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Col de la Croix de Fer - Top
Many people are calling the 2026 Tour de France L’Etape one of the toughest ever. This is true.
The first of the four major climbs is the Col de la Croix de Fer, starting just a few kilometres from the start. Climbing the Col de la Croix de Fer takes you up to one of the best alpine landscapes in the Alps. It's a place of purity, of beauty, high up on what feels like the roof of the world.
Many people confuse the southside of the Col de la Croix de Fer with the Col de Glandon. Due, in part, to an inaccurate post on Wikipedia. This sign sits just to the north of the reservoir at Allemond, just where the road starts to ramp up, leaving no one in any doubt.
The southwestern ascent of the Col de la Croix de Fer is a sleeping giant of a climb. It doesn't have much in the way of sexy hairpins, crumbling rockfaces or jaw-dropping canyons, but it doesn't disappoint.
There has been a route up over this mountain pass since time began. Much of the road remains the same compared to the old days. The only difference now is two reservoirs, one at the top and another at the bottom. They regulate the colossal snowmelt coming off the mountain tops every spring.
The total distance is 32km, and the average gradient is only 4.1%, but the figures are deceptive. The climb includes sections at 11%, and towards the top, the air is noticeably thin. But you won't mind because by then, you will be riding up across the roof of the world.
If you are going to do this Tour de France L'Etape 2006, you will need a plan and some well-thought-out goals.
This cafe is your first goal.
It sits right at the top of the climb. On the day, it will be very crowded, with good reason. Your first goal is to reach this point without completely emptying the tank.
What follows is a long technical descent down onto the Maurienne valley floor and along to the foot of the Col de Telegraph.
You need to be refreshed, replenished and rehydrated by this point. This is your second goal.
Because what follows is brutal.
Part two: The Galibier
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