September 2024. The air in the French Alps was crisp, mornings fresh, and the mountains seemed to be waiting for me. After months of prep, countless long ultra cycling rides and challenges, I finally arrived in Le Bourg‑d’Oisans—the small, vibrant village at the foot of Alpe d’Huez that became my ultra cycling base for the week.
As an ultra-cyclist, I’m always chasing limits—geographical, physical, mental. The Alps are no playground; they’re an arena. And I was ready. The week was all about long rides, serious elevation, and one epic 220km day with approximately 6,300m of altitude gain, tackling legendary cols. It was one of the hardest—and perhaps most beautiful—rides I’ve ever done. Happy to share my personal experience with you all.
Ultra Cycling around Alpe D’Huez: the queen stage
Let me start with describing my fellow cycling partners in crime of the day; the cols I conquered around Alpe D’huez during my ultra cycling rode. One after the other Alpine giants which for sure will ring a bell at Tour the France fanatics.
1. Col du Glandon from barrage du Verney – 1,924 m
Length: ~24 km / Avg grade: ~5% (peaks ~11–12%)
Started at dawn from Le Bourg. Glandon stretches 24.1 km from the Barrage du Verney, averaging 4.8%—but don’t be deceived. The final 2 km crush you with 11 – 12 % ramps. The top offers forested slopes, rugged rock faces, alpine meadows… and a mystical pink sunrise. I will keep the overall description for this one quite short because it largely overlaps with the Col de la Croix de Fer climb, until the Col du Glandon junction. From there on, it is only a small climb to reach the top of the Col du Glandon.
2. Col de la Croix de Fer from Barrage du Verney– 2,067 m
The Col de la Croix de Fer (2,067 m) is a legendary Alpine climb in the French Alps, and one of the most beautiful and remote-feeling passes in cycling. When approached from the Barrage du Verney, it offers a long, varied, and breathtaking ascent—ideal for ultra cyclists and Tour de France dreamers alike.
Climb Overview
- Starting Point: Barrage du Verney (near Allemont) – altitude ~770 m
- Finish: Col de la Croix de Fer summit – altitude 2,067 m
- Total Distance: ~28.5 km
- Elevation Gain: ~1,297 m
- Average Gradient: ~4.5%
- Max Gradient: Sections at 9–10%
Climb Description: Section by Section
Section 1: Barrage du Verney to Allemont – Easy Roll-In (~2 km, 2–4%)
The ride starts gently on a smooth, scenic road skirting the lake. This section is perfect for warming up—you’re surrounded by lush forest and reflections of the dammed waters. The incline is barely noticeable, so settle into your rhythm early.
Section 2: Allemont to Le Rivier d’Allemont – The Real Work Begins (~11 km, avg 7–8%)
Once past Allemont, the road kicks up significantly. This is the first true test—long stretches at 7–9% with little relief. Hairpins begin to appear, the valley drops away, and the forest grows denser. At around 12–13 km in, you reach Le Rivier d’Allemont, a charming alpine hamlet. It’s a great place to refill bottles at the public fountain.
Section 3: The Broken Descent (~3 km, short descent -3%)
Here comes a brief and slightly frustrating descent. You lose about 100 m of altitude, meaning you’ll have to earn them again later. The road narrows, the rock walls steepen, and you cross dramatic gorges carved by alpine torrents.
Section 4: Climb to Col du Glandon Junction (~7 km, avg 7%)
Back into climbing mode. This stretch features longer straight ramps and fewer turns. Gradient is steady around 7%, but the scenery opens up gloriously—massive cliffs, waterfalls, and exposed switchbacks as you break the tree line. You eventually reach the junction with the Col du Glandon, but don’t turn yet…
Final Push to the Summit (~2.5 km, avg 6%)
This last part takes you to the true summit of Col de la Croix de Fer. It’s a short but exposed grind—beautiful but windy. A large iron cross marks the summit, with a stunning view of surrounding peaks like the Aiguilles d’Arves.
My personal impressions
Climbing the Croix de Fer from Verney is a full-on Alpine experience: long, scenic, varied, and very rewarding. The mental reset during the short descent mid-way is rare for such climbs. The ever-changing backdrop—from dam and forest to open rock and glacier views—makes this a sensory masterpiece.
3. Col du Mollard – 1,638 m
The Col du Mollard (1,638 m) lies in the Savoie region of the French Alps, and though often overshadowed by giants like Galibier or Croix de Fer, it’s a favorite for cyclists who enjoy a combination of hairpin-filled climbing, lush landscapes, and minimal traffic.
Climb Overview (from Villargondran/Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne)
- Starting Point: Villargondran (just east of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne) – ~550 m
- Summit: Col du Mollard – 1,638 m
- Distance: ~18.5 km
- Elevation Gain: ~1,090 m
- Average Gradient: ~5.9%
- Maximum Gradient: Up to 11% in sections
Climb Description
Section 1: Villargondran to Albiez-le-Jeune (~7 km, 6–7%)
The climb begins just outside Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne. After a flat roll-out, the road immediately tilts upward. This is the most technically interesting part of the climb, as you ascend a dizzying series of hairpins—over 40 switchbacks in total—through forested terrain and alpine pastures.
- Expect gradients to hover around 6–7% with a few short ramps over 10%.
- The road is narrow, but very smooth—ideal for road bikes.
- Traffic is minimal; most of the time you’ll have the mountain to yourself.
Section 2: Albiez-le-Jeune to Albiez-Montrond (~6 km, gentler, 4–6%)
This middle segment is a little more forgiving. The scenery becomes more open, with spectacular views of the Aiguilles d’Arves towering in the distance.
- You ride through small mountain villages with rustic charm and fountains—perfect spots to refill bottles.
- The gradient backs off slightly here (~4–5%), offering a chance to recover and enjoy the surroundings.
Section 3: Albiez-Montrond to Col du Mollard Summit (~5 km, avg 6%, some steep ramps)
The final section ramps up again as you leave the village and tackle the last winding push to the summit. It’s more exposed here, and you’ll feel the altitude.
- Gradients in the final kilometers jump back to 7–9%, with some short sections at 10–11%.
- The road is spectacularly quiet and remote-feeling—no cafés, no cars, just mountains and sky.
At the top, the Col du Mollard sign greets you with wide-open Alpine views. It’s a surprisingly emotional summit after such a personal, twisting journey.
4. Col de la Confrérie – 1,184 m
The Col de la Confrérie (1,154 m) is a modest but challenging ascent that connects the Maurienne valley with the area around Albiez and the Col du Mollard. Ideal as a mid-ride climb or a quieter alternative route, it’s short, steep, and punchy, with forested switchbacks and panoramic views higher up.
Climb Overview (from Villargondran/Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne)
- Starting Point: Villargondran (~590 m)
- Summit: Col de la Confrérie – 1,154 m
- Distance: ~7.2 km
- Elevation Gain: ~564 m
- Average Gradient: ~7.8%
- Maximum Gradient: ~11% in some ramps
Climb Description: Steep, Scenic, and Under the Radar
Section 1: Villargondran to Les Moulins (~2 km, avg 7–9%)
The climb kicks off almost immediately from the edge of Villargondran, just outside Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne. There’s no warm-up—you’re straight into sustained ramps of 8–10%, climbing narrow rural roads with excellent tarmac and very little traffic.
- The road winds upward through dense forest, providing good shade on warm days.
- Hairpins come quickly, and the climb feels more “personal” than grand.
Section 2: Les Moulins to Col Summit (~5.2 km, avg 7–8%)
Past the hamlet of Les Moulins, the climb becomes even more beautiful as it opens slightly with views of the Maurienne Valley below and the high Alpine peaks above.
- The gradient is consistent—around 7–8%—with occasional brief drops or kicks.
- The road remains narrow and almost entirely car-free.
- You may spot deer or marmots in the upper sections in early morning hours.
At the Col de la Confrérie summit (1,154 m), you’ll find a simple sign marking the pass and a short descent that can link you to climbs like Col du Mollard or Col du Télégraphe depending on your route.
My personal impressions
The Col de la Confrérie is an ideal linking climb in ultra-endurance routes. It’s not long enough to destroy your legs, but it demands respect due to its gradient and minimal rest. The solitude and unspoiled nature make it feel like a hidden passage through the Alps.
For ultra cyclists, it’s a perfect “connector”: a way to bridge massive cols like Mollard and Télégraphe without descending too far into busy valley floors. It’s quiet, clean, and unexpectedly beautiful.
5. Col du Télégraphe – 1,566 m
The Col du Télégraphe (1,566 m) serves as the warm-up climb before the Galibier from the north side (Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne). It’s a steady, well-surfaced climb that’s manageable, but still tests your legs with 800+ meters of climbing—especially if you’re carrying supplies for an ultra-distance day.
Climb Overview (from Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne)
- Starting Point: Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne – 710 m
- Summit: Col du Télégraphe – 1,566 m
- Distance: 11.8 km
- Elevation Gain: ~856 m
- Average Gradient: ~7.3%
- Maximum Gradient: ~9% in sections
- Surface: Excellent tarmac, wide road, good drainage
- Traffic: Moderate (especially during summer and cycling events)
Climb Description: A Steady, Forested Ascent
Section 1: Out of Saint-Michel (~0–3 km, 7–8%)
The climb begins almost immediately after crossing the river out of town. After a few hundred meters of gentle grade, you enter a series of tight switchbacks that start stacking up elevation fast. The gradient hovers around 7–8%, and you’re immediately immersed in Alpine forest.
- The climb is well-shaded, perfect on sunny days.
- The switchbacks are evenly spaced and offer brief visual breaks from the effort.
Section 2: Through the Forest (~3–9 km, avg 7%)
This is the most consistent section of the Télégraphe—a textbook Alpine grind. The road follows a well-graded rhythm as it threads through dense pine and fir trees. You’ll see very few views here, but it’s quiet and meditative—ideal for falling into a cadence.
- Gradients remain steady—rarely spiking above 8%, rarely dropping below 6%.
- Great for tempo climbing or long-haul pacing in an ultra ride.
- There are a few scenic rock cut-outs and open bends with mountain glimpses.
Section 3: Final Kilometers to the Col (~9–11.8 km, 6–7%)
In the final stretch, the forest begins to thin out, and you start getting glimpses of the peaks around Valloire. The road winds gently before arriving at the summit, marked by a classic col sign and a small parking area.
- Not steep in the final kilometers, but your legs might feel it if you’re heading straight to Galibier after.
- Expect a beautiful view back down the Maurienne Valley from the top.
My personal impressions
The Col du Télégraphe is a climber’s col—not dramatic, not intimidating, but always demanding. What makes it special is its role: it’s either a starter climb on your way to Galibier, or a mid-ride grind connecting big routes like Croix de Fer or Mollard to the northern Alps.
For ultra cyclists, it’s an anchor—a mental and physical checkpoint. It’s long enough to drain the legs, but short enough that pacing it well can set you up for a perfect Galibier summit afterwards.
6. Col du Galibier – 2,642 m
When approached from the north side, the Galibier is usually tackled via a two-step climb:
- Col du Télégraphe
- A short descent into Valloire, then the full climb to Col du Galibier
Let’s break down the Galibier portion specifically from Valloire to the summit, since that’s the true Galibier climb after Télégraphe.
Galibier Climb Overview (from Valloire)
- Starting Point: Valloire – 1,400 m
- Summit: Col du Galibier – 2,642 m
- Distance: 17.6 km
- Elevation Gain: ~1,240 m
- Average Gradient: ~7.1%
- Maximum Gradient: 11–12% in final 2 km
- Road Surface: Excellent, but narrow in upper section
- Traffic: Moderate, mostly cyclists and motorcycles in summer
🧭 If you include the Col du Télégraphe beforehand, the full route from Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne is ~35 km and 2,100+ meters of elevation gain.
Climb Description: A Test of Power and Altitude
Section 1: Valloire to Plan Lachat (~9 km, avg 6–7%)
Leaving Valloire, the climb begins steadily on wide, good road surfaces. The first several kilometers take you through alpine meadows and quiet pastures, gradually gaining altitude with minimal drama.
- Gradient mostly stays at 6–7%, manageable but persistent.
- The valley narrows as you approach Plan Lachat (~2,000 m), a stone bridge and military-style building marking the halfway point.
- This is where things start to get real.
Section 2: Plan Lachat to Tunnel Entrance (~6 km, avg 8–9%)
The true high mountain environment begins here. The road narrows, the air thins, and the views explode. You’re now in a world of rocks, glaciers, and snow—even in summer.
- Gradients hover at 8–9%, no let-up.
- Hairpins increase in frequency as you switchback up bare cliffsides.
- The altitude becomes a factor—your breathing deepens, your power dips.
Section 3: Final Ramp to the Summit (~2 km, up to 11–12%)
The final segment is savage but unforgettable. You pass the Galibier Tunnel entrance (closed to cyclists), and take the steep final 2 km to the true summit via a narrow serpentine road.
- The gradient spikes to 10–12%, the steepest part of the climb.
- Views to the Meije glacier and surrounding 3,000 m peaks are surreal.
- At the top, you’re greeted by a stone monument, signs, and 360° Alpine glory.
My personal impressions
The Col du Galibier is a legend for a reason. No other road climb in the French Alps matches its combination of length, altitude, and spectacle. The ride is a test of fitness, but also mental endurance—the scenery distracts you, but the gradients demand full focus.
If you’re an ultra cyclist, doing Galibier after Télégraphe (or even later in a massive route) makes it a true high-mountain effort. You earn every meter. The summit feels like the top of the world—and in the Alps, it almost is.
7. Col de Sarenne from Le Chambon/Barrage du Chambon – 1,999 m
While the Col de Sarenne can technically be climbed from either side (from Clavans in the Romanche Valley or descending it from Alpe d’Huez), the true road climb starts from the D1091 near the Barrage du Chambon, climbing through the village of Clavans-en-Haut-Oisans, eventually reaching the summit at 1,999 meters.
Climb Overview (From Barrage du Chambon)
- Starting Point: Barrage du Chambon (~1,030 m)
- Summit: Col de Sarenne – 1,999 m
- Distance: ~15 km
- Elevation Gain: ~970 m
- Average Gradient: ~6.5%
- Maximum Gradient: 11–12% in short ramps
- Surface: Variable; mix of smooth tarmac and rough patches
- Traffic: Very light to non-existent
Climb Description: Solitude and Raw Beauty
Section 1: Barrage du Chambon to Clavans (~0–6 km, 7–9%)
The climb begins just before the tunnel near the Lac du Chambon, taking a quiet, narrow road up through the tiny hamlets of Mizoën and Clavans-le-Haut. This section is relentlessly steep, with sections up to 11% as you wind through classic stone villages.
- The road is quiet and shaded in parts.
- Stunning views back toward Lac du Chambon and the Romanche Valley.
- Expect tight hairpins, old stone walls, and maybe the sound of cowbells.
Section 2: Clavans to Refuge du Sarenne (~6–12 km, 6–7%)
The climb opens up dramatically as you leave Clavans-le-Haut. Here, the road enters a high alpine environment: a narrow ribbon of tarmac through rock, pasture, and wilderness. You’ll see zero cars, possibly a few wild goats.
- Gradients ease to 6–7%, with some irregular ramps.
- The road surface worsens, becoming broken, gritty, and sometimes loose gravel.
- You’ll pass the Refuge du Sarenne, a small mountain lodge in a wind-blasted plain.
Section 3: Final Ramp to the Col (~12–15 km, 6%)
As you approach the summit of the Col de Sarenne (1,999 m), you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world. The jagged peaks of the Grandes Rousses massif rise around you, and the narrowness of the road adds to the thrill.
- The road briefly smooths out, winding along a ridge above Alpe d’Huez.
- No guardrails. No markings. Just mountain.
At the summit, there’s a small wooden sign, a few wildflowers, and complete silence.
My personal impressions
As an ultra cyclist, the Col de Sarenne feels like a secret only a few of us know. It’s not fast. It’s not smooth. But it is wild, raw, and deeply rewarding. On a long ride of 200+ kilometers, after hammering the big names like Croix de Fer and Galibier, the Sarenne strips away the showmanship and returns you to the essence of cycling.
- The solitude is total. I saw no other riders and maybe one tractor.
- The crumbling edges of the road keep you alert—not a place for 50 km/h descents.
- Emotionally, it’s powerful: you come over the summit and suddenly see Alpe d’Huez from a side most cyclists never experience.
For me, Sarenne was both a physical challenge and a mental reset. It’s not about KOMs or prestige. It’s about grit, grace, and getting lost on purpose.
8. Alpe d’Huez from Le Bourg D’Oisans– 1,860 m
The climb to Alpe d’Huez starts right in the heart of Le Bourg-d’Oisans, a small town at 720 meters above sea level that buzzes with cyclists in the summer months. From the first pedal stroke, the road rises aggressively—no warm-up, no gentle start. It’s go-time immediately.
Climb Overview (Classic Tour de France Route)
- Starting Point: Le Bourg-d’Oisans – 720 m
- Summit: Alpe d’Huez ski station – 1,860 m
- Distance: 13.8 km
- Elevation Gain: 1,140 m
- Average Gradient: 8.2%
- Max Gradient: 13% in the first 2 km
- Switchbacks: 21 iconic numbered bends
- Road Surface: Excellent
- Traffic: Moderate to heavy in summer, but mostly respectful
Climb Description: 21 Bends to Glory
Kilometers 0–3: Brutal Start
The Alpe throws its hardest punch in the opening act: 10–13% gradients in the first two kilometers. These opening bends are notorious, and if your legs are fried, they’ll scream in protest here.
- You pass bends 21 to 17—each one numbered and many named after past Tour winners.
- The steepest gradients of the climb come immediately; pacing here is critical.
Kilometers 3–10: Into Rhythm
As you pass through La Garde and Huez Village, the road becomes slightly more forgiving. Gradients drop to a more consistent 7–8%, and the switchbacks provide opportunities to recover in the apex.
- Scenery opens up to panoramic views of the valley and the Oisans basin.
- The road winds elegantly, and the town of Alpe d’Huez slowly comes into view.
- Water fountains can sometimes be found in Huez and near bend 6.
Kilometers 10–13.8: Final Approach
The final kilometers into the ski station have a slight “false flat” feel—it’s still uphill, but psychologically easier. The gradient eases to around 5–6% as you roll past chalets, ski shops, and hotels.
- You pass the final bend (#1) and see the famous Tour de France finish banner just before the roundabout.
- At the summit: joy, disbelief, fatigue—and altitude (1,860 m).
My personal impressions (Post Galibier, Télégraphe, Croix de Fer, Sarenne)
Climbing Alpe d’Huez as your final climb after a day that already included over 6,000 meters of elevation is a different beast. By this point:
- Your legs are wrecked
- Your hydration and nutrition are on a knife’s edge
- The sun is either dropping or brutal overhead
- And yet… you turn up into bend 21 and you go.
What struck me most wasn’t the pain. It was the gravity of it all—this wasn’t a race, it wasn’t a segment, it wasn’t about time. It was a slow, internal battle fought bend by bend.
- Every switchback became a goal.
- Every painted name on the tarmac felt like a whisper from cycling’s ghosts.
- I wasn’t chasing speed—I was chasing completion.
By the time I reached the ski station, I was too spent to raise a fist, but inside, I felt it: this is why I do ultra. The mental endurance, the transcendence through fatigue, the mountain earned, not conquered.
Alpe d’Huez doesn’t care who you are…ultra cycling or not—it always demands everything. And after a 220 km day with Galibier, Télégraphe, Croix de Fer, and Sarenne in your legs, it becomes the perfect final summit. Not for glory, but for closure.
Nutrition & Gear Ultra Cycling around Alpe D’Huez: Fueling the Ride, Mile After Mile
On a ride this long, through such remote and mountainous terrain, nutrition and preparation are everything. I’ve learned over the years that fueling consistently is the only way to stay sharp both mentally and physically. For this ultra around Alpe d’Huez, I stuck to what works best for me: a 750ml bottle of Maurten 320 mix every hour to hour and a half, which gives me a steady stream of carbs and electrolytes without upsetting my stomach. I alternated that with Maurten gels, some Clif cookies for variety and texture, and salt capsules to ward off cramps as the heat built up later in the day.
Still, some moments call for real food. On top of the Col du Galibier, after grinding up from Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne, I stopped and savored a hard-earned ice cream—a small, almost childish pleasure that hit like a reset button. In Valloire, before heading into the high slopes again, I downed an entire bag of salty chips—not glamorous, but absolutely glorious for replenishing sodium and morale.
Gear and wear
Gear-wise, I packed light but smart. I carried good old cash, a bank card, and my identity card (because you never know). A powerbank kept my devices charged, especially with the GPS tracking on all day, and I had my mobile phone for navigation and emergencies. Mechanically, I brought a multitool, two spare inner tubes, tire levers, my COOSPO electric bike pump, and a small tube of chain lube—a real lifesaver in dusty alpine conditions. I also rolled up a light wind jacket, which came in handy for the early morning descents when temperatures were still hugging the single digits.
When you’re out there alone for 10+ hours, you’re your own mechanic, nutritionist, and support crew. Everything you carry has a purpose. And when it all works together seamlessly, you get to focus on what matters most: the ride itself.
Why Ultra Cycling around Alpe D’Huez?
It’s not punishment. It’s freedom. Sparring with mountains, embracing the pain, cherishing each summit’s silence. Ultra‑cycling demands total honesty — you get back what you put in. It’s a dialogue between road, lungs, legs, and heart.
Life in Le Bourg‑d’Oisans
After hours in the saddle, with the mountains still echoing in my legs and salt dried into my jersey, few things feel better than rolling back into Le Bourg-d’Oisans and settling in somewhere with good food, cold drinks, and that easy, bike-friendly energy the town is known for. During my ultra week, I came to appreciate just how welcoming and cyclist-tuned this little town really is.
Café de Paris
One of my go-to spots was Café de Paris, right in the center of town. It has plenty of outdoor seating where you can park your bike nearby, order a cold Perrier or a pression beer, and just watch the cycling world roll by. I refueled there a couple of afternoons with a croque monsieur and frites—simple, satisfying, and exactly what my body was asking for after a big ride.
La Romanche Glacier
For something sweet (and let’s be honest, ultra rides demand sugar), La Romanche Glacier makes incredible artisan ice cream. I had a scoop of salted caramel there after coming off the Galibier and Télégraphe, and it tasted like victory. It’s right near the river, a perfect spot to cool down and stretch your legs.
La Table du Dahu
When I needed a solid meal in the evening, La Table du Dahu served up some of the best local food I’ve had all week. Their gratin dauphinois was rich and comforting, and they didn’t blink when I asked for a basket of extra bread. The staff were kind, and I even saw a couple of other cyclists there, still in kit, sharing route notes.
Pause Cofee & Kuchen
And for a good coffee and a cyclist vibe, Pause Coffee & Kuchen was a hidden gem. Specialty coffee, homemade cakes, a relaxed vibe, and racks for bikes—it felt more like a living room for riders than a café. I stopped there after my recovery spin to Col d’Ornon and could’ve stayed all day.
Bourg-d’Oisans isn’t just a basecamp—it’s a recovery zone, a meeting point, and a small town that truly gets what we do as cyclists. Whether you’re chasing watts or just a good croissant, it’s got you covered.
La Marmotte Granfondo Alpes: The Ultimate Organized Challenge
If you’re drawn to the grandeur of the Alps but prefer the structure and support of an organized event, then the Marmotte Granfondo Alpes is your dream ride. Held annually, usually in early July, this legendary granfondo covers nearly 175 kilometers with over 5,000 meters of climbing, tackling iconic passes like the Col du Glandon, Col du Télégraphe, Col du Galibier, and finishes with a brutal ascent of Alpe d’Huez.
It’s a true test of endurance, pacing, and climbing legs—but with the advantage of well-placed feed zones, mechanical support, and the buzz of thousands of like-minded cyclists all pushing toward the same summit. If you don’t feel like self-organizing your logistics, nutrition, and route like I did, the Marmotte offers the perfect mix of freedom and support, making it one of the most respected and sought-after granfondos in Europe. It’s a challenge, yes—but also a celebration of everything that makes ultra cycling in the Alps unforgettable.
Conclusion Ultra Cycling around Alpe D’Huez: A Day That Etched Itself Into My Bones
There are rides you plan, and then there are rides that leave a mark on your soul. This ultra around Alpe d’Huez—220 kilometers, more than 6,000 meters of climbing, seven legendary cols—wasn’t just a ride. It was a full-body conversation with the mountains, with myself, with everything I’ve trained for and everything I didn’t know I had left inside me.
From the quiet morning roll-out through Le Bourg-d’Oisans, with mist still hanging low in the valley, to that last switchback on Alpe d’Huez in the golden light of evening, I experienced the entire spectrum of cycling. The high of reaching the summit of the Galibier, where the world seems to drop away beneath you. The soul-numbing grind up the Télégraphe. The wild loneliness of the Sarenne, where every pedal stroke echoes in the stillness. And finally, the timeless brutality of Alpe d’Huez itself—each of those 21 bends a test of focus, grit, and belief.
It wasn’t easy. Far from it. There were moments I questioned why I do this—why choose suffering, silence, solitude over comfort? But somewhere in the middle of all that effort, I found presence. Pure, beautiful, unfiltered presence. No distractions. Just me, my breath, the road, the rhythm.
This wasn’t just a loop through the Alps. It was a loop through everything I love about ultra cycling—the freedom, the hardship, the absurd beauty. I’ll carry this one with me for a long, long time and I hope to inspire you too.
