Col d’Izoard
Col d’Izoard
The beautiful thing with the Alps is that every ascent is different with its own character, charm and challenge – which is exactly where the Col d’Izoard really starts to shine.
From the forest green (or sometimes snow banked) slopes you climb towards a barren landscape of weathered rock on the south side of the mountain, known as the Casse Déserte, a backdrop that has witnessed many a key moment in the Tour de France.
From Guillestre in the south the ascent is 22.9km in length although the climb really starts near Chateau Queyras making it 15.9km long. Apart from a brief moment of respite coming just a couple of kilometres from its 2,361m summit you can expect gradients between seven per cent and 10 per cent.
The climb from the north starts at Briançon where you follow the D902 for 19.2km. Although the average gradient of 5.7 per cent may not sound too taxing this is down to its undulating pitches on the lower slopes before the climb really starts to take control – so be prepared.
South from Guillestre
Length: 15.9km
Average gradient: 6.9 per cent
Maximum gradient: 11 per cent
Start elevation: 1,266m
End elevation: 2,361m
Elevation gain: 1,095m
North from Briançon
Length: 19.2km
Average gradient: 5.7 per cent
Max gradient: 9.4 per cent
Start elevation: 1,220m
End elevation: 2,361m
Elevation gain: 1,141m