Alpe d’Huez needs little introduction, it is to cyclist what Monaco is too F1 fans, Wembley is to English football (soccer) fans or Lords it to cricketers. The only difference is, and this is the great thing about cycling, it’s totally accessible to anyone with a bike and a bit of fitness.
The climb starts just outside our home town of Bourg d’Oisans. It’s so close in fact you will need to make a diversion to get a good warm up before tackling the climb.
The 1000m vertical climb is tough with the first 4 of its 21 numbered bends proving the toughest. Once passed these though your body is over the initial shock and you will have found a rhythm that you can cope with. This climb takes no prisoners, and however much you try to stay with someone who is a little bit fitter or lighter than you, you will ultimately be found out dropped out the back like Mark Cavendish
There really is no respite until the finishing line some 13 km after the start. Here you will find cafes, restaurants and memorabilia. For those looking for a little more punishment you can continue the climb further to the rather underwhelming Tour de France finish.
Join More Than 21 Bends on one of our day rides up Alpe d’Huez and we will photograph your climb as well as buy you a well earned drink at the top or if you want to do your own thing hire a bike from PROMPT.CC