40.6
PDI
21.9 mi
DISTANCE
6,950 ft
GAINED
5.4 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
INTRO
These are two of the most famous Cols in the world and can be combined into the #7 most difficult road bike climb in France (see PJAMM's France climb page).
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
We've partnered with Sherpa-Map.com to bring you the best route planning tool. With a PRO Membership you can use this climb as a reference when creating your route. The average grade of this combined-col route is 5.5% (6.9% if the 4.8 km descent between the finish of Télégraphe and start of Galibier are eliminated and only climbing is calculated). 69% of the route is at 5-10% grade and 3% is at 10-15%. The steepest 500 kilometers is 10.1% and is locaqted near the finish of Galibier; steepest kilometer is 9.6%.
See more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via the “Profile Tool” button above.
Roadway: 2 lane roadway with center dividing line in good condition. There is no shoulder on the roadway.
Traffic: - mild to moderate.
Parking: On the street near the climb - try Avenue de la République to the right as you approach the start of the climb - Map; Street View.
Provisions: None on the route until Valloire at kilometer 17 and through the ski resort area for 2.5 kilimeters and then not again until kilometer 30.6 at La Ferme du Galibier.
Weather and Gear: We travel to one of the highest finishes of the Tour de France (2642 m) so be sure to consult the PJAMM "Full Forecast" feature for the time you expect to arrive at the finish to assess what clothing to bring on your ride.
Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.
This climb is in a world climbing mecca. There are two great cycling hubs to stay at if you are in the area - See PJAMM climb area pages: Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, France and Le Bourg-d'Oisans, France
ROUTE MAP
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Jimbobuk67
A climb of two opposites for us today - Col du Telegraphe was consistent, in the shade, more cyclists than moto's and then we made the mistake of stopping in Vallorie to eat and then the moto's started arriving (it was a Saturday). The climb up the valley was quite hot in the open but not too steep and then the final 7 kms ramped up with some new hot mix thrown in to make things easier.
Everyone warns you about the last 2kms - listen to them as it hits you hard at 9% but is managable (I did it twice to come back down to ride with my wife the last few kms).
Note there is no food at the top - back about 4kms is a cheese shop and sells drinks but only takes cash or card - no iwallet.
The descent however is mindblowing and coming down off Col du Telegraphe was insanely good - only 12km/h average off Tom Pidcocks time - my 50 to his 62 :)
halibutsteve
These really are 2 separate climbs. Telegraphe starts going uphill right from the start in town at 8-10% so it is smart to warm up on the flats in town. This climb is mostly on a forested road with only rare views. Valloire is a chance to regroup for the long and challenging climb up Galibier. And Galibier is special...long and varied with spectacular views up the mountain ahead and down back to the valley. The last 3 km. are difficult with hairpins that seem to go on and on especially since you can see the summit way up in the distance. But once there..WOW! The views down both sides are outrageous and worth the effort. It was cool and windy at the top so we were glad to have packed sleeves, vest, long fingered gloves and wind jackets for the ride down, which given the road condition is fast and fun....perhaps the best descent yet.Don't miss this one!!
