Uphill Stretches Of The Tour De France Race
The Tour de France is one of the most grueling and prestigious cycling races in the world. Every year, cyclists from around the world gather to compete in this competition that covers over 2,200 miles and lasts for three weeks. One of the most challenging aspects of the race are the uphill stretches that test the limits of the riders' physical and mental abilities. In this article, we'll explore some of the most difficult uphill stretches of the Tour de France race.
1. Alpe d'Huez
Alpe d'Huez is one of the most famous and challenging stages of the Tour de France. It features a 14 km climb that has an average gradient of 7.9%. What makes this climb even more difficult is that it has 21 hairpin turns that require riders to repeatedly accelerate and decelerate. The climb is so difficult that it has become known as the "The Dutch mountain" due to the large number of Dutch fans who cheer on their riders every year.
2. Col du Tourmalet
The Col du Tourmalet is another legendary climb in the Tour de France. It is a 17.4 km climb that has an average gradient of 7.4%. The climb is so challenging that it has been included in the race 86 times since 1910. What makes this climb even more difficult is that it often features cold temperatures and strong winds that can make it difficult for riders to maintain their focus and energy.
3. Mont Ventoux
Mont Ventoux is one of the most iconic climbs in the Tour de France. It is a 21.5 km climb that has an average gradient of 7.5%. What makes this climb so challenging is that it is often exposed to strong winds that can make it difficult for riders to maintain their balance and focus. In fact, the winds can be so strong that they have been known to blow riders off their bikes.
4. Col de l'Iseran
The Col de l'Iseran is the highest mountain pass in the French Alps and is one of the most difficult climbs in the Tour de France. It is a 12.9 km climb that has an average gradient of 7.5%. What makes this climb even more difficult is that it often features unpredictable weather conditions that can make it difficult for riders to maintain their pace and prevent fatigue.
5. Plateau de Beille
Plateau de Beille is a climb that has been included in the Tour de France since 1998. It is a 15.8 km climb that has an average gradient of 7.9%. What makes this climb so challenging is its length and the fact that it is often hot and exposed to the sun. This can make it difficult for riders to maintain their focus and energy levels.
Conclusion
The uphill stretches of the Tour de France race are some of the most challenging and prestigious aspects of the competition. These climbs test the limits of riders' physical and mental abilities and have become legendary in the cycling world. Whether it's the hairpin turns of Alpe d'Huez or the unpredictable weather of Col de l'Iseran, these climbs require cyclists to dig deep and push themselves to the limit. Ultimately, it is these uphill stretches that make the Tour de France one of the most exciting sporting events in the world.