Col du Glandon (short video)
By Will • Jun 22nd, 2010 • Category: Climbs, Cycling, VideosCol du Glandon is one of my very favourite climbs – especially the last three crazy kilometres.
The plan was to ride as hard as I could up to Glandon in one of the last “La Marmotte” training rides. I felt great and did pretty well (for me) beating my previous best up here.
It was seriously cold at the top. A few Dutch cyclists eyed me jealously as I added leggings, arm warmers and a jacket. They were going to freeze. 
From Glandon, I leisurely pedaled the 2.5 kilometres up to Col de la Croix de Fer chatting with some other Dutch cyclists (they are everywhere).
This will be the first descent in “La Marmotte” on July 3rd. I need to remember how steep and technical the first few hairpins are here.
Every year there are lots of crashes. The last time I did La Marmotte there were ambulances/gendarmes at the first 3 hairpins. There were huge holdups in 2006 due to crashes and, tragically there is a memorial plaque at the edge of the cliff for a rider who died in 2005.
I will descend this cautiously.
For details of Col de la Croix de Fer from classic north-east side click here.
For details of Col de la Croix de Fer from classic south-west side click here.
Related Posts
Will is Happiest while cycling uphill. More enthusiastic than talented, his 2013 Challenge is to cycle a 150 Cols (mountain passes), slowly -- and to just enjoy.
Email this author | All posts by Will
ESPERO QUE TENGAS MUCHA SUERTE EN EL NUEVO RETO, ANIMO
Beautiful, beautiful climb!! And how fast are you climbing…
Thanks for showing.
AMR
[...] open all winter. 7/28: Col de Joux Plane (both sides) – Armstrong bonked here, me too. 8/2: Col du Glandon – Last 3 kms are hairpin heaven. 8/16: Col de la Croix de Fer – East side. Obligatory [...]