The Tour de France has witnessed some of cycling’s most legendary climbs, with mountain passes that have left an indelible mark on the history of the sport. If you’re thinking about improving your performance on mountain climbs, exploring our range of road bikes could be a great place to start. Here’s a tour of the most mythical climbs of the Tour.
Col du Tourmalet: The Giant of the Pyrenees
Since its debut in 1910, the Tourmalet has been a relentless judge in the carrera. Its 17.2 km ascent and a gradient approaching 7.4% have witnessed epic battles between cyclists like Merckx and Pantani. It’s the kind of climb that makes you grateful to have a good road bike, where every gram and every gear matters.
Alpe d'Huez: The Mountain of 21 Bends
Each of the 21 bends of Alpe d’Huez has its own story. This climb is a living legend, a place where effort and strategy intertwine. Many cyclists seek their moment of glory here, and having a well-chosen second-hand bike can be the key to enjoying the climb without so much pain.
Mont Ventoux: The Giant of Provence
Mont Ventoux is not just a climb; it’s a personal challenge. With its lunar landscape and unpredictable weather, every meter of its 21.5 km is a test of endurance and willpower. This is where a well-tuned road bike makes the difference, especially when the wind blows against you and the summit seems never to arrive.
Col du Galibier: The Roof of the Tour
The Galibier, at 2,642 meters, is more than just a mountain pass; it’s a Tour icon. Its ascent is long and often cold, but the views and the sense of achievement at the summit are priceless. It’s on these kinds of climbs where second-hand bikes can surprise you with their performance and reliability.
Other Legendary Climbs
We can’t forget the Col d’Izoard, the Col de la Madeleine, and the Col de la Croix de Fer, which, although they don’t always make the headlines, have been decisive in many editions. Each has its own character and particular challenge, adding to the rich history of the Tour de France.
How Mountain Passes Are Classified
Passes are classified based on their length, elevation gain, and gradient. Those like the Tourmalet, with gradients above 7%, are considered Hors Catégorie , the most demanding level. If you are preparing to tackle a high mountain stage, make sure you have the road bike that is right for you, so you can optimize your performance on these terrains.
High mountain and medium mountain
The Tour de France combines high mountain stages, with more than 4,000 meters of accumulated elevation gain, with medium mountain stages. The decisive stages, such as the famous 1995 Tour stage in Mende, often require bikes designed for long climbs and technical descents. Check out our selection of second-hand bikes to find the option that best suits your needs.
The nightmare of sprinters in the mountain stages
For sprinters, mountain stages, such as those that include the Galibier or the Ventoux, are a challenge in themselves due to the time cut. The time limit is calculated based on the average speed of the stage winner, and having the right bike can make the difference in completing these challenges.