Great Cycling Climbs

Book excerpt: A narrative guide to the most scenic and inspiring cycling climbs in the French Alps. The Alps are a place of legend for cyclists, road racers, and enthusiasts alike. Home to one of the most demanding sections of the Tour de France, the mountains offer some of Europe’s most glorious cycling climbs through Geneva, Chamonix, Annecy, Chambe´ry, Grenoble, Le Bourg-d’Oisans, and Barcelonnette. In this comprehensive guide, Graeme Fife, author, teacher, and passionate cycling enthusiast, presents the greatest mountain routes of the Alps. Aided by Peter Drinkell’s beautiful color photography, Fife reveals each journey with historical snapshots, humorous observations, and stirring stories from cycling’s past, detailing the challenges of each climb and the key features to look out for along the way. A selection of photographs of the routes and stunning scenery is included in each chapter, and illustrated maps document the climbs of each region. Whether planning a weekend tour or an epic cycling adventure, this beautifully illustrated guide is essential reading for cyclists of all stripes.