ED'S LETTER
This issue our Classic Climbs series pays a visit to the mighty Col du Galibier, one of the high points – literally – of any Tour de France. It holds the record for hosting the highest stage finish ever at the Tour (2,642m, Stage 18, 2011, won by Andy Schleck) and although it is bettered in height by the likes of the Col de l’iseran and Col de la Bonette, those have only ever been included a handful of times at the Tour, whereas the Galibier has been tackled no less than 58 times over its 108 years of appearances. It’s so massive that anyone attempting it from the north has to first climb another cat 1 climb, the Col du Télégraph, just to get to the bottom of it. The Galibier also holds a special significance for me, as it was the first HC Alpine col I ever climbed by bike. Talk about starting at the deep end! Until then, the biggest hills I had done were in Britain, and I rather fancied myself as a climber. The Galibier exposed all my weaknesses and reminded me of my insignificance in the universe.
Looking back, I can only assume that my brain was incapable of comprehending the stats of the climb. It’s just shy of 35km with an elevation gain of 1,924m – that’s over a mile, straight up. Plus it is no stroll to the top. The 5.5% average gradient is skewed by a downhill section after the Télégraph. In truth it is mostly over 7% and just gets steeper and steeper towards the summit, which never seems to arrive, despite being in view much of the time.
It’s a climb that mocks those who underestimate it, but rewards anyone who approaches with humility and not a little reverence. It is also one of the most beautiful places on the planet, making a pilgrimage there a must for any cyclist.
Thanks to snow, the road doesn’t open until June, so there’s still plenty of time to start working on those hill reps now.