Col de la Croix de Fer – Itinéraires pour vélo de route en Maurienne

Under "normal" circumstances, you probably wouldn't even know the Col de la Croix de Fer, because it's off the usual tourist routes. But what is normal when you ride 1,790 meters up the mountain on a racing bike? This pass has been part of the Tour de France 19 times, making it a true classic. But this climb is not only prominent, it is also really nice to drive. It offers variety, great views and gradients from "easy" to "more is not possible".

You don't have to go all out in the beginning. The first six of the almost 30 kilometers to the pass are challenging, but very even. So you can first find your step. You swing your way out of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne and into the magnificent mountains. The first big highlight is not long in coming: the view of the Aiguilles d'Arves opens up again and again to give you goosebumps. The view of the three peaks can even be covered with snow. So you should rather lift your eyes from the road more than too little during the ascent, so as not to miss this sight under any circumstances.

What follows is a kind of carrot and stick. Nasty gradients of up to 17 percent follow flat recovery sections that almost lull you into "safety" until the next ramp is waiting for you. Finally, a short descent announces the end of this interplay.

The following section to the Col de la Croix de Fer is characterized by a relatively relaxed and, above all, even climb, always accompanied by the L'Arvan river, which you occasionally cross. If you need a break, then the "Speed Wheel" bar is predestined for it. Nothing can go wrong with this name. Your final sprint begins behind the village of Saint-Sorlin-d'Arves: Six hairpin bends are still waiting for you, which you can count down from here. Once again you have to give everything, especially on the last kilometer.

If you've made it and are proud of the legendary summit of the Col de la Croix de Fer, you can enjoy the wonderful view. After you've donned the windbreaker to start the return trip, you have two options: you can return the same way or continue north to La Chambre. In any case, the descent will be really good.