Col of the Day... Col du Galibier

Introducing the Col du Galibier... located in the southern region of the French Dauphiné Alps near Grenoble. It is the ninth highest paved road in the Alps and the sixth highest mountain pass. It is often the highest point of the Tour de France.

From the north, starting at Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne (including the Col du Télégraphe), the climb is 34.8 kilometres (21.6 mi) long, gaining 2,120 metres (6,960 ft) in height (an average of 6.1%). The actual climb to the summit starts at Valloire and is 18.1 kilometres (11.2 mi) long at an average of 6.9% (height gain: 1,245 metres (4,085 ft)). The maximum gradient is 10.1% at the summit.

From the south, the climb starts from the Col du Lautaret (el. 2,058 metres (6,752 ft)) and is 8.5 kilometres (5.3 mi) long at an average gradient of 6.9% (height gain: 585 metres (1,919 ft)) with a maximum of 12.1% at the summit.

The Col du Galibier was first used in the Tour de France in 1911; the first rider over the summit was Emile Georget, who, with Paul Duboc and Gustave Garrigou were the only riders not to walk.

In the ski resort of Valloire, the Galibier starts. After a wall of + 10% just outside the village, the climb remains rather flat along the riverside Valloirette. At the restaurant Plan Lachat, the real climb begins. You pass the 2000 meter mark and the climb gets steeper and steeper. The average does not drop below 8% and often do you see white and black snow. The last kilometers remains tough, with 9%, but you get rewarded with one of the most splendid views into the Alps.

Cycling Facts:

Average grade: 5.5 %

Length: 34.9 km

Height start: 718 m

Height top: 2642 m

Ascent: 1924 m

Maximum: 12 %

http://www.thetigneschaletcompany.com