French Alps, France · from La Chambre
Col de la Madeleine
The Madeleine from La Chambre is one of the longest sustained efforts in the Alps: almost 20 km with an average around 8% and only one brief respite mid-climb. It tops out at 2,000 m on an open ridge between two valleys, with the Mont Blanc massif in view on clear days.
Summit elevation: 2000 m
How fast would you climb Col de la Madeleine?
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).
Col de la Madeleine and the Tour
A Tour regular since 1969 with more than 25 crossings, the Madeleine is a classic "softening" climb placed before decisive finishes in the Maurienne or Tarentaise — long enough to hurt everyone before the race even reaches the final climb.
The pass is a staple of the Tour's hardest Alpine stages and of the Marmotte-style sportive routes; pros climb this side in a little over an hour, and it rewards discipline more than heroics.
Get a km-by-km pacing guideRiding it yourself
When to go
Open roughly June to October; the summit ridge is exposed and noticeably colder than the valley. June and September offer quiet roads; the climb is mostly shaded low down, open pasture up high.
Base & logistics
La Chambre in the Maurienne is the base for this side; Saint-François-Longchamp, 6 km below the top, has the last water and cafés. Combine with Croix de Fer or Télégraphe-Galibier — the three make up the classic Maurienne triangle.
FAQ
How long is the Col de la Madeleine climb?
From La Chambre, the climb is about 19.3 km with roughly 1514 m of elevation gain at 7.9% 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 Col de la Madeleine?
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 Col de la Madeleine?
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 30 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.