Col d'Izoard (Guillestre) - Cycling Inspiration & Education

As one of the rare climbs that has featured in both the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France, the Col d’Izoard was always destined for greatness long before the modern era of cycling became a fashion statement. Roll back to the 50’s and it was the exploits of Italian Fausto Coppi and Frenchman Louison Bobet that ignited the heart and soul of their dividing nations as the unworldly landscape and weathered pinnacles of La Casse Déserte kept a watchful eye on all that passed. Today it’s Coppi and Bobet, the angels of the Izoard, that are forever on patrol, a memorial dedicated to both champions can be seen just a couple of kilometres from the summit as you exit La Casse Déserte, but to make it that far is quite a journey in itself.

Starting in Guillestre from the south you face over 30km as you climb up to 2,360 metres above sea level. The average gradient can be deceptive at just 4.8% but that’s merely because the first 16km are gradual as you meander through the Guil valley before the road spikes up and the real fun and games begin with 14km to go.

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.

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

Thank you to our partners Mavic, Cannondale, Exposure Lights, Fi’zi:k, Haute Route, La Fuga, Lezyne, Map My Tracks, Muc Off, Scicon, The Sufferfest, Torq Fitness and USE for enabling us to bring these truly special mountains to life for you all. If you're in need of new bike kit in the future and you enjoyed this video then bear them in mind and help keep the wheels turning :-)
 

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Stay well, ride safe and thank you for watching.

Mike Cotty
The Col Collective

[leroyyoder]

Thanks Mike.  I am using the Col Collective as my inspiration to drop my weight.  I have dropped from 209 pounds (94 kg) to 198 pounds (89 kg) in a little over two months.  My goal is 190 lbs (86 kg) by New Years for my daughters wedding.  I know I'll never get to whippet-like proportions, but I want to ultimately get to 185 pounds (83 kg) and see where my cycling goes from there.  I can't wait for the videos from the US!

[oliviercalmel]

Un col de légende. Lieu d'exploits de Faust Coppi et Louison Bobet

[optical]

I did the climb as part of the Etape du tour 2017. The last 2km is abit of a grind especially in 40'c heat, but when you get over the line it is pure elation. I have to say the scenery is absolutely stunning. As mike said, the panoramics have to be seen and that's why I love cycling. The ride from Guillestre is sensational, i plan to ride this again with the col'de vars soon.

[.Outdoors.Videos]

Such beautiful vues . Congratulations .

[thomasboucher]

Climbed this last summer with my Girlfriend. Great memories. How lucky we are to live in France.
Thanks for these inspiring and emotionnal videos.

[B.Pinheiro]

I don´t know how many times I saw the video. This place, this music, truly spectacular! The best video ever from you. What the name of this music? The piano?

[MrRandomg]

Wow, never saw this video, great to find this after the brilliant Barguil performance yesterday, Great work as usual Mike

[Pdeloosha]

Pure inspiration for my upcoming week in the high peaks of New York.. Thanks Mike !

[petertaylor]

Nailed of memories kayaking down the (middle) Guil, now all I want to do is cycle back up it! How times change!!!There are lots of smaller alpine roads/cols that I know, but are not that famous, yet bloomin' steep/hard to climb.I just look forward to where you go next...so many inspirational and I LOVE how well your videos are produced.Second to none.A very good advert for Col Collective and Media-24.Thanks Mike (Mr Cotty 😉)

[leedorney]

Seeing this soo much in le tour looks soo different on here, more peaceful...

[coachneal]

Absolutely stunning!  I am so hoping to get back to France this year for the Tour and ride this col and others.  These Col Collective video gets me inspired every time I watch them.

[mrtotonio]

Very nice video and channel !! Just climbed the Izoard last week, what a beast it is. Did you say « stop at arvieux to replenish » ?? You never stop when climbing a col bro !! ;)

[greghart]

Very cool Mike. Had a truly grandiose feel to it, nice.

[josediaspinto]

Another great climb. Thank you for your dedication.

[DavidYamaha]

Beautiful....as always! Thank you Mike!!!

[robbied]

WOW Mike ... just ... wow! Fantastic!

[chrisjenkins]

+The Col Collective Your videos are so good I'm finding myself backdating them after discovery of your channel. Thanks

[renziencarnacion]

spectacular indeed great ride love it.tnx for sharing

[jean-francoismonnet]

Love your videos Mike, especially the french cols (since I am french). Feeling I am there little bit through you. I am 58 and living in the german black forest. We have great climbs there too. My goal this year is to train more regularly and eventually visit one of these cols in France. Keep up the good work!

[turbiobikerdark]

Nice climb and wonderful landscapes!!! you are a Lucky biker!!!