The Col de Sarenne is one of the wildest and most beautiful mountain passes in the French Alps. Narrow, exposed, and perched high above the Oisans valley, it feels far removed from the busy climbs most cyclists know.
In 2026, however, this quiet road is set to become the focus of major attention.
On 19 July 2026, the Étape du Tour will send 16,000 amateur cyclists over the Col de Sarenne. Just six days later, on 25 July, the Tour de France professional peloton is scheduled to use the same route before finishing on Alpe d’Huez. Two huge events, one fragile mountain pass, and a growing local debate.
Why the Col de Sarenne Is Controversial
The Col de Sarenne runs through an environmentally sensitive and protected area. The road is narrow, the terrain is delicate, and the ecosystem is easily damaged by large crowds, vehicles, and repeated use.
Local residents and environmental groups have already raised concerns, with petitions and French media coverage questioning whether the mountain can cope with the impact of both events taking place in the same week.
At the same time, many cyclists see Sarenne as an iconic and unforgettable climb — a route that represents everything cycling in the Alps is about: remoteness, beauty, and challenge.
A Question Worth Asking
In my latest video, i discuss :
- where the climb sits in the Oisans
- why it is considered environmentally sensitive
- the scale of the Étape du Tour and the Tour de France stage
- what local opposition is saying
- and the bigger question: should the Tour de France really be here?
This isn’t about being for or against cycling events — it’s about finding the right balance between sport, tourism, and protecting the mountains we all love to ride.
You can watch the full video here:
I’d genuinely love to hear your thoughts. Is the Col de Sarenne the perfect stage for 2026 — or a step too far?
Merry Christmas
As the year comes to an end, I just want to say a huge thank you to all my clients, riders, viewers, and supporters for an amazing year. Whether you’ve joined me on a ride, watched a video, followed the blog, or worked with me directly — I truly appreciate your support.
I wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy New Year, with plenty of great rides ahead in 2026.
See you on the road,
Phil