Alpe d’Huez Climb

photo Maurice Koop

There are many magnificent climbs on the Tour – Col du Galibier, Col de Telegraph, the fearsome Mont Ventoux. But, when it comes to mountain climbs in the Tour de France, the first on most people’s mind is Alpe d’Huez.

It first came to the tour in 1952 (won by the legendary Fausto Coppi) but, surprisingly didn’t return for 20 years. Since, 1972 the Tour has visited Alpe d’Huez, at least every other year. And despite a relatively short time period, it has firmly become part of tour folklore – often being won by the eventual winner or a great climber.

The 2008 stage finishing at Alpe d’Huez was a marvellous stage. Carlos Sastre, often criticised in the past for lacking  flair, attacked on the lower slopes and was able to take over 2 minutes from the yellow jersey group. It was not a decisive knock out, but left 3 or 4 with a possible chance of victory in Paris. (you tube video of Sastre’s climb with awful soundtrack)

Record For Alpe d’Huez Climb

According to the local tourist office, the record for the climb is 37 minutes 35 seconds set by Marco Pantani in 1995. However, other sources such as CyclingNews suggest the record was set in 1994 when Pantani climbed it in 36’40″.

Alpe D’Huez Time Trial

Alpe d’Huez 2003 – Armstrong, Beloki, Tyler Hamilton and Zubeldia (stage won by Iban Mayo)
Photo Matt Knoth

In 2004, Alpe D’Huez was run as a time trial stage. It was won by Lance Armstrong in a time of 37′ 36.

If you want to get an official time, the local authority have a time trial every Monday evening.

• In 1986, America’s first Tour winner, Greg Lemond and five times winner Frenchman Bernard Hinault rode side by side up the last part of the climb and crossed the line together. Both Lemond and Hinault were on the same team, there had been uncertainty over who was the team leader.
• Alpe d’Huez is often called the ‘Dutch Mountain’ because of the exploits of many great Dutch climbers such as Joop Zoetemelk and Hennie Kuiper. The Dutch come to watch the tour in great numbers and are highly visible on Alpe d’Huez, dressed in Orange their national colours.
• So many spectators come to watch the Tour at Alpe d’Huez that after the race there is usually a huge traffic jam as cars, lorries and camper vans descend the climb.
• The climb has 21 hairpins.
• The steepest part of the climb includes a section of 13% towards the bottom; the climb gets less steep further up.
• The climb starts just outside Bourg d’Oisans taking the D211 signposted

Recent Winners of Alpe D’Huez

• 2008 – Carlos Sastre – Spain
• 2006 – Frank Schleck – Luxemberg
• 2004 – Lance Armstrong – US
• 2003 – Iban Mayo – Spain
• 2001 – Lance Armstrong – US
• 1999 – Giuseppe Guerini – Italy
• 1997 – Marco Pantani – Italy
• 1995 – Marco Pantani
• 1994 – Robert Conti – Italy
• 1992 – Andrew Hampsten – US
• 1991 – Gianni Bugno – Italy
• 1990 – Gianni Bugno – Italy
• 1989 – Gert Jan Theunisse – Holland
• 1988 – Steven Rooks – Holland

Alpe d’Huez Statistics

• Length: 14.5km
• Altitude: 1850 metres
• Height Gained: 1150 metres
• Average Gradient 8%
• Max gradient 13%

Check out Cycle Pigs blog entry, who recently climbed Alpe d’Huez watching the 2008 Tour

Alpe d’Huez at wikipedia