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    Alpe d’Huez – Cycling Inspiration & Education



    If the truth be known I owe a lot to the rockstar ascent that is Alpe d’Huez, along with its equally impressive neighbours the Glandon and Galibier. Back in 2003 it was the lure of these legendary peaks that gave me my first real taste of the mountains as I nervously lined up for La Marmotte not really knowing what I was getting myself into. I remember rolling into Bourg d’Oisans and feeling my stomach somersaulting with fearful excitement at the gargantuan size of the mountains surrounding me. You could feel the energy they possessed, like the walls of a Roman amphitheatre staring down at a gladiator about to go into combat. I’ll never forget that moment, eventually carving my way up the 21 bends to the summit of Alpe d’Huez. We’ve come a long way since then but this is, and always will be, where the dream began. Peace.

    Start: Bourg d’Oisans
    Length: 13.2km
    Summit: 1,850m
    Elevation gain: 1,108m
    Average gradient: 8.1%
    Max gradient: 13%

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    Mike Cotty
    The Col Collective

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    View 41 Comments

    41 Comments

    5. TurneyUK on

      Been there three times and only just found the official Tour route on my last visit. Still didn't set a time yet. Very confusing going through the town. I'd recommend familiarising the route with Strava first if you do intend to set a time,

    11. Derek Biggerstaff on

      Plenty of other cols look tougher on paper than this one, but I suffered most on this. The hairpins are the only places where the gradient lets up for a few yards. Otherwise it's all steep enough to make it hard to establish a comfortable rhythm or find the right gear. I had to take off my helmet as my brain was cooking, and that was late September. That's a good time to go BTW, the roads are quiet and the weather is usually still fine.

    20. Jamie Anderson on

      Inspiring video. Made my comeback at 40, and won a bronze medal at the World Masters Games a few years later. I have since won Granfondo World Series races and top multi-day stage races. It is never too late to be your best. Here is my TED Talk about the true meaning of success. @

    22. Neil 2Wheels on

      Climbed it for the second time on Bastille Day in 2016. Then took the family up in our camper. It started snowing late afternoon and we ended up bundling some local chap into the van who was bordering on hyperthermic descending in shorts and jersey. Didn't speak a word of English but he was super grateful to be driven down safely. Great iconic mountain and great memories 🚵⛰️

    27. Duncan White on

      At 47 and only cycling 3 years I was fortunate to do it earlier this year in June. It’s stunning. I purposely stopped at strategic points to take photos as I may never do it again. (Although I’d love to go again). We left the base at 7.30am. No traffic but lots of cyclists already about and coming down.! It cold in the shade but you soon warm up. A very memorable ride. Col d’izard this year and a few others…. Happy Cycling.

    33. Jorge Quintero on

      …por la manera de pedalear este personaje…se diría que los ciclistas son unos sinvergüenzas , que no merecen que se les de tanto elogio ….

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