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Bicycling the most legendary Tour de France mountains
by Allan K. Internet SpecialistThe Tour de France is a legendary road cycling race that covers over 2,000 miles and includes several iconic mountain stages. Some of the most famous and challenging mountains in the Tour de France include:
- Mont Ventoux: This mountain is known for its brutal climb and harsh winds. It’s often referred to as the "giant of Provence" and has been featured in the Tour de France over 50 times.
- Alpe d'Huez: This mountain has been featured in the Tour de France over 30 times and is known for its steep gradients and 21 hairpin bends. It’s considered one of the most iconic climbs in the race.
- Col du Tourmalet: This mountain pass is the highest road in the French Pyrenees and has been featured in the Tour de France over 80 times. It’s known for its challenging climb and stunning views.
- Col d'Izoard: This mountain pass is located in the French Alps and has been featured in the Tour de France over 30 times. It’s known for its steep gradients and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
- Col du Galibier: This mountain pass is located in the French Alps and has been featured in the Tour de France over 50 times. It’s known for its long, steady climb and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Riding the brutal climb of Mont Ventoux
Riding up Mont Ventoux, a mountain located in Provence, France, is considered a true test of a cyclist's stamina and endurance.
The climb is known for its brutal gradients, which average around 8%, and its harsh winds, which can make the climb even more challenging.
The climb to the summit is approximately 13.8 miles (22.1 km) long, with an elevation gain of 4,807 ft (1,464 m).
The climb starts in the town of Bédoin and winds its way up the mountain, passing through several small villages before reaching the summit.
The first half of the climb is relatively steady, with gradients averaging around 6-7%. The second half of the climb is steeper, with gradients averaging around 8-9%. The last few kilometers are the most challenging, with gradients reaching up to 12%.
On the way up, riders will pass through a lunar-like landscape, with little vegetation due to the high altitude and harsh winds.
The summit of Mont Ventoux is 1,912 meters (6,273 ft) above sea level and offers spectacular views of the surrounding area.
It's important to note that the climb can be very hot in the summer, reaching temperatures around 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) and it's recommended to carry enough water and to wear appropriate clothing.
Mont Ventoux is often considered one of the most iconic and challenging climbs in road cycling and it's a true test of a cyclist's strength and endurance.
Riding the iconic Alpe d'Huez mountain
Riding Alpe d'Huez, a mountain located in the French Alps, is considered a true classic and iconic climb in road cycling.
The climb is known for its steep gradients, which average around 8.1%, and its 21-hairpin bends, which make the climb even more challenging.
The climb to the summit is approximately 8.6 miles (13.8 km) long, with an elevation gain of 4,420 ft (1346m).
The climb starts in the town of Le Bourg-d'Oisans and winds its way up the mountain, passing through several small villages before reaching the summit.
The first half of the climb is relatively steady, with gradients averaging around 6-7%. The second half of the climb is steeper, with gradients averaging around 8-9%. The last few kilometers are the most challenging, with gradients reaching up to 13%.
On the way up, riders will pass through a beautiful alpine landscape, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
The summit of Alpe d'Huez is 1,860 meters (6,100 ft) above sea level and offers spectacular views of the surrounding area.
Alpe d'Huez is often considered one of the most iconic and challenging climbs in road cycling, and it's a true test of a cyclist's strength and endurance.
It's also considered one of the most famous and iconic climbs in the Tour de France, it's been featured in the race over 30 times.
Riding Alpe d'Huez is a challenging but also a very rewarding experience, the stunning views and the feeling of accomplishment once you reach the summit make it a must-do for any cyclist.
Riding the challenging climb of Col du Tourmalet
Riding Col du Tourmalet, a mountain pass located in the French Pyrenees, is considered a challenging and iconic climb in road cycling.
The climb is known for its long and steady gradients, which average around 7.4%, and its beautiful scenery.
The climb to the summit is approximately 17.1 miles (27.5 km) long, with an elevation gain of 4,115 ft. (1255m).
The climb starts in the town of Luz-Saint-Sauveur and winds its way up the mountain, passing through several small villages before reaching the summit.
The first half of the climb is relatively steady, with gradients averaging around 6-7%. The second half of the climb is steeper, with gradients averaging around 7-8%.
On the way up, riders will pass through a beautiful Pyrenean landscape, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
The summit of Col du Tourmalet is 2,115 meters (6,939 ft) above sea level and offers spectacular views of the surrounding area.
Col du Tourmalet is considered one of the most iconic and challenging climbs in road cycling, and it's often featured in the Tour de France, it's been included over 80 times.
It's a long and tough climb, but it's also very rewarding. The stunning views and the feeling of accomplishment once you reach the summit make it a must-do for any cyclist.
It's worth noting that the climb can be very hot in the summer and cold in the winter, it's important to be prepared with appropriate clothing and enough water.
Riding the steep gradients of Col d'Izoard
Riding Col d'Izoard, a mountain pass located in the French Alps, is considered a challenging and iconic climb in road cycling.
The climb is known for its steep gradients, which average around 7.3%, and its beautiful scenery.
The climb to the summit is approximately 14.1 miles (22.7 km) long, with an elevation gain of 3,360 ft (1,024m).
The climb starts in the town of Guillestre and winds its way up the mountain, passing through several small villages before reaching the summit.
The first half of the climb is relatively steady, with gradients averaging around 6-7%. The second half of the climb is steeper, with gradients averaging around 7-8%. The last few kilometers are the most challenging, with gradients reaching up to 9%.
On the way up, riders will pass through a beautiful Alpine landscape, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
The summit of Col d'Izoard is 2,360 meters (7,742 ft) above sea level and offers spectacular views of the surrounding area.
Col d'Izoard is considered one of the most iconic and challenging climbs in road cycling, and it's often featured in the Tour de France, it's been included over 30 times.
It's a steep and challenging climb, but it's also very rewarding. The stunning views and the feeling of accomplishment once you reach the summit make it a must-do for any cyclist.
Read more about 10 legendary mountain passes and climbs.
Riding the long steady climb of Col du Galibier
Riding Col du Galibier, a mountain pass located in the French Alps, is considered a challenging and iconic climb in road cycling.
The climb is known for its long and steady gradients, which average around 6.9%, and its beautiful scenery.
The climb to the summit is approximately 18.1 miles (29.2 km) long, with an elevation gain of 4,642 ft (1,414m).
The climb starts in the town of Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne and winds its way up the mountain, passing through several small villages before reaching the summit.
The climb is relatively steady throughout, with gradients averaging around 6-7%.
On the way up, riders will pass through a beautiful Alpine landscape, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
The summit of Col du Galibier is 2,642 meters (8,678 ft) above sea level and offers spectacular views of the surrounding area.
Col du Galibier is considered one of the most iconic and challenging climbs in road cycling, and it's often featured in the Tour de France, it's been included over 50 times.
It's a long and challenging climb, but it's also very rewarding. The stunning views and the feeling of accomplishment once you reach the summit make it a must-do for any cyclist.
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About Allan K. 
Internet Specialist
3 connections, 0 recommendations, 20 honor points.Joined APSense since, December 25th, 2020, From Aarhus, Denmark.
Created on Jan 18th 2023 23:56. Viewed 214 times.
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