The Hautes-Alpes ascent of Col d’Izoard holds the rare position in professional cycling of having featured at both the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia.

Cycling legends Fausto Coppi and Louison Bobet are among the riders to have ignited races on the climb in past eras, with both men immortalised with monuments on an ascent which peaks at 2,360m up.

It is more than 30km in length too, with an average gradient of 4.8 per cent, but that doesn’t stop Mike Cotty dubbing the ascent a ‘beautiful beast’.

The latest instalment from the Col Collective sees Cotty guide the way up the climb from Guillestre, with that average gradient deceptive according to the man himself and owing much to the gradual nature of the first 16km.

“The real fun and games begin with 14km to go,” he says. “Even on a perfect summer’s day it’s hard not to feel a slight chill down your spine just thinking of all the moments that have happened over the decades on these very slopes, each and every one adding another layer to the Izoard’s prestigious character.

“By the summit it’s impossible not to be in awe of the snowcapped alpine panoramic that you’re blessed with, such is the power and the beauty of this magnificent mountain.”

Cotty adds: “History, mystique and magnificent views at the summit, there’s little wonder why the Izoard is one of the most iconic climbs in cycling.”

Check out the video above, or see more from the Col Collective here.

Vital statistics

Start: Guillestre
Length: 30.5km
Summit: 2,360m
Elevation gain: 1,350m
Average gradient: 4.8%
Max gradient: 12%