When you think of the most famous climbs of the Tour de France, one legendary name will surely spring to mind: Alpe d'Huez . This iconic route, which has been at the heart of cycling for decades, attracts enthusiastic road cyclists from all over the world year after year.
In this article, we delve into the magical atmosphere of this route and take you on the 13.8-kilometer ride through the famous 21 bends that have brought many a professional athlete to their knees. But the reward for the effort is not only the satisfaction of having made it - but also the incomparable experience of being part of a cycling legend.
A historical monument of cycling
The Alpe d'Huez was included in the Tour de France for the first time in 1952 and has been a fixture on the cycling calendar ever since. No other climb has developed such an aura of myth. With an average gradient of 8.1% and a maximum gradient of up to 12%, the route demands not only physical endurance but also mental strength.
From the first time you set foot on the road, you can feel the heritage in the air. It is the traces of great heroes such as Fausto Coppi, Bernard Hinault and Marco Pantani who achieved legendary victories on this route. Each of the 21 hairpin bends is dedicated to a former Tour de France winner, which gives the climb an additional emotional depth. It almost feels like you are becoming part of a huge family of cycling legends who have written their names in history here.
The route: 21 bends to the summit
The climb begins at 717 meters above sea level in the small town of Bourg-d'Oisans and ends after 13.8 kilometers on the high plateau of Alpe d'Huez at an altitude of 1,850 meters. The start is overwhelming: a wall of asphalt rises in front of you and you know that a real test awaits you.
After just a few hundred meters you come to the first bend. This is where the adventure begins! The steep serpentines challenge you from the start, and the air gets thinner the higher you go. But every bend not only brings you closer to the summit, it also offers a short breather. The bends are wide and give you the opportunity to reorient yourself and mentally prepare yourself for the next challenges.
Along the route you will have a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and the Bourg-d'Oisans valley. Especially on clear days, the view stretches far into the distance and the beauty of the Alps unfolds in all its glory. This natural backdrop gives you the motivation you need to keep going, even when your legs are burning and your lungs are gasping for air.
The flair of Alpe d'Huez: An experience like no other
What makes Alpe d'Huez really special is not just the sheer difficulty of the climb, but also the unparalleled atmosphere that surrounds the route. During the Tour de France, the road is lined with thousands of fans who cheer you on loudly. The spectators transform Alpe d'Huez into a veritable festival zone. It is not uncommon to see fans barbecuing on the hairpin bends, playing music and enthusiastically supporting the cyclists as they pass. This atmosphere provides an extra adrenaline rush that helps you cope with the rigors of the climb.
Even if you are not riding at the time of the Tour de France, you will meet other like-minded people who want to experience the myth of Alpe d'Huez. The route is a magnet for cycling enthusiasts from all over the world most of the year round. There is something special about riding on a road that has seen so many historic moments in cycling.
The tactics for the climb
A good strategy is crucial to successfully climbing Alpe d'Huez. The biggest challenge is getting your pace right from the start. The first few kilometres are particularly tough, as they start with gradients of over 10%. It can be tempting to jump right in and try to ride at a fast pace - but this is a mistake many beginners make. Instead, try to find a steady, sustainable pace that you can maintain throughout the climb.
Use the bends to take a quick breather and regenerate. The gradient is often a little flatter in the serpentines, so you can stretch your legs for a bit. Drink regularly, especially on hot days, as the sun can be particularly strong in the Alps. Adequate fluid intake is crucial to making it through the entire route.
Tip: You can also train the route virtually on the roller with Zwift before you actually head up the mountains.
Alpe d'Huez in comparison: Other legendary climbs
Alpe d'Huez is often compared to other famous climbs such as Mont Ventoux or Col du Tourmalet. Each of these climbs has its own magic, but Alpe d'Huez stands out for its unique combination of history, difficulty and atmosphere. Its 21 hairpin bends are unique in the world, and the fact that they have seen so many emotional and sporting highlights of the Tour de France makes it an unparalleled experience.
Speaking of Col du Tourmalet: If you are a fan of challenging routes, the MYVELO Tourmalet road bike could be an exciting option for your next tour. It offers the perfect combination of stability and flexibility for demanding mountain tours.
The Summit: The Reward for All Your Efforts
When you finally leave the final bend behind you and reach the top of the climb, you are rewarded with a feeling of absolute accomplishment. The exertion, the sweat, the burning in your legs - all of that seems to be forgotten the moment you stand on the high plateau of Alpe d'Huez and look out over the Alps. It is a triumph that goes far beyond simply reaching a goal. It is the feeling of having achieved something great - something that links you with the legends of cycling.
Whether you are an ambitious racing cyclist or a lover of spectacular mountain routes - the Alpe d'Huez should be on your list. It is not just a climb, but an experience that you will never forget. The Alpe d'Huez is calling, and maybe you too will soon become part of its history?
