The Road Bike Climbs Of The Alps

A narrative guide to the most scenic and inspiring cycling climbs in the French Alps. The Alps are a place of legend for cyclists, road racers, and enthusiasts alike. Home to one of the most demanding sections of the Tour de France, the mountains offer some of Europe’s most glorious cycling climbs through Geneva, Chamonix, Annecy, Chambe´ry, Grenoble, Le Bourg-d’Oisans, and Barcelonnette. In this comprehensive guide, Graeme Fife, author, teacher, and passionate cycling enthusiast, presents the greatest mountain routes of the Alps. Aided by Peter Drinkell’s beautiful color photography, Fife reveals each journey with historical snapshots, humorous observations, and stirring stories from cycling’s past, detailing the challenges of each climb and the key features to look out for along the way. A selection of photographs of the routes and stunning scenery is included in each chapter, and illustrated maps document the climbs of each region. Whether planning a weekend tour or an epic cycling adventure, this beautifully illustrated guide is essential reading for cyclists of all stripes.

This book is a presentation of all the paved road climbs in all of the Alps at or above 2000m. It also includes the gravel roads that I have cycled on above 2000m. The book is written from the perspective of a road cyclist, but the information provided here may also be of interest to a broader audience as one learns much about the Alps and its roads. It can also serve as a reference for the high roads of the Alps, even if not every aspect is covered. Through photos, descriptions, facts about length and steepness, and personal experiences, you will gain an understanding of what to expect when cycling up these roads. Jerry Nilson has previously published Dream Road Bike Tour of the Alps - a practical guide on how to plan and execute your own tour through the mountains, illustrated with a suggested and detailed "Dream Tour" based on personal experience. To date, Jerry has visited over 4000 passes and other climbs, with a special focus on the Alps. Jerry hopes to publish further books on the best other climbs and routes in the Alps, and possibly later in the Pyrenees and possibly other locations.

SHORTLISTED FOR THE BRITISH SPORTS BOOK AWARDS Mountain High is a book for cyclists of all interests and abilities - from experienced club racers to enthusiastic amateurs looking for the world's greatest cycle challenge. Packed with practical route information and advice on each climb, Daniel Friebe's beautifully written text explains why each mountain pass merits inclusion in the top 50 with superb descriptions of the majestic scenery, the heroic deeds of cycling's legendary riders or the sheer endeavour and exhilaration of reaching the summit. With over 250 specially commissioned photographs taken by specialist cycling photographer Pete Goding, this really is the ultimate guide to Europe's 50 best climbs. Featured rides include: Tour de France icons Alpe d'Huez, Col du Galibier, Mont Ventoux, Col de l'Izoard and Col du Tourmalet; the Passo dello Stelvio, Passo Fedaia, Le Tre Cime di Lavaredo and other sacred summits from the Giro d'Italia; plus Spain's formidable Alto de l'Angliru, Austria's Grossglockner and forty more mountain legends.

The hidden gems of Europe's best roads and passes, from the authors of the hugely successful Mountain High. Following the success of Mountain High: Europe's Greatest Cycle Climbs comes a volume focusing on the continent's lesser-known, challenging and spectacular mountain roads and passes. From the heights of the Ötztal Glacier Road in Austria to the 'secret' side of the legendary Alpe d'Huez, Mountain Higher: Europe's Extreme, Undiscovered and Unforgettable Cycle Climbs explores 50 soon-to-be cult locations and captures stunning scenery from off the beaten track. Featuring the technical details (maps, profiles, lengths, heights) that made Mountain High an indispensable reference book, as well as dynamic descriptions of the routes themselves and Pete Goding's breathtaking photography, this book is a stylish and practical guide to the hidden gems that every true cycling enthusiast needs to know about.

Cycling is Britain’s biggest boom sport and nowhere is the boom more evident than on the road: once seen as the preserve of serious racers, the road bike has recently found a new lease of life due to the popularity of challenge rides and Sportives. It is now possible for cyclists of all abilities to ride a well marked, well marshalled event just about any weekend of the year, usually based around one, two or sometimes as many as ten fearsome hills. For the first time, here is a pocket-sized guide to the 100 greatest climbs in the land, the building blocks for these rides, written by a cyclist for cyclists. From lung busting city centre cobbles to leg breaking windswept mountain passes, this guide locates the roads that have tested riders for generations and worked their way into cycling folklore. Whether you’re a leisure cyclist looking for a challenge or an elite athlete trying to break records stick this book in your pocket and head for the hills. To watch a video of Simon Warren in action click here

"From the steep roadways of New England and the Mid-Atlantic States, to the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains of the Southeast and the high altitude assaults of the Mountain West, the most difficult climbs are all included in these pages. Information within the guide includes: climbing definitions and training tips; accounts of memorable climbing performances; accurate climb information including description, elevation, length adn average/maximum grade; appendices with climb rankings, profiles and other information; easy to follow directions."--

Explore the thrill and intensity of the Tour de France's most challenging climbs as never before, through the breathtaking aerial photography of Google Earth. In this stunning book, 20 notorious Hors Categorie climbs from the race--ascents that are beyond classification--are captured in high-definition satellite imagery. They include the 2,715-meter ascent of Col de la Bonette, the historic Great St Bernard Pass, Col du Galibier's incredibly torturous 15 percent gradient climb, and Alpe de Huze's famous hairpins. As well as providing expertly annotated high-definition maps of these ascents, the book charts the daring Tour exploits of iconic Tour riders such as Fausto Coppi and Marco Pantani.

Simon Warren's 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs of the Tour de France is the ultimate cyclist's guide to the iconic climbs of Le Tour. From the Col du Tourmalet to Alpe d'Huez, and from Mont Ventoux to Planche des Belles Filles, these climbs are the beating heart of the world's greatest bike race. Technology may advance, training and diet may evolve, but these mountains are a constant. They have witnessed triumph and despair, courage and heartache; they are where champions are made and where dreams are shattered. And, yes, the greatest arenas of the world's oldest and most prestigious Grand Tour are open 365 days of the year for every one of us to go and ride. So, take up the challenge and emulate your heroes on the greatest cycling climbs of the Tour de France. This second edition is fully updated for 2024.