French Alps, France · from Mizoën
Col de Sarenne
Tour de France 2026 · Stage 20 →The Sarenne from Mizoën is the untamed alternative to the Alpe d'Huez tourist road: a brutal double-digit start above the Chambon dam, then a lonely, narrow ribbon through high pasture to a 1,999 m col. From the summit, a short descent drops into the top of Alpe d'Huez.
Summit elevation: 1999 m
Route sketch
Col de Sarenne · from Mizoën
Schematic road geometry from OpenStreetMap routing; use it to see the shape of the climb, not for navigation.
How fast would you climb Col de Sarenne?
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 Sarenne and the Tour
Long a rough shepherd's road, the Sarenne was resurfaced for the 2013 Tour, when the race descended it to run Alpe d'Huez twice in one stage — a first at the time, and still controversial for its narrow, exposed corners.
In 2026 the Sarenne returns in the opposite direction: stage 20 crosses the col after the Galibier and descends into Alpe d'Huez for the second consecutive summit finish there.
Led the group over the Col de Sarenne on stage 18 of the 2013 Tour before Christophe Riblon won at Alpe d'Huez.
Riding it yourself
When to go
Usually clear late June to early October; the road is narrow with rough patches, so it suits confident bike handlers. Avoid it in bad weather — there is no shelter anywhere on the climb.
Base & logistics
Start from Mizoën above the Chambon dam (base: Le Bourg-d'Oisans or La Grave). No water on the climb itself — fill up before. The classic loop: up the Sarenne, over the top into Alpe d'Huez, and down the 21 hairpins back to Bourg-d'Oisans.
FAQ
How long is the Col de Sarenne climb?
From Mizoën, the climb is about 12.4 km with roughly 898 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 Col de Sarenne?
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 Sarenne?
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 43 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.