The Most Legendary Cycling Climbs in Europe
Some roads are more than climbs. They're where Grand Tours were won and lost, and riders travel from all over the world to say they've ridden them. If you're planning a European cycling trip, these are the climbs worth building it around, with the numbers you need to plan your day.
Passo dello Stelvio, Italy
From Prato allo Stelvio: about 24 km · about 1,800 m of climbing · 48 hairpins · summit 2,757 m
The king of Italian climbs. The northern side from Prato stacks 48 numbered hairpins up the mountainside, and the view back down them from the top is one of the most famous pictures in cycling. The gradient is steady at around 7%, but the length and altitude make it a two-hour effort or more for most riders. The pass is only open in summer, usually from late May or June until the first heavy snow.
Passo del Mortirolo, Italy
From Mazzo di Valtellina: 12.4 km · 10.5% average · about 1,300 m of climbing · summit 1,852 m
The Mortirolo is a different kind of hard. It's a narrow road through the forest with almost no views and no easy sections, and the gradient sits well above 10% for kilometer after kilometer, with pitches past 20%. It's close to the Stelvio, so many riders tackle both on one trip. Bring your lowest gear.
Col du Tourmalet, France
From Luz-Saint-Sauveur: about 19 km · about 7.4% average · summit 2,115 m
The Tourmalet has been in the Tour de France more than any other mountain since it first appeared in 1910. You can climb it from either side. Both are long, steady and open at the top, with grazing sheep and a statue of a cyclist at the summit. Combine it with the Col d'Aspin or Hautacam for a classic Pyrenees day.
Col du Galibier, France
From Valloire: about 18 km · about 7% average · summit 2,642 m
The Galibier is one of the highest passes in the Tour, and it feels it: the last few kilometers above 2,400 m are slow, steep and often cold. Most riders start in Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne and climb the Col du Télégraphe first, which makes it a 35 km effort. The summit views across the Alps are among the best anywhere.
Alpe d'Huez and Mont Ventoux, France
Alpe d'Huez: 13.8 km at 8.1% · Mont Ventoux from Bédoin: 21.1 km at 7.5%
The two most famous climbs in cycling. Alpe d'Huez has 21 numbered hairpins, each named after a stage winner, and Ventoux's bare, windswept summit looks like the surface of the moon. We worked out how long each one takes at different power levels in our Alpe d'Huez post.
Passo Giau, Italy
From Selva di Cadore: about 10 km · about 9% average · summit 2,236 m
Many riders call the Giau the most beautiful climb in the Dolomites. It's steep and consistent, and the top opens onto meadows beneath huge rock towers. It's often ridden as part of the Maratona dles Dolomites route, and Cortina d'Ampezzo is just down the other side.
Alto de l'Angliru, Spain
12.5 km · 10.1% average · about 1,270 m of climbing · maximum around 24%
The hardest climb used in a Grand Tour. The first half is manageable, but the last 6 km average about 13%, and the Cueña les Cabres section near the top hits around 24%. Many riders walk sections of it. If you plan to ride it, your gearing matters more than your fitness.
How to prepare for big European climbs
- Estimate your time. Our climb time estimator includes famous climbs. Enter your weight and power to see how long each one will take you, so you know how much food and water to carry.
- Check your gearing. On the Mortirolo or Angliru, a compact 34×34 or even lower makes a huge difference. The gear calculator shows the slowest speed you can hold at a comfortable cadence.
- Plan for altitude and weather. It can be 30°F colder at the top of the Stelvio or Galibier than in the valley, and the descent adds wind chill. Carry a wind vest and arm warmers, even in July.
- Fuel the whole day. A big mountain day can burn 3,000 calories or more. Our ride fueling planner sets carb and fluid targets.
- Start early. Mountain afternoons bring heat, traffic and storms.
Going with your club? Arrive in matching kit and the summit photo takes care of itself. Design yours in our Kit Designer, or browse our jerseys for something with a bit of personality.
