Climb 12 of 22Hautes-Alpes, France
Col d'Izoard
Near Briançon in the Hautes-Alpes, the Col d'Izoard has been part of the Tour de France since 1922. Just over the top lies the Casse Déserte, a bare slope of scree and rock spires.
- km long
- 19.3
- metres up
- 1,129
- steepest part
- 11%
- Flat
- Gentle
- Steady
- Hard
- Steep
How long does it take to ride up Col d'Izoard?
For a rider who weighs 75 kg, riding at a steady pace with no stops:
- New to exercise: about 3 hr 35 min
- I ride now and then: about 2 hr 28 min
- I ride most weeks: about 1 hr 52 min
Put in your own weight and fitness to see your time.
Ride Col d'Izoard at home
In Couch to Climb, the plan for Col d'Izoard is 14 weeks, with 3 rides a week on your smart trainer. It is climb 12 of 22. You start on Box Hill for free, then work up the climbs one at a time.
About the climb
This climb starts in Briançon and follows the D902 up the north side of the pass to the top, at 2,360 m. The first half is fairly gentle, with a short dip. The second half is steeper and keeps going to the summit.
At the summit there is a memorial to Fausto Coppi and Louison Bobet, and a small cycling museum. In 2017 Warren Barguil became the first rider to win a Tour stage that finished on the Izoard.
Riding it for real
The pass is usually closed from October to early June because of snow.
Questions about riding Col d'Izoard
Near Briançon in the Hautes-Alpes, the Col d'Izoard has been part of the Tour de France since 1922. Just over the top lies the Casse Déserte, a bare slope of scree and rock spires.
How high is the Col d'Izoard?
The top of the pass is 2,360 m above sea level.
What is the Casse Déserte?
It is a bare, stony slope just below the top on the south side. It has scree and tall pinnacles of worn rock.
When is the Col d'Izoard open?
It is usually open from early June to October. The rest of the year it is closed.
Updated . Written by Next Big Leap Ltd, who make the Couch to Climb app.
Ride up a famous climb on your indoor bike
Couch to Climb is a step by step plan for a smart trainer at home. It takes you from the sofa to the top of a real climb, with no stops. Your first climb, Box Hill, is free.
