Stage 7 of the 2011 Criterium du Dauphine pedals its way through the French Alps
Sunday, June 12, 2011 stage 7 - Pontcharra - La Toussuire 117.5 km
Images from cycling in the region (from June 2007). I have never been on the road from Le Chambre to the Col du Glandon, we went down the Col du Glandon to Bourg d' Oisans (at the base of Alpe d' Huez) instead, so I do not have images up the east side from Le Chambre, which is the route of Sunday's Stage 7. I remember having one of my favorite French meals in a cafe in the town of St-Jean-de-Maurienne an earlier evening that same week, in a simple locals place (Restaurant La Parenthèse) with good regional food.
Le Grimpeur created a good ride summary of the climb of the Col de la Croix de Fer in 2007. I remember reading years ago that Andy Hampsten considered the climb one of his favorites, so this is what led us there in 2007. Plus of course we had to climb all the other biggies in the area - The Col du Galibier, Col du Telegraphe, and Alpe d'Huez.
The images below are of the last big climbs on Stage 7 - the Col du Glandon and the Col de la Croix de Fer. See the the full stage route here: Stage 7 route map
[I am hoping my brother and sister-in-law will surprise me with images sent from being a fan at the race this weekend.]
COL DU GLANDON map profile description on Climb by Bike
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| Col du Glandon climb profile |
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| West side of Col du Glandon, I don't have one of the east side |
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| There is actually a cafe bar inside this place on the Col du Glandon |
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the juncture of the Col du Glandon (view from the Croix de Fer). Turn left to go down to Bourg d'Oisans, turn right to Le Chambre |
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| long roads and rugged mountains and much better in good weather |
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| looking up at the north side of Col de la Croix de Fer |
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| Profile north side of Col de la Croix de Fer |
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| looking back down from the Col de la Croix de Fer to the climb up from Col du Glandon |
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| the top of Col de la Croix de Fer (north side), yes that is a cafe |
It is a whole different world on the south side of the Col de la Croix de Fer. First of all, the road surface changes and is made of pressed gravel (below). It is a rocky wild wilderness opening up to some modern (but deserted in June) ski towns. Very green and dramatic, but not too many cyclists.
COL DE LA CROIX DE FER map profile description on Climb by Bike north side / south side
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| rough golden gravel road |
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| descent off the south side of Col de la Croix de Fer |
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| It is sort of steep (switchback) |
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| Profile south side of Col de la Croix de Fer |
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| view down from Croix de Fer to the town of Saint-Sorlin-d'Arves |
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| the switchback up the south side of Col de la Croix de Fer |
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| passing through Saint Jean d'Arves |
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| The ski town of Albiez-Montrond (deserted in June) |
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| Up valley from Saint-jean-de-Maurienne |
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| Looking south across the mountains from the Toussuire side toward the peaks, beyond is the Col du Telegraphe and Col du Galibier! |
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| these photos were taken within the range of this road |
More information about climbs of Col du Glandon and Col de la Croix de Fer:
Col du Glandon:
Col de la Croix de Fer
