100 Greatest Cycling Climbs Of The Tour De France
The Tour de France is arguably the most prestigious cycling race in the world. It covers over 3,500 kilometers and features some of the most challenging climbs in cycling history. Here, we take a look at the 100 greatest cycling climbs of the Tour de France.
1. Alpe d'Huez
Located in the French Alps, Alpe d'Huez is one of the most iconic climbs in the Tour de France. It's a 13.8 km climb with an average gradient of 8.1%, making it a tough challenge for even the most seasoned climbers. The road features hairpin bends and stunning views of the surrounding mountains, making it a true spectacle for fans.
2. Mont Ventoux
Known as the "Giant of Provence," Mont Ventoux is a 21.4 km climb with an average gradient of 7.5%. It's a grueling climb that has claimed the lives of several riders over the years. The landscape on the way to the summit is barren and rocky, making it a challenging and unique climb.
3. Col du Tourmalet
The Col du Tourmalet is a 19 km climb with an average gradient of 7.4%. It's one of the most celebrated climbs in the Tour de France, having been included in the race almost every year since 1910. The climb features steep switchbacks and stunning views of the Pyrenees mountains, making it a true spectacle for fans.
4. Col d'Aubisque
The Col d'Aubisque is a 16.6 km climb with an average gradient of 7.1%. It has been a staple of the Tour de France since 1910 and is one of the most challenging climbs in the race. The road features steep sections and stunning views of the Pyrenees mountains.
5. Col de l'Iseran
The Col de l'Iseran is the highest paved mountain pass in the Alps, reaching a summit of 2,770 meters. It's a 15.3 km climb with an average gradient of 6.9%. The climb features stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is one of the most challenging climbs in the Tour de France.
6. Col de la Madeleine
The Col de la Madeleine is a 25.3 km climb with an average gradient of 6.2%. It's one of the longest climbs in the Tour de France and features stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The climb has been included in the race almost every year since 1969.
7. Col du Galibier
The Col du Galibier is a 23 km climb with an average gradient of 5.5%. It's one of the most challenging climbs in the Tour de France and has been included in the race almost every year since 1911. The climb features stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is a true test of cycling endurance.
8. Col de la Croix de Fer
The Col de la Croix de Fer is a 22.4 km climb with an average gradient of 6.9%. It's one of the most challenging climbs in the Tour de France and has been included in the race almost every year since 1947. The climb features stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is a true test of cycling endurance.
9. Plateau de Beille
Plateau de Beille is a 15.9 km climb with an average gradient of 7.9%. It's a challenging climb that has been included in the Tour de France since 1998. The climb features stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is a true test of cycling endurance.
10. Col des Saisies
The Col des Saisies is a 14.1 km climb with an average gradient of 6.1%. It's a challenging climb that has been included in the Tour de France almost every year since 1979. The climb features stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is a true test of cycling endurance.
These are just a few of the incredible climbs that make up the Tour de France. The race is a true test of cycling endurance and each year, the world's best riders compete to tackle these challenging climbs and earn a place in cycling history.
