hinault went on to win two more stages in his glorious career and is now third with 28 wins, behind Merckx and Mark Cavendish (30).

The exceptional Italian climber, Marco Pantani, holds three of the five fastest times up Alpe d’Huez, the fastest time is 37’35”.  

Marco Pantani near the finish on Alpe d’Huez

photo:   Hein Ciere

Alpe d’Huez was the stage for one of the most famous (infamous?) cycling moments of all time.  Alpe d’Huez was the final  climb of three on Stage 10 July 17, 2001 (Col dd Madeleine, Col du Glandon, Alpe d’Huez).  Lance Armstrong had dropped from 5:56 back after stage 7 to 35:43 back after a disastrous stage 8 which saw a freak breakaway won by Erik Dekker (s.t. Alto Gonzalez and Servais Knaven). Armstrong was 20:07 back after Stage 9 and his main rival that year, Jan Ullrich, was at 22:41 going into Stage 10.

Armstrong appeared weak on Col de Madeleine which led Uhllrich and his Team Telekom begin an insane sprint up Col du Glandon, leaving Armstrong barely(?) hanging on to the rear of this lead group.  However, just a couple kilometers up Alpe d’Huez and with 11 kilometers remaining, Armstrong surged to the front of the group, passed Uhlrich and then, in a moment of Tour lore, looked back (“ The Look ”) at Uhlrich, fixed his gaze on him momentarily, then put the hammer down and sprinted away (uphill) to victory and his 3rd Tour de France victory of 7. [1]  

The Look, Alpe d’Huez stage 10 2001 Tour de France

Photo from J Barber and F Ruggeri as published in Masculine Heart

ALPE D’HUEZ INCLUDED TWICE IN THE 2013 TOUR

In 2013, with the help of Col de Sarenne, Tour de France history was made.  It was this tiny col that permitted the mighty Alpe d’Huez to be included for the first time twice in a single tour stage. For many years organizers had fantasized about including the legendary Alpe d’Huez twice in a single stage.  The answer lay right under their noses.  Surprisingly, it took them until 2013 to discover and include tiny Col de Sarrene as the bridge to one of the most exciting stages any Grand Tour could ever imagine - the most epic and famous of climbs included in its event . . .TWICE!

Thus it was that in 2013 the Grand Stage was born - the most famous climb in the world was featured two times on the same day  in the most famous race in the world (it had been included twice in 1979, but on back-to-back days in Stages 17 and 18).  In advance of of Stage 18 July 18, 2013, the Route du Col de Sarenne was repaved for its first Grand Tour appearance (and last as of 2019).  

A route profile we have only seen once in history.

Image:  taliancyclingjournal

On this famous day in Tour history, Frenchman Christophe Riblon would achieve his second and final TdF stage win.  But what a win it was!  Riblon actually crashed descending from Col de Sarenne, but recovered and overtook both riders of his three-man breakaway.  He has said this victory -- on the only day the most famous ascent in the world was climbed twice in the greatest of the Grand Tours -- was “life changing.”

Christophe Riblon’s highest finish ever in the Tour de France was 28th in 2010, but he will be forever famous, and deservedly so, for his victory on Alpe d’Huez on an unforgettable day in July 2013.  

Christophe Riblon crosses the finish line first Stage 18 2013 Tour de France

Photo:   Cyclingweekly.com

2018 TdF remnants at Hairpin 10.

Wikipedia - Alpe d’Huez

Wikipedia  provides a nice history of the climb:

“L'Alpe d'Huez is climbed regularly in the Tour de France. It was first included in the race in 1952 and has been a stage finish regularly since 1976. The race was brought to the mountain by Élie Wermelinger, the chief commissaire or referee. He drove his Dyna-Panhard car between snow banks that lined the road in March 1952, invited by a consortium of businesses who had opened hotels at the summit. Their leader was Georges Rajon, who ran the Hotel Christina. The ski station there opened in 1936. Wermelinger reported to the organiser, Jacques Goddet, and the Tour signed a contract with the businessmen to include the Alpe. It cost them the modern equivalent of €3,250. That first Alpe d'Huez stage was won by Fausto Coppi. Coppi attacked 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) from the summit to rid himself of the French rider Jean Robic. He turned the Alpe into an instant legend because this was the year that motorcycle television crews first came to the Tour. It was also the Tour's first mountain-top finish. The veteran reporter, Jacques Augendre, said: The Tourmalet, the Galibier and the Izoard were the mythical mountains of the race. These three cols were supplanted by the Alpe d'Huez. Why? Because it's the col of modernity. Coppi's victory in 1952 was the symbol of a golden age of cycling, that of champions [such as] Coppi, Bartali, Kubler, Koblet, Bobet. But only Coppi and Armstrong and Carlos Sastre have been able to take the maillot jaune on the Alpe and to keep it to Paris. That's not by chance. From the first edition, shown on live television, the Alpe d'Huez definitively transformed the way the Grande Boucle ran. No other stage has had such drama. With its 21 bends, its gradient and the number of spectators, it is a climb in the style of Hollywood.

Augendre neglected to mention Fignon, who, along with Coppi and Armstrong, took yellow on the Alpe without winning the stage in 1983, 1984, and 1989. He held it into Paris in 1983 and 1984 but in 1989 he lost it on the final stage to Paris, a time trial, to Greg LeMond to finish second by 8", the closest finish in tour history. After Coppi, however, the Alpe was dropped until 1964, when it was included as a mid-stage climb, and then again until 1976,[13] both times at Rajon's instigation. The hairpin bends are named after the winners of stages. All hairpins had been named by the 22nd climb in 2001 so naming restarted at the bottom with Lance Armstrong's name added to Coppi's. Stage 18 of the 2013 Tour de France included a double ascent of the climb, reaching 1,765 m (5,791 ft) on the first passage, and continuing to the traditional finish on the second. French journalist and L'Equipe sportswriter Jean-Paul Vespini wrote a book about Alpe d'Huez and its role in the Tour de France: The Tour Is Won on the Alpe: Alpe d'Huez and the Classic Battles of the Tour de France.”

A bit of a warning as of June 2017:  The roadway surface was good, but beware on hot days that the tar used to patch cracks is a bit slippery and must be avoided on the descent. The temperatures did not reach 90 °  during the three days we spent on the mountain in August 2018, so the problem has been resolved, or it only occurs on very hot days.

In conclusion, if you only had one option, one choice, one climb left in your life, you’d really have a hard time not picking this one!

[1]  We all know, but it is necessary to mention here, that Lance Armstrong’s seven tour victories were all stripped due to the use of PEDs.

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Alpe d’Huez: Iconic Tour de France Climb

Mathew Mitchell

• Published on June 29, 2023
• in Men's Cycling

The Alpe d’Huez, fondly referred to as the ‘Giant of the Alps’, is a pinnacle of human endurance, stamina, and sheer determination. This towering mountain offers not just a physically challenging path, but also an emotionally charged journey filled with scenic beauty and a palpable sense of history. The combination of its awe-inspiring vistas, the iconic series of 21 hairpin bends, and its integral role in the world-renowned Tour de France, makes the Alpe d’Huez a veritable Mecca for cyclists. Indeed, to conquer the Alpe d’Huez is to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the titans of the cycling world.

Table of Contents

A Test of Mettle

The Alpe d’Huez is not for the faint-hearted. The climb spans a rigorous 13.8 kilometres, presenting an average gradient of 8.1%. This gruelling ascent reaches an impressive total elevation of about 1,071 metres. However, it’s the iconic series of 21 hairpin bends that sets Alpe d’Huez apart, each one representing another stage in this demanding but rewarding journey.

Alpe d’Huez in the Tour de France

The Alpe d’Huez’s deep connection with the Tour de France adds to its appeal. Introduced to the race in 1952, the climb quickly became a pivotal and recurrent stage. Known as the “judge of potential champions”, many a Tour has seen key moments of victory and defeat on this very climb. Cycling greats such as Fausto Coppi, Bernard Hinault and Marco Pantani have all etched their names into history here. Their stories and exploits, combined with the climb’s natural beauty, lend the Alpe d’Huez an atmosphere of palpable grandeur and reverence.

The Alpe d’Huez has been featured more than 30 times since its introduction to the race in 1952. This stage is particularly awaited by fans, who line up the entire route, transforming the mountain into a true cycling amphitheatre. Tom Pidcock won on its slopes in 2022 , taking over the crown from Geraint Thomas when the Tour last visited in 2018. In fact, you now have to go back 8 years to 2015 for the first non-British winner with Thibaut Pinot winning that year.

The climb’s steep, winding paths have set the stage for unforgettable showdowns amongst the peloton’s strongest. Each bend is named after a winner of the stage, adding an extra layer of historical richness to the climb. This tradition, the roaring crowds, and the sheer difficulty of the Alpe d’Huez stage make it one of the most pivotal, celebrated, and challenging segments in the Tour de France. It’s not just a test of physical endurance but also of mental resilience, forever shaping the destiny of those who dare to conquer it.

A Journey for All

Today, the thrill of the Alpe d’Huez is not exclusive to professional cyclists. The climb is accessible to anyone with a bike and the determination to reach the top. The village of Bourg d’Oisans, positioned at the base of the ascent, is the perfect starting point.

Numerous bike hire services are available in Bourg d’Oisans , offering a variety of bikes to cater to all abilities. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist aiming to replicate the trials of the greats, or a casual rider looking for an unforgettable journey, the opportunity is there. From robust mountain bikes for those preferring a sturdy ride to top-of-the-line road bikes for speed enthusiasts, these services have you covered.

Alpe d’Huez: An Experience to Remember

The ride up Alpe d’Huez, while challenging, is immensely rewarding. The scenic beauty of the mountain, the charm of the surrounding landscape, and the thrill of each twist and turn make the journey a memorable one. Once you reach the top, you are rewarded with a panoramic view that is breathtaking in its majesty. Coupled with the sense of accomplishment at having conquered one of the world’s most iconic cycling ascents, the Alpe d’Huez truly offers an experience like no other.

Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a budding enthusiast, make the Alpe d’Huez climb a part of your bucket list. Rent a bike in Bourg d’Oisans, immerse yourself in the history, take in the beauty, and embark on a journey that promises both challenge and reward. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about the climb, it’s about the memories you create along the way.

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A foreign start, Classics terrain and Alpe d’Huez - Analysing the 2024 Tour de France Femmes route

Can anyone beat sd worx on this course.

After just two editions, the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift has already established itself as the premier event on the Women’s WorldTour calendar. 

The prestige of the Tour name, coupled with the experienced organisation of ASO, has succeeded in elevating the profile of women’s racing, giving the riders an opportunity to race for an emblem that transcends the sport: the yellow jersey.

Before the route for the third edition was officially presented in Paris on Wednesday, we knew that the race would feature a Grand Départ outside of France for the first time, in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. 

In the days before the presentation, rumours also began to circulate of an Alpe d’Huez finish for the final stage of the 2024 race. Following on from the Col du Tourmalet in 2023, an Alpe d’Huez grand finale would be another key draw, building on the memorable parcours of the two previous iterations.

Tour de France Femmes 2024 - Everything you need to know Tour de France Femmes 2024 - All the route details Tour de France Femmes - A full list of champions

The aim has been to steadily increase the length and difficulty of the race as the depth of the women’s peloton increases with each year. From a weekend finale in the Vosges mountains in 2022, to the Col du Tourmalet in 2023, it was confirmed that the race will now head to the Alps for the first time with the women finally tackling the 21 hairpins of l’Alpe d’Huez. 

But what else does the route have in store, and what will it mean for the outcome?

A race of two halves

Although the race will finish atop one of the most iconic French cycling arenas, it begins much further away, in Rotterdam. After establishing an entirely separate race from the men’s event in 2023, the Tour de France Femmes continues to go its own way, with two opening stages in Rotterdam and stage 4 also starting in the Netherlands before crossing the border into Belgium. 

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It is only on stage 5 that the peloton will finally enter the country after which the race is named, heading from Bastogne in the Wallonie region of Belgium to Amnéville in the northeast of France.

Before that, however, they will tackle a flat 124km opening stage from Rotterdam to The Hague. The pan-flat parcours and a wide, uncomplicated final 5km means the stage has ‘bunch sprint’ written all over it. It should be a fairly straightforward day, providing the wind doesn’t wreak havoc as the riders traverse the wide open roads surrounded by tulip fields.

In an unusual twist, the second and third stages will take place across a single day. Dordrecht will host the start of a surprisingly short 67km road stage before the peloton tackles a 6.7km individual time trial that same afternoon. 

With no climbs to contend with over such a short distance, the road stage will be fast and furious, most likely finishing in another bunch kick. Although the time trial in the afternoon makes the day a long one, the total distance across both stages still only reaches 73.7km, far less than the peloton is used to tackling.

The afternoon’s time trial covers a similar route to the prologue of the 2010 Tour de France and, at just 6.7km, is likely to favour punchier riders over GC hopefuls, the latter of whom will be unlikely to be able to make too much of a difference.

Stage 4 presents a more challenging parcours as the riders head into the Ardennes, with France still very far away. Starting in Valkenburg and finishing in Liège, the riders will be familiar with the climbs as many will have raced them just a few months prior. Defending Tour de France champion and triple 2023 Ardennes winner Demi Vollering (SD Worx) will likely be licking her lips at this stage and undoubtedly hoping to use it as an early launchpad.

Then, finally, to France – halfway through stage 5. 

While it is common for the men’s race to have foreign Départs, the women’s race doesn’t quite feel long enough at eight stages to justify spending almost half of those outside of France. 

Of course, Classics fans and specialists will be pleased with the race’s trip to the Netherlands and Belgium for a Classics re-run, but will it remove some of the Tour feeling? 

Challenging climbs

If the opening stages seem incongruous, and a little distant from the quintessential Tour de France feeling, then the remaining three certainly make up for it. 

The 160km stage 6 from Remiremont to Morteau transitions the race towards the Alps with some medium climbs towards the end. Stage 7 is hillier still, finishing atop Le Grand-Bornand, which in 2018 at La Course saw a fierce battle between two now-retired greats of the women’s peloton, Annemiek van Vleuten and Anna van der Breggen.

This time, Van der Breggen will be in the driver’s seat as director at Team SD Worx, while Van Vleuten might be watching on and feeling like she missed out, particularly on the final stage up Alpe d’Huez. 

The now-40-year-old expressed a desire to race up the famous switchbacks at the finish of the inaugural Tour de France Femmes, telling the media: “Actually, I would hope – because next year will be the last year –  that we can maybe have Alpe d'Huez.”

Unfortunately for the former Tour winner, the addition came a year too late, but while fears of Van Vleuten racing away with the win by a huge margin made people wary of adding such a climb, it is a different Dutchwoman who is in danger of doing so this time around. After her display on the Col du Tourmalet at this year’s race, Demi Vollering made clear her claim as the strongest climber in the peloton. 

However, the two climbs offer a slightly different challenge, with Alpe d’Huez coming in shorter but steeper than the Tourmalet, meaning that others may be in contention for longer.

Whether Vollering wins by a mile or not, the fact that the race is going to a climb that is steeped in Tour history is a win for the whole peloton. If the unforgettable images from the Planche des Belles Filles and Col du Tourmalet are anything to go by, then the atmosphere on Alpe d’Huez will be electric.

The overarching theme of the 2023 season was the dominating power of SD Worx, raising the question of how other teams could beat their incredible collective strength. 

The Tour de France was no exception, with Demi Vollering and Lotte Kopecky going 1-2 on the overall podium and taking home both the yellow and green jerseys while the team also won four of the eight stages.

This terrain looks likely to suit the team to a tee, with flat opening stages for their top sprinter, Lorena Wiebes, to mop up, a power ITT built for Lotte Kopecky if she ends up racing despite her Olympic track ambitions , and everything from the Ardennes-style climbs to Alpe d’Huez for GC leader Demi Vollering. 

Of course, when you’re the most dominant team on the circuit, any parcours suits, and SD Worx would be hard to beat in any race. 

The 2024 Tour de France Femmes route, however, plays into the team’s strengths, meaning that it will take a very strong contender to stand in the way of Demi Vollering and a back-to-back GC victory. 

One final consideration around how this race might be tackled is that it takes place just over a week after the women’s road race at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The effect of this could go one of two ways for the riders; either they will still be in top form after one of their biggest targets of the year, meaning we could be looking at one of the most fiercely contested Tours so far, or they will be mentally and physically spent post-Games. We could see some sitting the Tour out after the Olympics, although the favourites, including Vollering, are unlikely to want to miss out.

Despite an unusual start to the race and a shift in its place on the calendar the 2024 Tour de France Femmes route shows a continued commitment from ASO to growing the event. Marion Rousse and her colleagues are clearly not afraid to present the women with a challenge, which although it often means that we see less variation in the result, is essential for the growth of the sport as a whole.

With a varied route both geographically and in terms of terrain, and a crescendo atop Alpe d’Huez, the 2024 race will undoubtedly deliver the explosive and exciting racing we have become used to over the past two editions of the Tour de France Femmes.

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Le Tour de France in Alpe d'Huez

Discover the tour and where to see it in Alpe d'Huez

Le Tour de France is the most fervently supported and highly anticipated sporting event in France. Even those who don’t know their bicycle clips from their hand pumps recognise the yellow jersey of the Tour de France stage leader; but few would imagine that Le Tour was created because of the trial and conviction of French soldier Alfred Dreyfus.

The Tour de France takes place in the first three weeks of July with a mixture of flat stages, cobble stones, dramatic sprints and some of the biggest mountain stages that the Tour will ever see, ensures that the battle will continue right until the end.

See the full program of the Tour de France .

Where and when

Anyone making the pilgrimage to see Le Tour in action will enjoy the atmosphere as much as the race itself. It takes place each year across France during the first three weeks in July.

Crowds of people line the streets hours (sometimes even days!) in advance; tents, picnics and BBQs turn the wait for the cyclists into an impromptu street party and the arrival of the publicity caravan heralds the start of the festivities. The caravan is a 20km long procession of 200 decorated sponsored vehicles that precedes the race. Added as a regular feature of the race in 1930 the caravan makes its way through the towns and villages that make up the race route, whipping up a carnival atmosphere and throwing free gifts to the cheering crowds along the way! Each vehicle tries to outdo the others to advertise their own brand, so the event is quite a spectacle.

The origins of the race date back to the early 1900s and two rival sports newspapers. The 'Dreyfus Affair' divided opinion in France at the end of the 19th century when French soldier, Albert Dreyfus, was found guilty of selling secrets to the Germans and was sentenced to life imprisonment. The outcome of the trial appeared to be heavily influenced by the fact that Dreyfus was Jewish, and many people, including the editor of Le Vélo, believed him to have been innocent. Le Vélo was France’s most dominant sporting newspaper of the time, but unfortunately the editor’s view was not shared by all. Dion Car Works, Le Vélo’s biggest advertiser, disagreed strongly with the newspaper and as a result withdrew their advertising and started their own publication, L’Auto. The idea of publicising this new venture with a cycle race was to be in direct competition with the Paris-Brest race organised by Le Vélo; the Paris-Brest race continues to this day and is still popular, but does not hold the iconic status of Le Tour de France.

Le Tour de France is not just a race, it is a celebration of all things French; the rural villages, the stunning scenery, the cheering crowds, the sportsmanship and, finally, the grande finale in Paris.

The first Tour du France was in 1903 , 60 people participated but only 21 completed the race. The winner was Maurice Garin who won 6,075 francs in prize money and averaged 25km/hr. He beat the second place winner, Lucien Pothier, by 2 hours 49 minutes, which is still the record for the greatest margin.

The mountain stages of Le Tour de France were introduced to the itinerary in 1910 when the Pyrenees were added to the route and are amongst the most challenging stages of the race. This upset many regular competitors because all of a sudden the ‘power cyclists’ found themselves at a disadvantage on the steep ascents. However, this gave ‘climbing cyclists’ more of a fighting chance than they had before and, if anything, made the race more exciting by opening up the playing field to a wider range of contenders. The first mountain stage went from Luchon to Bayonne; other climbs of the Pyrenees were Peyresourde, Aspin, Tourmalet and Aubisque. The same year, not coincidentally, saw the introduction of the broom wagon; a vehicle that follows the race ‘sweeping’ up riders who can’t continue! The mountain stages are amongst the most exciting of the race as the riders need not just speed but strength, endurance and thighs of steel! The 21 bends of Alpe d’Huez are amongst the most legendary of the mountain stages, anyone who has ever tried to complete them in their own time will know just what an incredible feat it is to whizz up them the way these guys do!

The race of 1919 was the first one after the First World War and the toll that the battlefields had taken on Europe’s male population was evident in the noticeable decrease in the number of competitors. It was also the slowest race since 1906, due to bombed out roads and the loss of many of the great pre-war cycling champions. It was in 1919 that the Yellow Jersey was introduced to highlight the overall race leader.

1952 was the year that Le Tour went global. The race was filmed for television for the first time, opening up its popularity to a much wider fan base. It was also the first year that the legendary heights of Alpe d’Huez were climbed with a mountain top finish in Sestrières and on the Puy de Dôme.

Only in France! 1964 saw possibly the most gastronomically influenced battle for the Yellow Jersey ever. Multiple Tour winner and favourite contender Jacques Anquetil nearly blew his chances by over indulging at a BBQ on a rest day during the Pyrenees stages. The following day a terrible bout of indigestion took its toll while he was speeding along the Envalira Pass. His coach saved the day by passing him a bottle of champagne, which he guzzled whilst still on his bike, apparently curing his indigestion and allowing him to make up the lost time, overtake his nearest competitor and regain the Yellow Jersey!

The 61st Tour de France visited England for the first time in 1974 . The riders passed through ten towns and completed a circuit stage in Plymouth. Alas the trophy was not won by a Brit this year but by a Dutchman, Henk Poppe.

1975 was a year of firsts for the race: the first polka-dot jersey awarded to the best climber; first white jersey awarded to best young rider; first Tour finish on the Champs-Elysées. The final stage is the most high-profile as the stage starts with a champagne toast and the winners are cheered over the finishing line by huge crowds, flashing cameras and jostling media. The race had finished at the Champs-Elysées every year since 1975 and the spectacle of the competitors speeding past landmarks such as the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe make for a great atmosphere. The winner has normally already been decided on points by this stage, so the great dash for the finish is mostly just for the glory and prestige of being first over the historic line. Unfortunately 1975 did not bring a first for Belgian cyclist Eddie Merckx, who was intending to make this his sixth win; a enraged spectator leapt from the crowd and punched Merckx in the kidney, causing him to lose time and finish in second place.

An American cyclist, Greg LeMond, became the first to get a stage win in 1985 at the Lac de Vassivière. He unfortunately got shot during the winter though in a hunting accident and could not defend his title the following year. He made a strong return in 1989 and won first place.

1989 was also the year that Le Tour celebrated the French revolution’s bi-centenary by awarding a 17,890 francs bonus at kilometre 1789, in Martres-Tolosane (Luchon - Blagnac stage), where the Women’s Tour started.

British cyclists historically hadn't made much of an impact on Le Tour de France, but in 1998 Britain's Chris Boardman won his third Prologue and captured the yellow jersey. This year was also tarnished by scandal when, before the Tour had even started, a Festina team car was found to be loaded with performance enhancing drugs on the French/Belgian border. In the ensuing investigation team director Bruno Roussel confessed to systematic doping of the riders; the entire team was then expelled from the race. The incident kicked up a furor when the race organisers insisted on conducting further drug inquiries, prompting two sit-down strikes by the Tour riders and marring the 1998 race. The discovery of the drugs and Roussel's admission lead to an enquiry which saw police searches, arrests, court cases and a huge amount of negative publicity that has made doping a controversial part of Le Tour de France ever since.

1999 was the first year that Lance Armstrong won first place, signalling the start of his domination of the race for the next seven years. Claiming the winner’s podium an incredible seven consecutive times, Armstrong became a hero to race fans when it was revealed that prior to his first victory he had beaten a severe form of testicular cancer that had spread to his brain and lungs. He had undergone brain and testicular surgery as well as extensive chemotherapy as part of his recovery process. Interestingly, a 2006 report by CS Atwood claims that Armstrong’s medical treatment may actually have contributed to his athletic ability by altering his hormonal system and his body’s production of testosterone in a way that would allegedly enhance his endurance performance. Armstrong’s physical attributes have been the subject of much discussion amongst sports journalists over the years. Apparently one of his distinguishing features is a heart that is 30% larger than average, which beats at 32-34 bpm at rest and can reach up to 201 bpm when strenuously exercising. He also has extremely low lactate levels, meaning that he is less prone to a build up of lactic acid (the stuff that makes your muscles burn and stiffen up when you exercise) in his legs. His domination of the sport and astonishing performances year after year left him open to accusations of drug taking and Armstrong has described himself as ‘the most tested athlete in the world.’ In 2012 , the US Anti-Doping Agency released a report on doping by the US Postal Service cycling team, implicating, amongst others, Armstrong, and describing a widespread use of drugs and several banned practices taking place over several Tours. Following this report Armstrong was stripped of all titles since 1 August 1998, including all seven Tour victories, and no winner was declared in his stead.

The race of 1999 was one of thrills and spills for Italian cyclist Guiseppe Guerini when during the arduous climb up Avoriaz he came face to face with one of his fans - quite literally. A young German photographer, known as Erik, was so keen to snap a good photo that he got a little too close to the action and collided head on with Guerini, knocking him off his bike! Guerini scrambled back into the saddle and made up his lost time to win the stage. Erik was said to be so mortified by causing the accident that he refused to sell the photo, despite being offered large sums for it. Instead he visited Guerini in his hotel room that night, apologised profusely and gave him the roll of film to do with as he wished. Guerini was apparently very gracious and bore the young German no hard feelings.

Doping scandals continued to overshadow the race, and the 93rd Le Tour of 2006 was dominated by accusations of drug taking; American cyclist Floyd Landis brought disgrace to the Yellow Jersey when he was found guilty of drug use four days after being declared the winner. This year’s race had already got off to an unsteady start when on the eve of the first stage 13 riders were banned from competing due to suspicion of doping. With some of the race favourites out of the picture, the field was now wide open for a lesser known contender to make his name. In the closest finish in the race’s history Floyd Landis, already a leading favourite, took first place. It was his unexpectedly good 17th stage in Morzine that aroused suspicion (especially after his inauspicious 16th stage). A urine sample was taken, which twice showed positive for a banned synthetic testosterone substance. Landis vehemently denied the charges and appealed against the test results; however, the accusation was upheld and in 2007 Landis was stripped of his title. After a 14 month legal battle second place finisher Oscar Pereiro was announced the true winner.

With drugs testing now being a focal point of the race organisation, 2007 inevitably threw up more scandal and controversy when a number of cyclists tested positive for banned substances, causing the T-Mobile, Astana and Cofidis teams to be withdrawn from the race. The T-Mobile ban led to German TV broadcasters ZDF and ARD withdrawing their coverage of the race. More bizarrely the 2007 Tour de France was also disrupted by a pair of kamikaze dogs… A wandering Labrador Retriever was struck by a rider in the 9th stage, throwing the rider over the handlebars and buckling his front wheel. Fortunately the dog was unhurt and was quickly scooped out of the way by a spectator. Another overexcited hound threw a spanner in the works by dashing out in front of the pack during the 18th stage, causing a collision between two riders. There have been no allegations that the dogs were on drugs, but you never know...

The generation of riders from the mid-2010s and beyond seem to be competing on a level playing field without doping being used to realise their dreams. Team Sky would dominate the peloton for years in this era. The 2012 Tour was won by the first British rider ever, Bradley Wiggins, while finishing just behind him was Chris Froome, who along with Alberto Contador, became one of cycling's next big stars. Froome would win four Tours in total, three in a row - 2013, 2015 , 2016 , and 2017 , followed by Geraint Thomas in 2018 . This winning streak was eventually broken by the UAE Team Emirates in 2020 with Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogacar taking the prize, repeating this victory in 2021 making him the youngest rider to achieve two Tour victories, aged only 22. In 2022 Denmark's 25 year old Jonas Vingegaard gained the yellow jersey as the overall winner. This was his first win, the 2020 and 2021 winner Tadej Pogacar came second and Great Britain's Geraint Thomas came in third place.

Facts & figures

• Over 500 towns and villages have hosted Le Tour de France
• More than 10,000 cyclists have entered the race
• Over 6,000 cyclists have completed the race
• 250 different cyclists have worn the Yellow Jersey
• Raymond Poulidor has claimed the podium more times than anyone else (finishing eight times in the top three), despite never having worn the Yellow Jersey
• Four riders have won five times: the French Jacques Anquetil (1957 and 1961-1964) and Bernard Hinault (1978, 1979, 1981, 1982 and 1985), the Belgian Eddy Merckx (1969-1972 and 1984), and the Spanish Miguel Indurain (1991-1995)
• Lance Armstrong has won Le Tour de France more times than any other cyclist, claiming first place every year from 1999 to 2005. In 2012 he was stripped of all his achievements since 1998, including his seven Tour de France titles

Spotting the winners

The famous Yellow Jersey (Maillot Jaune) has become symbolic of Le Tour de France and marks out the overall winner of the previous day’s stage. There are three coloured jerseys, each signifying the category that the wearer has won. Yellow is the overall winner, green is the sprint winner and the white jersey with red polka dots goes to the ‘King of the Mountains’ uphill winner. There are also three lesser classifications: the white jersey for the best placed rider under the age of 25, the red jersey for the most competitive/aggressive rider (the ‘prix de combativité’), and the black on yellow jersey for the best team. The Yellow Jersey was first officially introduced in 1919, to make the lead competitor stand out and give the other racers a clearly visible target to beat. The colour yellow was chosen partly for its high visibility and partly because it was the colour of the pages of Le Auto, the cycling journal that organised the race. There are records of the lead rider wearing a yellow jersey before this but it was not an official part of the race, to the extent that when Phillippe Thys lead the race in 1913 he had to pop into a shop 'en route' to buy his own jersey and then cut a bigger hole in the neck to get it over his head!

Apart from the 'Maillot Jaune' there are other winners and jerseys awarded throughout the race. The day, or stage, winner will be awarded a prize and at the end of the three weeks there will also be a presentation for the overall winning team. The yellow jersey is sponsored by LCL.

Green jersey The green jersey was created in 1953 for the 50th anniversary of the race. It brought a new interest to the race, the yellow jersey not being the only jersey at stake any longer. The first green jersey in history was held by Swiss Fritz Schaer. It is worn by the leader of the points classification. Points are awarded in the intermediate sprints and the stage finishes.

It was sponsored by PMU from 1992 until 2014, when Czech car manufacturer Skoda was revealed as the new sponsor.

Polka-dot jersey The King of the Mountains classification was created in 1933 for the best climbers (first winner: Spain’s Vicente Trueba). But the polka-dot jersey only appeared in 1975. France’s Richard Virenque holds the record of most KOM jerseys: he won it seven times between 1994 and 2004.

The polka-dot jersey is sponsored by E. LeClerc.

White jersey First appearing in 1968, it wasn't until 1975 it began to symbolise the future and youth of the peloton. The wearer is the best placed in the overall standings who is under the age of 26, first worn by the Italian Francesco Moser. The jersey has revealed some of the best talents in the sport – Denis Menchov in 2003, Alberto Contador in 2007, Andy Schleck from 2008 and 2010, Pierre Rolland in 2012, Egan Bernal in 2019 and Tadej Pogacar in 2020 - the latter two combining the yellow and white jerseys at the final.

It is currently sponsored by Krys.

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Tour de France

Tour de france 2022 route details: alpe d’huez and cobblestones are back, the complete stage list and map of the 2022 tour de france route: a balanced course with five summit finales and two time trials..

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

Copenhagen, cobbles, chronos, and climbs — the 2022 Tour de France route has it all. And more.

Alpe d’Huez is back, and so is a foray across the punishing cobblestones. The “grande boucle” starts in Copenhagen, lands at Dunkirk, and sweeps east into Switzerland, before tackling the Alps and then the Pyrénées.

“It’s a race with a bit of everything,” course designer Thierry Gouvenou told AFP . “The word that best captures how to describe the 2022 route is that it’s complete. But anyone who wins will need to be a complete rider because there are five finishes at high altitude and one of them is at 2,400 meters. You have the entire palate of what it’s possible to provide on a Tour de France.”

The famed 21 switchbacks on l’Alpe d’Huez returns for its 32nd ascent — and for the first time since 2018 — and will be among five uphill mountain finishes in the 2022 Tour.

The Tour’s most famous climb will come on France’s July 14 Bastille Day, and will be an exact replica of the 1986 stage won by Bernard Hinault, where he crossed the line hand-in-hand with Greg LeMond, who went on to become the first American winner of the yellow jersey.

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Tour officials confirmed course details Thursday for the 109th edition (July 1-24), which starts in Denmark and ends as it has every year since the 1970s on the Champs-Élysées for its 47th straight year.

Like any modern Tour, there is a mix of stages and terrain.

There will be five mountain-top finales; the first at Planche des Belles Filles, two more in the Alpes, with the Col du Granon and l’Alpe d’Huez, and two in Pyrénées, at Peyragudes and again at Hautacam.

Denmark is the 10th nation to host a foreign “grand départ” for the Tour de France, following the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Spain, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Monaco.

Time trials also play a key role. The Tour has not started with a time trial stage since Geraint Thomas won in Düsseldorf in 2017. A late-race time trial in the final week at a monster 40km — long by modern standards — could decide the final podium.

The treacherous cobbles are back, something that not all of the skinny grand-tour riders like to see. Stage 5 from Lille Métropole to Arenberg Porte du Hainaut will feature 11 cobbled sectors totaling 19.4km, making it a decisive stage, but it will not cross the feared Arenberg Forest sector.

Sprinters will have their chances. This year’s route returns to Carcassonne, where Mark Cavendish made history this past summer with a 34th stage victory, equalling Eddy Merckx’s all-time stage-win record.

Stages of the 2022 Tour de France

1 July: S1 Copenhague to Copenhague, 13 km (ITT) 2 July: S2 Roskilde (DEN) – Nyborg (DEN), 199 km 3 July: S3 Vejle (DEN) – Sönderborg (DEN), 182 km 4 July: transfer 5 July: S4 Dunkerque – Calais, 172 km 6 July: S5 Lille Métropole – Arenberg Porte du Hainaut, 155 km 7 July: S6 Binche (BEL) – Longwy, 220 km 8 July: S7 Tomblaine – La super Planche des Belles Filles, 176 km 9 July: S8 Dole – Lausanne (SUI), 184 km 10 July: S9 Aigle (SUI) – Châtel, 183 km 11 July: rest day Morzine 12 July: S10 Morzine – Megève, 148 km 13 July: S11 Albertville – col du Granon, 149 km 14 July: S12 Briançon – Alpe d’Huez, 166 km 15 July: S13 Bourg d’Oisans – Saint-Etienne, 193 km 16 July: S14 Saint-Etienne – Mende, 195 km 17 July: S15 Rodez – Carcassonne, 200 km 18 July: rest day Carcassonne 19 July: S16 Carcassonne – Foix, 179 km 20 July: S17 Saint-Gaudens – Peyragudes, 130 km 21 July: S18 Lourdes – Hautacam, 143 km 22 July: S19 Castelnau-Magnoac – Cahors, 189 km 23 July: S20 Lacapelle-Marival – Rocamadour, 40 km (ITT) 24 July: S21 Paris La Défense Arena – Paris Champs-Elysées, 112 km

Route map for 2022 Tour de France

Here is is, the of the #TDF2022 ! Voici le du #TDF2022 ! pic.twitter.com/4eccacs9Ip — Tour de France™ (@LeTour) October 14, 2021

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doing levi leipheimer\u2019s new road race\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-racing\/gravel-pros-levis-gran-fondo-road-race\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"why are so many gravel pros doing levi leipheimer\u2019s new road race\"}}\u0027>\n why are so many gravel pros doing levi leipheimer\u2019s new road race\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"\u2018not my specialty but i\u2019m going to try\u2019: can mathieu van der poel pip pogacar at li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/not-my-specialty-but-im-going-to-try-can-mathieu-van-der-poel-deny-pogacar-at-liege-bastogne-liege\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/not-my-specialty-but-im-going-to-try-can-mathieu-van-der-poel-deny-pogacar-at-liege-bastogne-liege\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"\u2018not my specialty but i\u2019m going to try\u2019: can mathieu van der poel pip pogacar at li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/not-my-specialty-but-im-going-to-try-can-mathieu-van-der-poel-deny-pogacar-at-liege-bastogne-liege\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"\u2018not my specialty but i\u2019m going to try\u2019: can mathieu van der poel pip pogacar at li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge\"}}\u0027>\n \u2018not my specialty but i\u2019m going to try\u2019: can mathieu van der poel pip pogacar at li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"jonas vingegaard undergoes surgery in spain, with recovery time \u2018not yet 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\n\n \n "},{"title":"marianne vos lunges by celebrating lorena wiebes to nab amstel gold race women","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/marianne-vos-lunges-past-lorena-wiebes-to-nab-amstel-gold-race-women\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/marianne-vos-lunges-past-lorena-wiebes-to-nab-amstel-gold-race-women\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"marianne vos lunges by celebrating lorena wiebes to nab amstel gold race women\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/marianne-vos-lunges-past-lorena-wiebes-to-nab-amstel-gold-race-women\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"marianne vos lunges by celebrating lorena wiebes to nab amstel gold race women\"}}\u0027>\n marianne vos lunges by celebrating lorena wiebes to nab amstel gold race women\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"results: lauren de crescenzo and keegan swenson win the growler at levi\u2019s gran fondo","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/results-lauren-de-crescenzo-and-keegan-swenson-win-the-growler-at-levis-gran-fondo\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/results-lauren-de-crescenzo-and-keegan-swenson-win-the-growler-at-levis-gran-fondo\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"results: lauren de crescenzo and keegan swenson win the growler at levi\u2019s gran fondo\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/results-lauren-de-crescenzo-and-keegan-swenson-win-the-growler-at-levis-gran-fondo\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"results: lauren de crescenzo and keegan swenson win the growler at levi\u2019s gran fondo\"}}\u0027>\n results: lauren de crescenzo and keegan swenson win the growler at levi\u2019s gran fondo\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"patrick lefevere issues public apology over controversial comments: \u2018it was never my intention to harm anyone\u2019","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/patrick-lefevere-issues-public-apology-over-statements-it-was-never-my-intention-to-harm-anyone\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/patrick-lefevere-issues-public-apology-over-statements-it-was-never-my-intention-to-harm-anyone\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"patrick lefevere issues public apology over controversial comments: \u2018it was never my intention to harm anyone\u2019\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/patrick-lefevere-issues-public-apology-over-statements-it-was-never-my-intention-to-harm-anyone\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"patrick lefevere issues public apology over controversial comments: \u2018it was never my intention to harm anyone\u2019\"}}\u0027>\n patrick lefevere issues public apology over controversial comments: \u2018it was never my intention to harm anyone\u2019\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"sean kelly: tadej poga\u010dar\u2019s giro-tour double prospects have leaped forward","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/sean-kelly-tadej-pogacars-giro-tour-double-prospects-have-leaped-forward\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/sean-kelly-tadej-pogacars-giro-tour-double-prospects-have-leaped-forward\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"sean kelly: tadej poga\u010dar\u2019s giro-tour double prospects have leaped forward\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/sean-kelly-tadej-pogacars-giro-tour-double-prospects-have-leaped-forward\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"sean kelly: tadej poga\u010dar\u2019s giro-tour double prospects have leaped forward\"}}\u0027>\n sean kelly: tadej poga\u010dar\u2019s giro-tour double prospects have leaped forward\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"amstel gold notebook: pidcock\u2019s redemption, vos\u2019 old-school lesson, and van der poel\u2019s mia mystery","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/amstel-gold-notebook-pidcocks-redemption-vos-old-school-lesson-and-van-der-poels-mystery\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/amstel-gold-notebook-pidcocks-redemption-vos-old-school-lesson-and-van-der-poels-mystery\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"amstel gold notebook: pidcock\u2019s redemption, vos\u2019 old-school lesson, and van der poel\u2019s mia mystery\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/amstel-gold-notebook-pidcocks-redemption-vos-old-school-lesson-and-van-der-poels-mystery\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"amstel gold notebook: pidcock\u2019s redemption, vos\u2019 old-school lesson, and van der poel\u2019s mia mystery\"}}\u0027>\n amstel gold notebook: pidcock\u2019s redemption, vos\u2019 old-school lesson, and van der poel\u2019s mia mystery\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"tom pidcock grabs dramatic amstel gold race in four-man sprint","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/tom-pidcock-grabs-dramatic-amstel-gold-race-in-four-man-sprint\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/tom-pidcock-grabs-dramatic-amstel-gold-race-in-four-man-sprint\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"tom pidcock grabs dramatic amstel gold race in four-man sprint\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/tom-pidcock-grabs-dramatic-amstel-gold-race-in-four-man-sprint\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"tom pidcock grabs dramatic amstel gold race in four-man sprint\"}}\u0027>\n tom pidcock grabs dramatic amstel gold race in four-man sprint\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"the enve fray is an all-road bike with near-gravel tire clearances","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/new-enve-fray\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/new-enve-fray\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"the enve fray is an all-road bike with near-gravel tire clearances\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/new-enve-fray\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"the enve fray is an all-road bike with near-gravel tire clearances\"}}\u0027>\n the enve fray is an all-road bike with near-gravel tire clearances\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "}]' > >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>advertise >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>privacy policy >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>contact >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>careers >", "name": "footer-menu", 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ON COURSE FOR ALPE D'HUEZ

The route of the third edition of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift was revealed this morning at the Palais des Congrès in Paris by its director, Marion Rousse. With a calendar that differs from previous years, adapting to the organisation of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the peloton of the world's women's cycling elite will gather in Rotterdam for the event's first Grand Départ from abroad on 12 August. After eight stages and a total of 946 kilometres, addressed first to the sprinter-rouleurs, then to the great classic racers and finally to the best climbers, the overall finish will be at the Alpe d'Huez resort on 18 August. In 2023, the Pyrenees and Tourmalet were conquered, and the exploration of high-altitude summits will continue for the women's peloton.

Family stories are about asserting one's filiation and assuming one's independence, which is what the third edition of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will be about next summer. This time, three weeks will separate the champion's start from the Tour's final finish in Nice. And the women's event will follow in the footsteps of the Grande Boucle, whose first start from abroad was in the Netherlands in 1954, 70 years earlier. It's only natural that the flagship event for women's cycling should respond to the call of Rotterdam, when Dutch riders are omnipresent on the podiums throughout the year. The event begins with a stage to The Hague, where the local sprinters won't be the only ones vying for the first Yellow Jersey of the week. The following day, the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will revive another tradition with two half-stages: a 67 km road race in the morning and a short 6.3 km time trial to finish the day after a ride over the Erasmus Bridge and through the heart of the city.

After an initial sequence dedicated to the sprinters-rouleurs, the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will take the peloton into another dimension, to the high points of the spring classics, where the punchers will be in the spotlight. The name of stage four, Valkenburg-Liège, is reminiscent of the Amstel Gold Race and Liège-Bastogne-Liège. On this route, in the form of a nod to the history of cycling, the women riders will take on the Cauberg before battling on the côte de la Redoute and Roche-aux-Faucons. The peloton will keep up the intensity as it enters the French Ardennes to head for Amnéville (stage 4), and the pace will accelerate on the road to Morteau in the Jura mountains (stage 5).

The programme for the final weekend includes a decisive battle in the Alps for the title and podium places. On Saturday, there will be a proper mountain stage in Le Grand-Bornand because, unlike the men, who are used to winning in the valley, the women will have to climb to the top of the Chinaillon ascent to finish the day's 3,100 metres of positive altitude difference. The following day's total will be close to the 4,000-metre mark, to be climbed over a distance of 150 km, once again on the roads of Tour legend: the Col du Glandon, where Romain Bardet began to build his first stage victory in 2015, and above all the famous climb to Alpe d'Huez, whose list of winners was initiated in 1952 by Fausto Coppi before becoming known as the "Mountain of the Dutch". It's a safe bet that the "Oranje" will still have a challenge ahead of them on 18 August.

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Alpe D´huez - The most popular and iconic cycling climb on earth

Alpe d'Huez is undeniably the world's most famous climb. With over 30 appearances in the Tour since 1952 and a regular stage mountain top finish since 1976, it is one that you have to do and get a taste of the suffering, pain and glory! While it is not the most challenging climb in the Tour, Alpe d'Huez is usually the grand finale to a long and gruelling Alpine stage, often including Col du Madeleine, La Croix de Fer and Glandon. Also, the experience of the journey of carving one's way up the mountain and not just the final destination to the top makes it unique: The countdown of the 21 hairpins, which, during the Tour, is lined with over a million spectators, makes this event magical, and the atmosphere pulsating.

During the summer months, between 500 and 1000 cyclists make their way up Alpe d'Huez every day, starting from Bourg d'Oisans. Each year, the La Marmotte and Haute Route events draw thousands of avid recreational cyclists on their special pilgrimage to conquer their goals in this iconic location. La Marmotte Granfondo is a one-day cycling event held in the summer after the Tour de France. The organisation limits the number of entrants to 7,500, and most participants come from abroad to fulfil their bucket lists. The Marmotte routes include the Glandon, the Telegraph, the Galibier, the Lautaret, and finally, the final ascent of Alpe d'Huez, with a total of 177 km and 5,000m covered in a day. Participants' goals may be for a specific time or to finish. Meanwhile, the Haute Route is a more extended event over seven days, a distance of 755 km and 20,100m ascent, with the Alpe d'Huez as one of the epic climbs.

In the winter, Alpe d'Huez is a well-known and historic ski resort, attracting downhill or Alpine skiers rather than cyclists. In all types of weather, you can experience this legendary climb on ROUVY. Feel the actual gradients and see the same views virtually on ROUVY without leaving your home, and while doing so will make you realise the unbelievable strength it takes to be a Tour de France legend.

Historical beginnings

Had it not been for a group of business owners looking to market their ski resort hotel, Alpe d'Huez may not be so well known today. They petitioned the Tour race organisers and persuaded them to host the first-ever mountain top stage finish inaugurating the climb's legendary status in the Tour. They were successful, and the climb made its first appearance in 1952, won by Fausto Coppi , who attacked 6km from the top and marked the start of the Golden Age of cycling. Pantani was one of the few riders who could take the 'maillot Jaune' on the Alp and keep it all the way to Paris. 1952 was also the first year TV camera crews on motorbikes came to the Tour.

Significant incidents

Going back in history, in 1999, Giusseppe Guerini won despite being knocked off his bike by a spectator after breaking away on his own, and he managed to get up and win the stage. Then, in the 2004 individual Time Trial, it became dangerous when fans got too close and also pushed riders along.

The first eight out of the 14 first-ever stage winners were Dutch, so the name 'Dutch Mountain' was coined, and so Dutch Corner became a celebration of orange-themed outfits, orange smoke flares and beer and established itself on Hairpin number seven. Here, fans from the Netherlands camp out and position themselves days before the Tour arrives, creating a chaotic and party atmosphere. But no matter where you find yourself on the way up, being a spectator at the side of the road on Alpe d'Huez should be on every cyclist's bucket list. Nowadays, the crowds are more under control with stricter security measures and road barriers to protect the riders.

A weekly timed event for recreational and avid cyclists up the Alpe d'Huez

If you want to test yourself in real life and do a race up Alpe d'Huez, then every Wednesday morning, a mass start timed event begins in the centre of Bourg d'Oisans. The chip starts timing when you pass the sensor at the bottom of the climb at Chrono 0 sign.

How to tackle the Alpe d'Huez

Before approaching the Alpe d’Huez on ROUVY you’ll need to prepare! Eat something with high glycaemic carbohydrates with sugars 1-2 hours before you get on the bike. Begin with a good warmup of at least 15 minutes. The warmup of gentle spinning and a low heart rate will increase the blood flow to your muscles. A warmup raises your body temperature and helps improve the range of motion in your joints. Once warm, your muscles feel less stiff and pedalling becomes more fluid.

Pacing is KEY: Hairpin by hairpin, up the climb we go!

Winding your way up to the summit, you'll ascend 1,860 m and ride 13,8km with an average gradient of 8% and a maximum of 13%. Ride at the highest pace you can sustain for 14km of climbing and keep a relaxed pace. Unlike on the virtual ROUVY climb, there are no distance markers or percentages of what the gradients are on the actual climb, only the metres ascent done. On the actual route, each bend is numbered and named after past legendary stage winners, which can inspire the imagination about the battles, stories and conquests that have taken place on this iconic climb since the Tour began.

Look for the first milestone that says 'Chrono Depart KOM 0' a couple of km before the first ramp. Important tip: Don't start too quickly. Try to be conservative for the first six bends, as they are the hardest, averaging 11%. Try to keep the heart rate as low as possible by maintaining a constant and comfortable cadence to keep breathing stable. So relax, and keep a positive attitude focused on embracing the climb. And don't forget to drink - every 10 minutes will help maintain fluid levels and keep you hydrated.

Landmarks along the way

From the village of La Garde to Huez, where you'll find the middle ten hairpins 15-6, you'll feel and enjoy a 200m respite with a slightly flatter section. Make the most of it and take in some water and, if necessary, a gel and an opportunity to recover your legs. You'll then pass a few landmarks: the monument dedicated to Joaquim Agostinho. On the 14th curve of the Alpe d'Huez, a large bronze bust mounted on a three-foot granite pedestal commemorates his stage victory in 1979. Onwards for a few more corners, you reach the landmark church of Saint-Ferréol.

We ride on through Huez village from bend 5-0, which will hurt somewhat as these are as tough as the first few. Only on the last three turns is where you'll feel the gradients ease to 5-6%. Enjoy the glory at the top, finally! There is a tourist 'top' finish with a banner bridge across the road (this was where I took my first photo after riding down and then up as I started at the top) and the Chrono and Tour finish, which is a kilometre further. Be proud that you virtually finished this legendary and mythical climb of Alpe d’Huez on ROUVY and experienced something similar to the actual version outside.

Tip : On a good direct drive trainer, your experience will be optimal because the gradients will feel real, but remember to make sure that you have climbing gears on the bike to pedal a high cadence of between 80-95 rpm!

Take a look at the official STRAVA KOM and the interesting CRONO course stats

Estimated time to complete on ROUVY:

3,6 W/kg - 1h00

3W/Kg - 1h10

2W/kg - 1h40

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Top 200 fastest climbs on the Alpe d’Huez [All-time list] [2022 update]

L’Alpe d’Huez is a ski resort at 1,250 to 3,330 meters (4,100 to 10,930 ft) in the Central French Western Alps, in the commune of Huez. The maximum elevation of the legendary climb is 1,815 meters (5,955 feet). The climb is used regularly in the Tour de France, including twice on the same day in 2013. Despite it is certainly not the toughest climb in the French Alps and in Europe, it is one of the most iconic climbs of the Tour de France. Here are the top 200 fastest climbs on the Alpe d’Huez.

All-time fastest climbs on the Alpe d’Huez

In reversed order (fastest in the end)

# | Cyclist | Time (min:sec) | Year

• Santiago Botero | 42:11 | 2004
• Laurent Fignon | 42:10 | 1987
• Simon Yates | 42:10 | 2015
• Pedro Delgado | 42:09 | 1987
• Laurent Fignon | 42:09 | 1989
• Pedro Delgado | 42:09 | 1989
• Andy Schleck | 42:09 | 2011
• Frank Schleck | 42:09 | 2011
• Damiano Cunego | 42:09 | 2011
• Thomas De Gendt | 42:09 | 2011
• Cadel Evans | 42:09 | 2011
• Peter Velits | 42:09 | 2011
• Roman Kreuziger | 42:08 | 2013
• Roberto Laiseka | 42:07 | 2001
• Igor G. de Galdeano | 42:07 | 2001
• Francisco Mancebo | 42:05 | 2001
• Oscar Sevilla | 42:05 | 2004
• Sylvain Chavanel | 42:04 | 2006
• Kevin Livingston | 42:03 | 1997
• Pierre Rolland | 42:03 | 2011
• Nairo Quintana | 42:03 | 2018
• Ruben Lobato | 42:00 | 2006
• Kim Kirchen | 41:59 | 2004
• Marzio Bruseghin | 41:58 | 2004
• Ryder Hesjedal | 41:58 | 2015
• Jakob Fuglsang | 41:58 | 2018
• Marius Sabaliauskas | 41:57 | 2004
• Richard Virenque | 41:57 | 2004
• Michael Boogerd | 41:57 | 2006
• Yaroslav Popovych | 41:57 | 2006
• Giuseppe Guerini | 41:56 | 1999
• Stefano Garzelli | 41:56 | 2006
• Wout Poels | 41:54 | 2015
• Tom Pidcock | 41:54 | 2022
• Yuriy Krivtsov | 41:53 | 2004
• Alberto Contador | 41:52 | 2013
• Jakob Fuglsang | 41:52 | 2013
• Mikel Nieve | 41:52 | 2013
• Pierrick Fedrigo | 41:49 | 2004
• Laudelino Cubino | 41:48 | 1995
• Laurent Dufaux | 41:48 | 1995
• Anthony Charteau | 41:48 | 2004
• Bernhard Kohl | 41:47 | 2008
• Christian Vandevelde | 41:47 | 2008
• Denis Menchov | 41:47 | 2008
• Cadel Evans | 41:47 | 2008
• Vladimir Efimkin | 41:47 | 2008
• Frank Schleck | 41:45 | 2008
• Alejandro Valverde | 41:45 | 2008
• Luis Herrera | 41:44 | 1987
• Benjamin Noval | 41:44 | 2004
• Alvaro Mejia | 41:43 | 1991
• Laurent Fignon | 41:42 | 1991
• Levi Leipheimer | 41:42 | 2004
• Santiago Perez | 41:41 | 2004
• David Etxebarria | 41:39 | 2004
• Laurent Brochard | 41:38 | 2004
• Thierry Claveyrolat | 41:37 | 1991
• Steven Rooks | 41:37 | 1991
• Ludovic Martin | 41:37 | 2004
• Andy Schleck | 41:35 | 2008
• Samuel Sanchez | 41:35 | 2008
• Alberto Contador | 41:35 | 2011
• Vincenzo Nibali | 41:29 | 2018
• Primoz Roglic | 41:29 | 2018
• Pietro Caucchioli | 41:27 | 2004
• Samuel Sanchez | 41:26 | 2011
• Pascal Herve | 41:25 | 1994
• Javier P. Rodriguez | 41:25 | 1997
• Oscar Camenzind | 41:25 | 1997
• Michele Scarponi | 41:23 | 2004
• Mikel Landa | 41:23 | 2018
• Thomas Davy | 41:21 | 1994
• Gerd Audehm | 41:21 | 1994
• Bjarne Riis | 41:21 | 1994
• Bobby Julich | 41:21 | 1997
• Peter Luttenberger | 41:21 | 1997
• Jose Maria Jimenez | 41:21 | 1997
• Jean-Cyril Robin | 41:21 | 1997
• Patrick Jonker | 41:21 | 1997
• Roberto Laiseka | 41:21 | 2003
• Ivan Basso | 41:21 | 2003
• Tyler Hamilton | 41:21 | 2003
• Joseba Beloki | 41:21 | 2003
• Haimar Zubeldia | 41:21 | 2003
• Francisco Mancebo | 41:21 | 2003
• Lance Armstrong | 41:21 | 2003
• Chris Froome | 41:20 | 2018
• Davide Rebellin | 41:19 | 1997
• Romain Bardet | 41:19 | 2018
• Tom Dumoulin | 41:18 | 2018
• Thibaut Pinot | 41:17 | 2015
• Geraint Thomas | 41:16 | 2018
• Richie Porte | 41:15 | 2015
• Pedro Delgado | 41:15 | 1991
• Tadej Valjavec | 41:14 | 2006
• Christophe Moreau | 41:14 | 2006
• Claudio Chiappucci | 41:13 | 1991
• Sylvain Chavanel | 41:13 | 2004
• Axel Merckx | 41:13 | 2004
• Fernando Escartin | 41:08 | 1997
• Francisco Mancebo | 41:08 | 2004
• Jean-Francois Bernard | 41:05 | 1991
• Gilberto Simoni | 41:03 | 2004
• Christophe Moreau | 41:00 | 2004
• Alejandro Valverde | 40:59 | 2013
• Oscar Sevilla | 40:58 | 2001
• Juan Miguel Mercado | 40:57 | 2004
• Mikel Astarloza | 40:57 | 2004
• Damiano Cunego | 40:57 | 2006
• Floyd Landis | 40:56 | 2004
• Chris Froome | 40:55 | 2013
• Richie Porte | 40:55 | 2013
• Alexandre Vinokourov | 40:54 | 2003
• Johan Bruyneel | 40:52 | 1995
• Gilberto Simoni | 40:50 | 2006
• Sandy Casar | 40:49 | 2004
• Fränk Schleck | 40:46 | 2006
• Georg Totschnig | 40:45 | 2004
• Armand de las Cuevas | 40:43 | 1994
• Fernando Escartin | 40:43 | 1994
• Pascal Lino | 40:43 | 1994
• Oscar Pellicioli | 40:43 | 1994
• Chris Froome | 40:42 | 2015
• Alejandro Valverde | 40:42 | 2015
• Manuel Beltran | 40:40 | 1997
• Jose Enrique Gutierrez | 40:40 | 2004
• Ivan Gotti | 40:34 | 1995
• Richard Virenque | 40:34 | 1995
• Christophe Moreau | 40:34 | 2001
• Mikel Astarloza | 40:33 | 2006
• Luc Leblanc | 40:32 | 1991
• Oscar Pereiro | 40:32 | 2004
• Miguel Indurain | 40:31 | 1991
• Gianni Bugno | 40:30 | 1991
• Haimar Zubeldia | 40:30 | 2006
• Cyril Dessel | 40:30 | 2006
• Marcos Serrano | 40:27 | 2004
• Orlando Rodrigues | 40:24 | 1997
• Roberto Conti | 40:20 | 1994
• Abraham Olano | 40:19 | 1997
• Marco Fincato | 40:16 | 1997
• Laurent Jalabert | 40:16 | 1997
• Ivan Parra | 40:15 | 2006
• Cadel Evans | 40:15 | 2006
• Michael Rogers | 40:15 | 2006
• Oscar Pereiro | 40:15 | 2006
• Joseba Beloki | 40:13 | 2001
• Laurent Jalabert | 40:10 | 1995
• Michael Rogers | 40:07 | 2004
• Jan Ullrich | 40:03 | 2001
• Alex Zülle | 40:01 | 1994
• Piotr Ugrumov | 40:01 | 1994
• Pavel Tonkov | 40:01 | 1995
• Tony Rominger | 39:58 | 1995
• Stephane Goubert | 39:58 | 2004
• Ivan Basso | 39:58 | 2004
• Carlos Sastre | 39:57 | 2004
• David Moncoutie | 39:56 | 2004
• Laurent Madouas | 39:53 | 1997
• Roberto Conti | 39:53 | 1997
• Udo Bölts | 39:53 | 1997
• Beat Zberg | 39:53 | 1997
• Paolo Lanfranchi | 39:52 | 1995
• Claudio Chiappucci | 39:52 | 1995
• Joaquim Rodriguez | 39:52 | 2013
• Nairo Quintana | 39:49 | 2013
• Pietro Caucchioli | 39:47 | 2006
• Michael Rasmussen | 39:47 | 2006
• Denis Menchov | 39:47 | 2006
• Fernando Escartin | 39:45 | 1995
• Vladimir Karpets | 39:41 | 2004
• Santos Gonzalez | 39:41 | 2004
• Giuseppe Guerini | 39:40 | 2004
• Vladimir Poulnikov | 39:37 | 1994
• Carlos Sastre | 39:32 | 2008
• Luc Leblanc | 39:30 | 1994
• Miguel Indurain | 39:30 | 1994
• Bjarne Riis | 39:22 | 1997
• Nairo Quintana | 39:22 | 2015
• Francesco Casagrande | 39:21 | 1997
• Levi Leipheimer | 39:15 | 2006
• Jose Azevedo | 39:14 | 2004
• Andreas Klöden | 39:12 | 2004
• Sep Kuss | 39:12 | 2022
• Enric Mas | 39:12 | 2022
• Geraint Thomas | 39:12 | 2022
• Jonas Vingegaard | 39:12 | 2022
• Tadej Pogačar | 39:12 | 2022
• Iban Mayo | 39:09 | 2003
• Carlos Sastre | 39:01 | 2006
• Richard Virenque | 38:55 | 1994
• Laurent Madouas | 38:44 | 1995
• Jan Ullrich | 38:44 | 2004
• Andreas Klöden | 38:36 | 2006
• Floyd Landis | 38:36 | 2006
• Richard Virenque | 38:21 | 1997
• Bjarne Riis | 38:16 | 1995
• Alex Zülle | 38:14 | 1995
• Miguel Indurain | 38:14 | 1995
• Lance Armstrong | 38:04 | 2001
• Jan Ullrich | 37:41 | 1997
• Lance Armstrong | 37:36 | 2004
• Marco Pantani | 37:15 | 1994
• Marco Pantani | 36:54 | 1997
• Marco Pantani | 36:50 | 1995
• These results are from the Tour de France. For example, Alberto Contador holds one of the fastest times of the climb with 37′ 30″, achieved during the 2010 Critérium du Dauphiné. It was not included in the list above.
• The 2004 stage was an individual time trial.
• Winning the stage atop Alpe d’Huez does not mean you are the fastest rider on the climb on that particular stage. For example, Thibaut Pinot won in 2015 but his time was 41:17. Nairo Quintana was the fastest on the climb that day with a climbing time of 39:22.

Alpe d’Huez in the Tour de France

The legendary Alpe d’Huez was first introduced in the Tour de France in 1952. It was also the first mountaintop finish in Tour de France history. Fausto Coppi , “il campionissimo” won that first stage.

Coppi attacked 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) from the summit to rid himself of the French rider Jean Robic. He turned the Alpe into an instant legend because this was the year that motorcycle television crews first came to the Tour. The veteran reporter, Jacques Augendre, said:

“The Tourmalet, the Galibier, and the Izoard were the mythical mountains of the race. These three cols were supplanted by the Alpe d’Huez. Why? Because it’s the col of modernity. Coppi’s victory in 1952 was the symbol of a golden age of cycling, that of champions [such as] [Fausto] Coppi, [Gino] Bartali, [Ferdinand] Kübler , [Hugo] Koblet , [Louison] Bobet.”

“ But only Coppi and Armstrong and Carlos Sastre have been able to take the maillot jaune on the Alpe and to keep it to Paris. That’s not by chance. From the first edition, shown on live television, the Alpe d’Huez definitively transformed the way the Grande Boucle ran. No other stage has had such drama. With its 21 bends, its gradient and the number of spectators, it is a climb in the style of Hollywood.”

Alpe d’Huez has a total of 21 hairpin bends. All these hairpin bends are named after the winners of stages. In 2001, Lance Armstrong was the 22nd winner, so the naming was restarted at the bottom with Lance Armstrong’s name added to Fausto Coppi’s.

Names on the hairpins are (Alpe d’Huez stage winners):

• Fausto Coppi (1952), Lance Armstrong (2001)
• Joop Zoetemelk (1976), Iban Mayo (2003)
• Hennie Kuiper (1977), Lance Armstrong (2004)
• Hennie Kuiper (1978), Frank Schleck (2006)
• Joachim Agostinho (1979), Carlos Sastre (2008)
• Joop Zoetemelk (1979), Pierre Rolland (2011)
• Peter Winnen (1981), Christophe Riblon (2013)
• Beat Breu (1982), Thibaut Pinot (2015)
• Peter Winnen (1983), Geraint Thomas (2018)
• Luis Herrera (1984), Tom Pidcock (2022)
• Bernard Hinault (1986)
• Federico Echave (1987)
• Steven Rooks (1988)
• Gert-Jan Theunisse (1989)
• Gianni Bugno (1990)
• Gianni Bugno (1991)
• Andrew Hampsten (1992)
• Roberto Conti (1994)
• Marco Pantani (1995)
• Marco Pantani (1997)
• Giuseppe Guerini (1999)

The Dutch Mountain

Alpe d’Huez has been nicknamed the “Dutch Mountain” since Dutchmen won eight of the first 14 finishes atop Alpe d’Huez in the Tour De France.

• Alpe d’Huez on Wikipedia
• Alpe d’Huez climb details on Climb By Bike website
• Recent Posts

• Top 18 fastest Paris-Roubaix editions - April 7, 2024
• Col de Tourmalet [Amazing photo from the 1953 Tour de France] - January 11, 2024
• Bernard Hinault and Francesco Moser, 1981 Paris-Roubaix - December 8, 2023

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