Top 10 mythic biking routes of Europe
pikwik
native of Belgian, amateur cyclist, has traveled extensively across Europe
Mar 31, 2006
based on 9 votes
Mythic mountain passes, roads of cobblestones, upward slopes (walls) and famous streets that regularly figure on the itineraries of prestigious races such as the Tour de France. Legendary pages of the history of cycling have been written on these routes. Every year, thousands of enthusiast amateurs boldly give it a try as well...
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Explore locations featured in this Traveler List:
Vaison-la-Romaine, Midi-Pyrenees, Roubaix, San Remo, Courchevel, Paris, Samoens, East Flanders, Stavelot
- Category: Best of
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Traveler type:
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Appeals to: Active/adventure
- Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Tags:
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1. Mount Ventoux (France)
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| There are three possible routes (20-25 km) that will lead you to the top of Mount Ventoux, starting from Sault (fairly easy until the last 5 km, once you have reached the "Chalet Reynard"), Malaucene (steep constant upward slope) and Bedoin (several walls to cross - definitely the most difficult, the one that is regularly on the Tour de France itinerary). After the "Chalet Reynard" (starting from Sault or Bedoin), you will see the memorial dedicated to Tom Simpson, a cyclist who passed away while climbing the Mount Ventoux during the Tour 1967. In the last miles, there is no vegetation; you would think you are on the moon; indeed, one of the nickname of the mythic mount is the bald mount. If you climb the Mount Ventoux, do not forget a wind jacket for the way down. In French, "Ventoux" means windy. |
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| Second highest peak of the Pyrenees, the Tourmalet is 2115m high. The best side to climb the Tourmalet is the West side, from Luz-Saint-Sauveur (18km). The most often climbed mountain pass of the Tour de France. Greg Lemond has a bike named the "Tourmalet". Amstrong won the 'Tourmalet' during the Tour 2002. |
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3. Alpe d'Huez ski resort (France)
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| Named the "Champs Elysees of the climbers" as the Alpe d'Huez (1860m) is probably one of the most prestigious climb, with crowds of fans applauding cyclists on the Tour. Starting at Bourg d'Oisans, the climb is 18 km long. |
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4. Cobblestones between Paris and Roubaix (France)
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| The race Paris-Roubaix (every year in April) is also called the "Hell of the North" as the long cobblestones sections of the itinerary, combined with a usually rainy, cold and muddy weather make this race just terrible. In total, there are 26 sections of cobblestone roads (total of 54.7 km), the worst section being the forest "Wallers-Arenberg" (such in a bad shape today that it is not on the itinerary of the race any more). |
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| Last climb before the arrival on the Milan-San Remo race (called the "Primavera"). Not an overly difficult climb (less than 4 kilometers) but what makes it tough is that it comes after 300km of race. |
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6. Madeleine - Telegraphe - Galibier (France)
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| If you can climb the three in a row, you rock! Starting near the hype ski resort of Courchevel, ascend the Madeleine pass (2000m), then descend, ascend the successive Telegraphe pass (1566m) and the Galibier pass (2645m)…Enjoy! |
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7. Champs Elysees (France)
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| Probably one of the most famous streets in the world with restaurants, theaters and prestigious stores, the Champs Elysees mark the arrival of the final stage of the Tour de France since its creation in 1903. Looks almost flat but actually a slow ascent. The itinerary loops between the "Place de la Concorde" and the "Arc de Triomphe" and it gives place to probably one of the most mythical sprints. Unfortunately, due to ongoing traffic, it is almost impossible to do it. But standing on the Champs Elysees and watching the arrival of the Tour in the middle of a furious crowd is a must for any cycling-enthusiast. |
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8. Joux-Plane mountain pass (France)
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| Located in the French Alps, between Samoens and Morzine, the Joux-Plane mountain pass is an "hors categorie" ascent, gaining 3500 ft over 8.5 miles (average gradient is 8.4%). The very irregular grade of the slope makes this climb one of the toughest: even Lance Amstrong had trouble climbing this mountain in the Tour 2000 (the second one he won). |
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9. Wall of Geraardsbergen (Belgium)
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| With a high difference of 92m, total length of 1km, the greatest gradient is 20%. It is a wall of cobblestones in the country side of Flanders, East Belgium, often very slippery, always on the itinerary of the "Ronde van Vlaanderen". |
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| Total length of 2300m, altitude difference of 220m, the average gradient is 10% with a peak at 21%. At the top of the slope sits a memorial dedicated to Belgian cyclist Eddy Merckx, the winner of the most grand tours of all times (Tour de France 5 times, Giro d'Italia 5 times, Vuelta a Espana 1 tour), as well as winner of many classics (single-day races) and other tours (Tour of Switzerland, Tour of Belgium). Another interesting climb nearby is the "Haute Levee". |
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