French Alps, France · from Bourg-d'Oisans
Alpe d'Huez
Tour de France 2026 · Stage 19 →Alpe d'Huez is cycling's most iconic stadium: 21 numbered hairpins climbing out of Bourg-d'Oisans, each bend signposted with the names of Tour de France stage winners. The steepest ramps come right at the bottom, so pacing the opening kilometres is the classic mistake to avoid.
Route sketch
Alpe d'Huez · from Bourg-d'Oisans
Schematic road geometry from OpenStreetMap routing; use it to see the shape of the climb, not for navigation.
How fast would you climb Alpe d'Huez?
Enter your power and weight. A physics engine calculates your estimated time against the gradient profile.
Predict your
performance.
See how power and weight affect your time on a real climb.
*Demo simulation uses standard road bike physics (CdA 0.32, Crr 0.004).
Alpe d'Huez and the Tour
Alpe d'Huez hosted the Tour's first-ever summit finish in 1952, won by Fausto Coppi, and has been the race's amphitheatre ever since. Each of the 21 hairpins carries the name of a stage winner, and Dutch Corner (bend 7) turns orange with fans whenever the Tour visits.
The fastest recorded ascents in the Tour are just under 38 minutes, set in the 1990s; modern winners typically climb it in 39-41 minutes. In 2026 the Alpe hosts stage finishes on consecutive days for the first time in Tour history — stage 19 up the classic 21 bends, stage 20 arriving over the Col de Sarenne.
36:50 on the commonly cited 13.8 km timing; Pantani also owns the 37:35 benchmark on the longer 14.5 km timing from 1997.
Riding it yourself
When to go
The road to the resort is open and maintained year-round, but for cycling the window is roughly May to October. July brings Tour heat and traffic in the lower ramps; early morning starts help — the first 3 km out of Bourg-d'Oisans are the steepest and the most exposed.
Base & logistics
Bourg-d'Oisans at the foot of the climb is the hub of the Oisans valley, with bike shops, rentals and marked kilometre stones all the way up. Combine it with the Col de Sarenne for a loop instead of an out-and-back, or with Croix de Fer / Galibier for a bigger day.
FAQ
How long is the Alpe d'Huez climb?
From Bourg-d'Oisans, the climb is about 15.3 km with roughly 1115 m of elevation gain at 7.3% average gradient (based on the simplified profile used by this simulator; published figures vary slightly by source).
How long does it take to cycle up Alpe d'Huez?
It depends almost entirely on your power-to-weight ratio. Use the simulator on this page: enter your FTP and weight, and a physics model (air resistance, rolling resistance, gravity) estimates your time on the gradient profile.
How accurate is the time simulation?
The simulator uses a simplified segment profile and standard road bike assumptions (CdA 0.32, Crr 0.004, 8 kg bike). It does not model wind, drafting, altitude, surface or pacing errors, so treat the result as a realistic estimate, not a guarantee.
How should I train for Alpe d'Huez?
Sustained climbs reward steady threshold and sweet spot work plus a power-to-weight improvement over weeks, not days. TrainCraft builds structured cycling training plans and adapts them when you miss sessions, using fatigue science (CTL/ATL/TSB).
More famous climbs
Preparing for this climb?
A climb like this is won weeks in advance. TrainCraft builds a structured plan around your FTP and available hours, and adapts it when you miss a workout.
Start Training FreeThe profile is simplified into 55 segments for simulation; real gradients vary metre by metre. Stats shown are derived from this simulated profile and closely match commonly published figures. Time estimates assume standard road bike physics and no wind.
Training for a climb like this?
TrainCraft builds structured training plans and adapts them when life gets in the way — real fatigue science (CTL/ATL/TSB), visual workout builder, Strava & Garmin sync. Free to start.