Alpe d’Huez - Five Different Rides
By Will • Jan 11th, 2008 • Category: Cycling, Reviews
The legendary 21 Hairpins of Alpe d’Huez are climbed every year by tens of thousands of amateur cyclists. I had goose bumps the first time I climbed this biking Mecca.
But many people don’t realize there is a lot more to do than just climbing the usual Tour de France route.
The Map is explained below
View Larger Map
View 3D Map in Google Earth (requires Google Earth available here)
Here are five different ways to enjoy the Alpe
#1 - The Classic Route
Of course, if you are short of time, this is the route to choose. This is the route the pros do. Each of the 21 hairpins are labeled and named after a former stage winner. FYI, Often there is a pro photographer just before the finish. Remember to smile and act like it’s easy.
The Climb: 15.2 kms (9.4 miles); Ascent: 1,150 metres (3,770 feet)
Map: The Dark Blue Route
Tip for your first time: The first two kilometres are brutal. Make sure to warm-up before beginning the climb. And don’t let the excitement make you start out too hard.
#2 - Add Col de Poutran and Lac Besson
After you have finished congratulating yourself for climbing Alpe d’Huez, think about continuing up to Col de Poutran and Lac Besson above the town.
The Climb: 18.7 kms (11.6 miles); Ascent: 1,210 metres (3.970 feet)
Map: The Dark Blue Route and add Red Route
#3 - Alternate Route - Start Rochetaillee
There is a nice easier back way up Alpe d’Huez starting in Rochetaillee - the same start point as the fabulous Col de la Croix de Fer. Parts of this route are high along a steep cliff with great views (see the Google Earth link below the map above to view in 3D)
The Climb: 22.3 kms (13.9 miles); Ascent: 1,200 metres (3,940 feet)
Map: The Purple Route then join Black Route
#4 - Add Col de Sarenne
Another extension after climbing the classic route: think about continuing onto the beautiful and remote Col de Sarenne. The route is do-able on a road bike but it is fairly bumpy in places.
The Climb: 22.7 kms (14.1 miles); Ascent: 1,450 metres (4,760 feet)
Map: The Dark Blue Classic route then join the Green route to Col de Sarenne (follow signs to heliport in Alpe d’Huez)
#5 - Col de la Sarenne from the East Side
Starting in Bourg d’Oisans, head south towards Col de Lautaret. After crossing the dam, turn left towards Mizoen and Sarenne. After reaching the Col you can descend towards Alpe d’Huez. Of course this can be a loop, by further descending back to Bourg d’Oisans down the classic route.
The Climb: 27.7 kms (17.2 miles); Ascent: 1,390 metres (4,560 feet)
Map: Start in Bourg d’Oisans follow Green route
ENJOY!
PS - I’ll be climbing Alpe d’Huez the day after the Tour de France this summer with the Lost Boys Tour d’Enfer.
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Will is Happiest while cycling uphill. More enthusiastic than talented, his 2008 Challenge is to (again) cycle 160,000 metres of vertical ascent.
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The col de Sarenne looks so beautiful…more than the alpe d’huez
Yes, I must admit, I love the Col de Sarenne
[…] the hill if it gets too crowded. As an alternative plan to get to the finish line - see “Alpe d’Huez - Five Different Rides” for a map explaining a couple of alternate ways to climb up - via the Col de la Sarenne is a […]
Really like the site. I am camping near Alpe D’Huez in July so will try these rides out.
Should be a little more challenging than my usual riding in the Peak District in England.
[…] If you do like cycling mountains, I suggest you check out http://www.cycling-challenge.com. This is a great blog, documenting the adventures of Will and his cycling in the Alps. The blog includes descriptions and photos of many of the available climbs as well as a map of the general area. One of my favourite posts is Will’s description of the Five Different Rides around Alp d’Huez. […]
Will,
I would like to rent a bike in Bourg d’Oisans on July 9 to climb the Alpe d’Huez. Do you know how hard it is to get one since they don’t let you reserve bikes.
Randall
Randall,
My understanding (not 1st hand knowledge) is that they have quite a few and rarely run out BUT July 9 is a busy time …. maybe show up early?
Possibly have a look in Grenoble?
Good luck
Will