The ascent to Alpe d’Huez is a mythical route for cyclists. Every year in the summer, many enthusiasts come to our campsite at the foot of Alpe d’Huez to take up the challenge of the 13 km climb. The average gradient is around 8%. But in major events such as the Tour de France or the Marmotte circuit, this mythical ascent comes at the end of an already demanding course! With a total vertical drop of 1,077 metres, the climb takes less than 50 minutes for professional cyclists. Enthusiasts of a good level can hope to complete the challenge in 1h30. By mountain bike, allow 2h30 for the climb. You can rent a bike at the foot of Alpe d’Huez if you like!
The start of the climb
While many start the stage on the outskirts of Bourg d’Oisans, bringing the total distance to 14 km, there is an official start to this legendary climb: 800 meters after the Bourg-d’Oisans traffic circle, at a place called Ferrière. The altitude is 737 meters. The starting line is marked by a flag, allowing challengers to start their stopwatches accurately.
A steep first section
From the start line, things get serious, with 2 km of very difficult terrain: the gradient averages 11%, and even briefly reaches 13%. At an altitude of 806 metres comes the first turn in the long series of climbs to the summit. The slope remains steep as far as La Garde-en-Oisans, rarely dropping below 10%.
A respite around La Garde-en-Oisans
The parish of Garde-en-Oisans is reached after 2500 metres. The altitude is now almost 1,000 meters. After a very short flat section, the gradient remains around 8% for about 1 km. It’s a respite to take advantage of before tackling the remaining 11 km. After this slightly gentler kilometer, you’ll have to tackle another 10% gradient with passages at 12%. The effort should be maintained for around 1 km, after which the gradient will stabilize at between 8 and 9% all the way to Huez. At an altitude of almost 1400 metres, the finish in Huez was marked by another short-lived respite. On the road to the Alpe resort, the gradient increases to 9-10% for almost 2 km. After the last bend, a 700-metre straight stretch leads up to the station’s first buildings.
The station and the final effort
As you enter the Alpe d’Huez resort, an arch marks the start of the final sprint: 1500 meters to go before the summit finish. The slope has become gentle again at this point. Continue for 500 meters through a tunnel. At Chalet Camigane, you finally reach the red flame for the final kilometer. The finish is just around the corner: after passing two traffic circles, take Avenue du Rif on your left. You’ve only got 300 metres to go before the finish line!