L’Etape du Tour - 30th Edition
10th July 2022
Briançon to l’Alpe d’Huez including col du Galibier and col de la Croix de Fer.
167 km. 4700m+
The fourth arrival of the "Étape" in Alpe d'Huez is an expedition steeped in history following the same route taken in 1986, when Bernard Hinault won the last stage of his career in the Tour de France.
Scroll down to explore the route!
Briançon
Officially the sunniest place in the Alps, Briançon is the start point for this epic journey. From the town's charming centre, the Étape's 167kms and 4,700 vertical metres will lead you to one of the most famous - and feared - climbs in the Alps.
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Climb to Col de Lautaret
The climb up to Col de Lautaret begins right out of Briançon, but it's pretty mellow until you hit Monêtier les Bains, at which point the gradient really begins to steepen to a maximum of 7.4%. The ride up to Monêtier can feature some tough headwinds but - by Tour de France standards - it's a nice warmup for the challenges ahead.
Drinks and Mechanic Zone
After the first climb of the day, the drinks zone at the top of the Lautaret is a welcome sight. There’s also a mechanics zone there in case you need some assistance before heading up the Galibier.
Col de Lautaret
The Col de Lautaret is the gateway to La Grave, but on the Étape it is merely a landmark on the long climb to the Col du Galibier. The scenery from the Lautaret is fabulous, so take a moment to enjoy it before turning back to the task at hand....
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Col du Galibier
At 2642m, the Col du Galibier is the highest point on the entire 2022 Tour du France. There is still plenty of work to be done before you reach Alpe d'Huez, but try to savour the moment of reaching this legendary spot. You'll have been climbing for around 30km at an average angle of 5.1% by the time you crest the col, so you'll have earned a little indulgence!
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Galibier Descent
The initial descent from the Galibier is steep and exposed with a max gradient of 11.3%. Even the strongest descenders approach it with caution as even simple mistakes could end your day in a split second. The descent becomes less punchy after the tunnel, then opens out in the lower section of the valley.
La Rivine
After a hair-raising descent from the Galibier, you can pick up the pace on the run into Valloire.
Valloire
Valloire is the first major settlement you'll reach since leaving Monêtier behind, and with it comes the first feed zone on the Étape. There's also a drinking zone and a mechanical assistance tent too, so it's the ideal spot to get some calories on board and fix any issues.
Col du Télégraphe
It's over a century since the Col du Télégraphe featured in the Tour de France for the first time, and it's been part of the Tour a further 28 times since. Nowadays it's considered a mere bump on the way down from the Col du Galibier, but it's still a 5km climb which involves almost 170 vertical metres of ascent.
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Télégraphe Descent
While the Col du Télégraphe isn’t the highest point in the race the descent is fast and, at times, technical. You’ll drop 800 vertical metres in just 12 kilometres (with a max gradient of 10%) so be prepared.
Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne
The tough part of the descent is behind you, and you can choose to either drop the hammer on this gentle descent or save the legs - there's a lot of climbing still to come.
Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne
After a gentle descent down the Maurienne valley you'll find yourself in Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne; the largest town on the Étape route. There's a feeding, drinking and mechanical zone at Saint-Jean so it makes a logical place to take a slightly longer break.
Le Villaret
If the legs weren't feeling it yet, they will be now. With the 100km mark approaching, the climb is constant, and at times... punchy.
Feed Station & Mechanic Stop
For King of the Mountain challengers, the feed station and mechanic stop before the Col de la Croix de Fer will hold little interest. For everyone else, though, it’s a chance to take on some fluids and food before the climb really kicks in.
Col de la Croix de Fer
With climbing sections up to 9.5%, the Col de la Croix de Fer is not to be underestimated! It's more than 1500m of climbing up from Saint Jean de Maurienne and the grade is consistently steep right until the final section...which is even steeper!
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Lac de Grand Maison
You might fancy a dip at this point but keep on pedalling - you've got a way to go yet!
The long drag to Bourg d’Oisans
After the 1300m descent from the Col de la Croix de Fer you'll hit the valley bottom. From here it’s a leg-sapping drag towards Bourg d'Oisans.
Rochetaille
Get ready, the road is long and very straight...
Le Bourg d'Oisans
A typically charming French village, Le Bourg d'Oisans is the final town on the Étape – and the last feed and mechanic station before riders tackle the Alpe d'Huez.
Alpe d'Huez
From Armstrong to Froome, Merckx and Indurain, every famous rider in the history of the Tour de France has taken their turn on the legendary hairpins of Alpe d'Huez. Those 21 switchbacks have probably caused more heartache and ecstasy than any other section of road in the world, and many a dream has been made and shattered on them. With so much riding behind you, shelve any thoughts of emulating the Tour de France greats and focus on getting over the Étape's final hurdle in one piece - the end is nigh once you hit the foot of the Alpe!
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