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Region: French Alps
Climbing effort: 916 cep
Elevation meters: 1245
Steepest kilometer: 9.5%

Steepest 250 m: 10%
Foot: 711 m    Top: 1840 m
Mean slope: 5.0%
Length: 22.4 km

From: Rochetaillée
Road conditions (2015): good
Other race bikers: 10-25 per hour
Motor vehicles: 10-30 per hour
Scenery and road: (2/5)
Restaurant or bar near top: yes

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Other climbs French Alps

This is an alternative route to Alpe d'Huez, which joins the classical climb in the village of Huez. The ride begins in Rochetaillée and first takes the road towards the Col du Glandon and the Col de la Croix de Fer. After one and a half kilometer one turns right and heads towards Villard-Reculas. Soon the road starts to slope but up to and including the fourth kilometer the gradient is mild (3-6%). Then, during the next nine kilometers until Villard-Reculas the tarmac is moderately steep (mostly 7-8%). There is not much variation, the road is wide and its surface is in good condition (2015). Now and then there are views through the trees. The final two and a half kilometers before Villard-Reculas are somewhat less steep (around 6%). In the village there is a descent of 25 elevation meters and then climbing continues up to the Pas de la Confession (1542 meters). This is the most beautiful part of the ride thanks to the view of the majestic mountains of the Écrins. After the pass another 90 meters of elevation are lost before this route joins the classical one in Huez. After Huez still four pretty steep kilometers must be covered with a steepest kilometer of 9.5%. Many finish their ride at the beginning of Alpe d'Huez but by doing so they skip the last one and a half, pretty easy (0-5%) kilometers of the Tour stage through the village. I found it difficult to find the way through the village but among all other signs there are signs that indicate the Tour itinerary.