Climb 16 of 22Savoie, France
Col de la Madeleine
Linking the Maurienne and Tarentaise valleys in Savoie, the Col de la Madeleine is a long, high pass in the French Alps. The Tour de France first climbed it in 1969.
- km long
- 19.3
- metres up
- 1,510
- steepest part
- 14%
- Flat
- Gentle
- Steady
- Hard
- Steep
How long does it take to ride up Col de la Madeleine?
For a rider who weighs 75 kg, riding at a steady pace with no stops:
- New to exercise: about 4 hr 34 min
- I ride now and then: about 3 hr 26 min
- I ride most weeks: about 2 hr 30 min
Put in your own weight and fitness to see your time.
Ride Col de la Madeleine at home
In Couch to Climb, the plan for Col de la Madeleine is 14 weeks, with 3 rides a week on your smart trainer. It is climb 16 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 La Chambre, in the Maurienne valley, and follows the D213 north to the top at 1,993 m. It is long and hard, with very few flat parts.
Since its first visit in 1969, the Tour has come back to the Madeleine many times. The far side of the pass drops down towards Feissons-sur-Isère in the Tarentaise valley.
Riding it for real
The pass is closed from November to the start of June.
Questions about riding Col de la Madeleine
Linking the Maurienne and Tarentaise valleys in Savoie, the Col de la Madeleine is a long, high pass in the French Alps. The Tour de France first climbed it in 1969.
How high is the Col de la Madeleine?
The top of the pass is 1,993 m above sea level.
Where does the Col de la Madeleine climb start?
This climb starts in La Chambre, in the Maurienne valley, on the south side of the pass.
How can I train for the Col de la Madeleine?
Couch to Climb has a step by step plan for the Madeleine. You ride it at home on a smart trainer, three rides a week.
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.
