Did you name the climbs?

Last month we ran a competition to name fourteen Tour de France climbs just from a single image. We were quite proud of ourselves, as just like most of the featured climbs, it was really tough. So here are the answers and a bit more info about each climb.

1. Alpe d’Huez

For those of who have ridden this climb, you might remember this bend by the church below Huez as it really is first time that you can see the resort above you. From here’s it’s roughly 5km to the top. For those who are going well it’s almost over, however, for those who are struggling it still looks a very long, long way away.

This is the final climb in the Marmotte sportive where it’s the last 1000 metres of climbing after the previous 4000m over the Glandon, Telegraph and Gailbier. On a super hot day it can be a scene of destruction but on a rainy day it can be a pleasure to keep turning the pedals as I’ve never felt as cold as the 50km descent from the Gailbier.

It was of course made famous by the Tour de France and was first included in the race in 1952 and has been a stage finish regularly since 1976. In terms of atmosphere there is little to match it, well apart from the perhaps the noise on the Arenburg or Paterburg from those early season Monuments.

Google Maps/Street View Link

Details of our 20201 Marmotte trip

Unfortunately is doesn’t feature in the Tour this year.

2. Alto de l’Angliru 

Last month we ran a competition to name fourteen Tour de France climbs just from a single image. We were quite proud of ourselves, as just like most of the featured climbs, it was really tough. So here are the answers and a bit more info about each climb.

1. Alpe d’Huez

For those of who have ridden this climb, you might remember this bend by the church below Huez as it really is first time that you can see the resort above you. From here’s it’s roughly 5km to the top. For those who are going well it’s almost over, however, for those who are struggling it still looks a very long, long way away.

This is the final climb in the Marmotte sportive where it’s the last 1000 metres of climbing after the previous 4000m over the Glandon, Telegraph and Gailbier. On a super hot day it can be a scene of destruction but on a rainy day it can be a pleasure to keep turning the pedals as I’ve never felt as cold as the 50km descent from the Gailbier.

It was of course made famous by the Tour de France and was first included in the race in 1952 and has been a stage finish regularly since 1976. In terms of atmosphere there is little to match it, well apart from the perhaps the noise on the Arenburg or Paterburg from those early season Monuments.

Google Maps/Street View Link

Details of our 20201 Marmotte trip

Unfortunately is doesn’t feature in the Tour this year.

2. Alto de l’Angliru