What’s it like to cycle Alpe d’Huez in the Rain ?
Alpe d’Huez – the name alone stirs excitement and respect among cyclists worldwide. Dubbed ‘the Dutch Mountain’ by Tour de France fans, this legendary climb is a proving ground that has witnessed the grit and determination of champions like Bernard Hinault and Marco Pantani. But in today’s video , it’s not the Tour, and the crowds of cheering fans are missing. Instead, it’s just me, a couple of cameras, and a handful of brave cyclists, each attempting this iconic ascent in pouring rain.
21 Hairpins of Rain-Soaked Resolve
If the 21 hairpin turns of Alpe d’Huez aren’t challenging enough, throw in relentless rain, and you’ve got a truly formidable test. Each turn is not only a landmark in cycling history but also a reminder of the relentless elevation gain that makes this climb infamous. Riding in dry conditions is tough—riding in the rain? That’s a whole new level.
With slick roads and reduced visibility, these cyclists dig deep, pushing past the discomfort and summoning the kind of inner strength that turns ordinary riders into legends. As they climb through Dutch Corner—a bend that usually roars with orange-clad fans waving flags and chanting encouragement only the sound of rain pattering down and my camera capturing each soaked pedal stroke breaks the stillness.
The Magic of Alpe d’Huez, Rain or Shine
Despite the gloomy weather, there’s a certain magic in the air. Alpe d’Huez has seen countless epic battles over the years, but there’s something uniquely powerful about this quiet, rain-drenched climb. The cyclists making their way up today may not have the crowds or the fanfare, but they’re embodying the spirit of legends. Each of them is fighting their own battle against gravity, fatigue, and the unyielding downpour.
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