From July 4 to 9, "La Tournée des Grands Cols" offers cyclists a unique opportunity to tackle 10 of the most beautiful passes in the Hautes-Alpes and northern Italy, which will be closed to motorized traffic for the occasion.
With the exception of professional racers and participants in certain cyclosportives, few cyclists are able to take advantage of passes closed to traffic. From July 4 to 9, the Tourist Offices of the Hautes Vallées, Guillestrois and Queyras, and Serre Chevalier Vallée Briançon have joined forces to offer cycling enthusiasts a week of "Cols Réservés". The idea behind the third edition of "La Tournée des Grands Cols"? Ten mountain passes and roads will be closed to motorized traffic and reserved for cyclists from 9am to 12pm. Access is free and open to all, with no registration and no ranking.
For five days, enthusiasts will be able to take on the most beautiful passes in the Queyras, Briançonnais and Italian valleys in complete freedom and safety. Each day, cyclists will have the opportunity to conquer a different pass, and to experience the thrill of the climb. The program includes climbs of the legendary Agnel, Izoard, Granon and Galibier passes. Alongside these cycling monuments is the ascent of the Col de l'Echelle, linking the Clarée valley (Névache) to the Etroite valley (Bardonecchia). At an altitude of 1,762m, the Col de l'Echelle links France and Italy.
You don't need to register to take part in one of these days, just bring your bike and tackle the positive altitude difference. In fact, there will be no rankings on these hill climbs. However, to give cyclists a fitting welcome at the summit, there will be a "Made in Hautes-Alpes" refreshment area at the finish of each pass, as well as a number of surprises, all in a musical atmosphere... We Rock Sport will be on hand for this third edition of "La Tournée des Grands cols". More information on this event at this address.
