Alpe D'Huez - GCN's Epic Climbs

GCN's guide to the Alpe D'Huez - one of cycling's epic climbs that has seen its fair share of battles in the Tour de France over the years.

Tom and Matt rode the Alpe d'Huez to get a feel for what the climb is really like. It's famous for its role in the Tour de France, with every hairpin being named after a winner on the climb.

On our way up we visited Dutch Corner and experienced the full range of Alpine weather conditions.

Tom and Matt's time was 1 hour 5 minutes and 3 seconds. Let us know how you compare in the comments below!

Music:

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The Global Cycling Network puts you in the centre of the action: from the iconic summit of the Stelvio to the epic trails of Fort William, Scotland, everywhere there is pavé or dirt, world-class racing, and pro riders, we will be there bringing you all the action, essential analysis and unparalleled access every week, every month, and every year.

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Leave us a comment below!

Music licensed by Cue Songs

[maxjahns]

I remember the feeling when I first reached the top in Alpe d‘huez with my father. That was amazing, there are little other moments in my life that come close to that!

[dianatheriault]

This is by far the my favorite of the epic climbs series. Mostly because of the humor and comraderie we see between Matt and Tom. The ending is the best, comparing the times of the past winners and that of Matt and Tom. Absolutely the BEST!

[occidentalexplorer]

GCN is literally the best cycling channel on Youtube.

[SolicitorRandolph]

I love seeing Pantani's 37 minute time, dope made cycling so much fun to watch.

[rahulkota]

This has to be one of the most well packaged video GCN has produced... the elements of the nature... fun... music... love of cycling ... alpe d huez... this is one of the most epic one... you can go as many time as you want to... timeless piece... chapeau!!!

[coachnealf]

This video brings back really wonderful memories of that ride, in spite of the pain, no oxygen, and plenty of rain and lightning.

[zw]

Love all the GCN vids...after taking a 25 year break from riding and now getting back into it these are great motivators. Keep em coming!

[ADCFproductions]

I wish i could ride there at least once, it's beautiful!

[benhulme]

I did this as part of the Marmotte Gran Fondo. I hit the bottom of the Alpe after about 150km of cycling including Galibier and Telegraphe. Before the race I'd done zero training except for the Dragon ride in Wales. I told myself 'whatever happens do NOT stop on the Alpe". Despite seriously painful hot foot I got up it without blowing up and in respectable time. Such a great day out. Beer never tasted so good!

[fchamp]

My favorite climb of the Tour, whether doped or otherwise.

[white]

Most mere mortals could never do this in an hour - that's something like 4W/Kg for 60mins, definitely not what your average cyclist could manage! Took me 1hr 27 last summer. Got a benchmark to beat next time. Fantastic mountain though and a truly epic climb.

[__gene]

Climbed Alpes d'Huez three times in 1997, 1998 and 1999. My best time was in 1998 in 1:29.55. Enjoyed all of the cycling vacancies in the France alps. I did a lot of the legendary climbs there. Telegraph, Galibier, Madeleine, Grand Cucheron, Croix de Fer, Iseran, Cenis, Agnel, Izoard, Allos, Cayolle, Vars, Larche, Bonette and also the mighty Mont Ventoux. Wish I could do this again.

[ZCZako]

It's my dream to climb the great mountains like the Alpe D'Huez one day, cannot wait for the rest in this series!

[lnarachi]

I did this climb on oct 15 and it was glorious !
The beginning was much harder than the rest of it... I had ZERO traffic for my descent ...
My planned ride on the 14th was pouring rain, so I did the climb the next morning after we checked out of our fantastic B&B "21 bends" run by some UK folks

[francis]

How to psyche out your partner, keep talking as you climb.

[kelvinmulder]

Love this vid. Back in the days, drinking beet during the tour was normal, they said it made you faster lol.

[grommit]

I thought it was hilarious when during the flashback to Pantani 4:45  and 6:05 they showed an aged clips of Matt. So funny!!!

[Chivs]

I love climbing this mountain, but it's the first mile of it that hurts the most after that it's find a rhythm and stick to it, descending is a different matter, arm pump all the way on open roads

[kentvonseverin]

Thank you from those of us that have never experienced this legendary climb!

[mekongvelo]

Give yourselves a holiday and get over to Northern Thailand and try out Doi Inthanon for a climb, love to see you guys going up there.