The 10 most iconic climbs in Tour de France history, ranked

The Tour de France is synonymous with mountains, with the Pyrenees and Alps playing host to the most famous battles in the history of the race. From the first edition of the race in 1910, mountains have been the testing ground for the world's top cyclists. The climb is often won or lost in the mountains, where riders face treacherous terrain, brutal weather, and exhaustion.

The mountains in the Tour de France are the most feared and respected terrain in the world of professional cycling. The highest peaks in the Pyrenees and Alps have been etched into the history of the race, with iconic climbs like Alpe d'Huez, the Tourmalet, and Ventoux making their mark on the world of cycling. Each of these climbs has a unique history, and their inclusion in the Tour de France is a testament to their significance in the world of professional cycling.

The iconic climbs of the Tour de France are a reflection of the history and tradition of the race. From the first edition of the Tour in 1910 to the present day, the mountains have played a central role in the story of the Tour. The climbs have been the scene of many memorable moments, with legendary cyclists like Fausto Coppi, Eddy Merckx, and Bernard Hinault making their mark on the history of the Tour. Each of these climbs has a story to tell, and their inclusion in the Tour de France is a testament to their enduring appeal.

The Col de la Loze is one of the newest additions to the list of iconic climbs in the Tour de France. Located in the Vosges mountains, the Col de la Loze is a notoriously tough climb, with steep gradients and winding roads making it a daunting prospect for even the most seasoned cyclists. The climb was first included in the Tour in 2019, and it quickly became a fan favorite, with its breathtaking views and challenging terrain making it a must-climb for any serious cyclist.

The Restefond and Bonette are two of the most iconic passes in the Tour de France. Located in the Alps, these passes are notorious for their steep gradients and unpredictable weather conditions. The Bonette is the higher of the two passes, with a summit elevation of 2,802m. The Restefond, on the other hand, is a slightly shorter climb, but its gradients are just as brutal. Both passes have been included in the Tour de France on several occasions, with the Restefond making its debut in 1928 and the Bonette in 2008.

The Col du Ballon d'Alsace is the oldest pass on this list, with a history dating back to 1905. Located in the Vosges mountains, the Col du Ballon d'Alsace was the scene of many memorable moments in the early years of the Tour de France. In 1907, French cyclist René Pottier made history by becoming the first King of the Mountains. The Col du Ballon d'Alsace continued to play a significant role in the Tour de France until the 1950s, when the race began to focus more on the Alps.

The Col du Galibier is one of the most iconic climbs in the Tour de France. Located in the Alps, the Col du Galibier is a challenging climb, with steep gradients and unpredictable weather conditions making it a daunting prospect for even the most seasoned cyclists. The climb was first included in the Tour in 1911, and it quickly became a fan favorite, with its breathtaking views and challenging terrain making it a must-climb for any serious cyclist.

The Alpe d'Huez is one of the most famous climbs in the Tour de France. Located in the Alps, the Alpe d'Huez is a 13.8km climb that features 21 hairpin bends. The climb was first included in the Tour in 1952, and it quickly became a fan favorite, with its challenging terrain and breathtaking views making it a must-climb for any serious cyclist. Each of the 21 bends is named after a different stage winner, with the most famous being bend seven, known as 'Dutch corner' due to the hordes of orange-clad Dutch fans who line the road every year.

The Col du Tourmalet is one of the most iconic climbs in the Tour de France. Located in the Pyrenees, the Col du Tourmalet is a challenging climb, with steep gradients and unpredictable weather conditions making it a daunting prospect for even the most seasoned cyclists. The climb was first included in the Tour in 1910, and it quickly became a fan favorite, with its breathtaking views and challenging terrain making it a must-climb for any serious cyclist.

The climbs of the Tour de France are a true test of endurance and skill for any cyclist. From the steep gradients of the Restefond and Bonette to the winding roads of the Alpe d'Huez and Col du Galibier, each of these climbs has its own unique character and challenges. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, the climbs of the Tour de France are a true challenge that will push you to your limits.