Col de
la Forclaz
Short & Steep
9.5 kms; 700 metres ascent; Start:
N508 - D42
Driving Directions
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Map of Route
The Col de la Forclaz is a terrific, steep, climb. This Col can be part of a great loop of Lake Annecy. The route follows the Annecy bike path South from Annecy. Leave the bike path at Vesonne to begin the climb and then just descend the othe other side of Forclaz returning to Annecy. The climb replaces the often traffic-filled road on the other side of the lake. See Map link above.
The above photo is of the 2004 Tour de France. The breakaway group includes Simoni (red) and French heroes Richard Virenque (red polka dots) and Christoffe Moreau (green). These three were caught on the next climb (Col de la Croix Fry) but Virenque went on to win the "king of the mountains" again. This was the second last climb on the day that Armstrong beat Kloden by an inch.
This climb is often called Col de la Forclaz de Montmin. Forclaz means narrow gap and there are several climbs called Col de la Forclaz in the northern Alps, the most well known probably being above Martigny on the Swiss - French border.
BLOG ENTRY - Biked my first col (mountain pass) this year - the short but
steep Col de la Forclaz (Haute Savoie, France). It is only about 9
km of climb but averages about a 9% grade with one full kilometer a
leg crushing 11.5% grade.
The last time I climbed this Col was July 2004 the day of the Tour de France. The climb was swampeed with people, caravans, cars, etc. It was the second last climb on the day that Armstrong came from nowhere to beat Kloden by a second. A very hot day with several climbs, the tailing riders looked dead as they passed by ages after the leaders. Oh the humanity.
Today’s ride started near beautiful Annecy along a wonderful bike path (that used to be a railroad) around the mountain-surrounded lake. Just south of the lake my route turned left into a tiny town. Then - no mistaking the start of the climb - a sharp left straight up! At the very start, you can still see Launch Lance written on the road. It’s fun to read all the Tour de France road graffiti while climbing.
At the very top, I took the above picture and then had a lite lunch at a scenic little restaurant beside a tiny rope-tow ski hill being used by 5 or 6 very young (and loud) children.
With the steep climb and bright sun, I climbed in short sleeves. On the descent - despite two warm layers - I almost froze to death.
