Date: Thursday 21st June

Route: Col d’Ornon

Distance: 20 miles

Ascent: 2,200 – 5,600 ft

Information: Approximately 5 km from Bourg d’Oisans is the start of the climb to the Col d’Ornon (last used in the Tour de France in 2002).

This climb although never steep is harder than it looks which is probably due to the long straights (a rarity in the Alpes).

Throughout the climb you very much remain in the valley and this gives the climb a slightly intimidating feel. The road surface is good and the gradient is never too steep so makes a perfect cycle climb for tired legs.

Photo Gallery

Grim weather for the start of the Col d'Ornon

Steve on the Col d'Ornon

Acending into the clouds Col d'Ornon

Browny and Colmer on the Col d'Ornon

John gets another puncture Col d'Ornon

Descending the Col de Solitude

Coxy looks before he leaps

The Tunnel of Death - Col de Solitude

Setting off through the tunnel

In the tunnel on the Col de Solitude