Tour d’Enfer Day 5 - Col du Granon
By Will • Jul 24th, 2008 • Category: 2008 Tour d'Enfer, Climbs, Cycling
Day 5 of the Tour d’Enfer. Everyone else took a bus to cycle the north side of Galbier.
I wanted to do something new, so my plan was to finally cycle up the Col du Granon.
Summit: 2,404 metres (7,890 feet)
The Climb: 16.5 kms (10.3 miles); Ascent: 1,120 metres (3,675 feet);
A couple of year’s back Le Cycle magazine published it’s list of the 30 most beautiful cycling climbs in France. 18 were in the Alps. Until today, I had only done 17. Col de Granon was the missing climb.
Granon is high, steep, and spectacular.
Perfect weather and I really enjoyed the climb - lots of cyclists - and quite a few mountain bikers really suffering.
It appears possible to go over the top on mountain bike, but it’s pretty savage on the other side.
It’s less famous than nearby neighbours Galibier and Izoard primarily because it is a cul-de-sac at the top. But that’s great news for cyclists as less crowded.
Tour de France: Rated Hors Categorie, this climb has appeared only once in 1986, stage 17.
After Granon I returned to Briancon and road through a quiet, scenic valley for 20 kilometres up to Col de l’Echelle and the Italian border (I’ll add a map when I get a chance). An excellent ride for anyone looking for something easier than all the mre famous choices from Briancon.
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Will is Happiest while cycling uphill. More enthusiastic than talented, his 2009 Challenge is to cycle a 100 Cols (mountain passes) and lose a couple of pounds.
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It is a beautful area… but I feel that way about most of your routes and the pictures. Thanks again!
most difficult climb i have done , steep , hot , high , wind , but great viewing on ecrins !
always talked about galibier and izoard but granon is much harder
[...] Update: Climbed July 2008 - details here. [...]