Tour De France 2008 Alpe d'Huez

20th July 2008

With it's famous 21 hairpin bends the Alpe D'Huez is one of cycling's best know mountain climbs. The roads are breathtaking at the best of times but cycling up them is something that every person whose ever pulled on a pair of lycra shorts simply must do.

Tour De France 2008 Alpe d'Huez

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The climb going up Alpe d'Huez is 13.8 km with an average gradient of 8.1% with 21 hairpin (les 21 virages) bends marked with panels honouring the winners of each stage that has finished there.

Classic images from the Tour of 1999 when Giuseppe Guerini won the stage at the top of Alpe d'Huez despite being knocked off his bike by an over-enthusiastic spectator who stepped into his path to take a photograph (the "idiot" later apologized..)

This year the Tour is looking to be a close one, that's going to be decided in the alps, probably between Cadel Evans and Frank Schleck, both of whom are looking strong on the hills. Cadel being the favourite, although Frank Schleck looked good in the hills last year.

Alpe d'Huez Guide | Alpe d'Huez Ski chalets

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