5 legendary passes to climb by bike at least once in your life

Are you passionate about cycling and cycling tours? Set off without delay to discover the most impressive mythical passes in France!

NOur legendary passes have been used many times by runners in the Tour de France. They stand out for their height and the breathtaking views offered to climbers and spectators. Some cycling experiences are unique. Climbing one of these five French passes, or why not all five, is a consecration for cyclists. Like the sports Instagrammers in our selection, let yourself be tempted by the ascent of one of these mythical passes.

The Col du Tourmalet

Culminating at 2215 meters above sea level, the Col du Tourmalet is the highest cycle climb in the Pyrenees. Nicknamed the “bad detour”, it is the most used pass in the history of the Tour de France, with 83 passages by the caravan. To climb it, two options are available to you. By Barèges from Luz-Saint-Sauveur, for an 18,8 kilometer climb at 7,4% average. By La Mongie station from Sainte-Marie-de-Campan and its 17,2 kilometers at 7,4%.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by К є ν ι И 🏊🏼🚴🏼🏃🏼 ® (@ironkern) le 22 Jul 2020 to 12: 10 PDT

The Izoard pass

Located in the Queyras natural park in the heart of the Southern Alps, the Col d'Izoard culminates at 2 meters. Its average gradient of 360% and its rocky landscapes give runners the impression of traveling on another planet. Most cyclists take the southern slope (6,9 km at 15,9%), but the more adventurous can take the northern slope from Briançon (6,9 km at 19,2%).

The Iseran pass

Among mythical passes of France, the Iseran pass is the highest ever climbed by the riders of the Tour de France. At 2 meters, nestled in the middle of the Vanoise National Park, this beautiful cycling lift offers two impressive climbs, via its northern flank from Bourg-Saint-Maurice (770 km at 48%), or via its southern slope from Bonneval-sur-Arc (4,1 km at 13,4%). Once at the top of the Col de l'Iseran, a well-deserved reward awaits the cyclists. The panoramic view of the Leissières ridge is majestic.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Valentina Corbella (@valecorbella) le 16 June 2020 to 11: 36 PDT

The Col d'Aspin

The legendary Aspin pass culminates at 1 meters above sea level is located in the Pyrenees. It is a Tour de France classic, used 489 times by riders since 70. To reach the top of this mountain road, it takes 1903 kilometers at an average speed of 12% from Arreau (6,7 km at 12 %).

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Edu Garcia (@edugarciat) le 29 April 2020 to 12: 29 PDT