Col de l'Izoard - Guillestre

I did the Col d''Izoard from the southside in august 2012. Starting from an altitude of 1.250 m and arriving at the top at 2.360 m, after 14 km. The first 6 km are easy, but after the village of Arvieux, the road gets steepier (7 à 10 %) for the last 8 km. A great climb and when I did the climb, it was warm : whereas it''s normally 10° C at the top, it was 26° C at the top when I did it. Beautiful landscape at Casse Déserte!

My personal climb rating:

My first alpine ride 29th July 2012 cycled from our base in Pelvoux. Set off 7am to beat the heat as we were getting 39c some days. Had a fantastic ride in the cool down to Argentiere La Bessee passing a few people going to the bakers here and there, along the N94 to Mont Dauphan were the traffic had to wait for a local road race to go through! Enjoyed seeing that along with ambulance etc and a guy coming back holding his broken chain. At Guiestre turn looking back Mont Pelvoux covered in cloud, everything else clear pale blue skies. Spectacular turning the first corner onto the Gorge du Guis road. Miles of gentle ascending climbing along the river. Another cycle event in opposite direction with hundreds of riders. Along the alpine meadows leading to Arvieux, then up the start of the climb proper. Arrive at the Cassee Dessert midday as heat builds up. Italian cyclists offer to take my pic. Cycle down a short distance to the Cafe Napoleon. Fantastic omlette and lots of water. Phenomenal fast descent to Briancon slowed down by wind unfortunately. Return to Pelvoux along N94 in real heat. Dived into the village pool to join family! An absolute dream first alpine ride!

My personal climb rating:

This is indeed a classic climb and one which because of the magnificent scenery is up there with the best of Alpine climbs. I rode up on the 1st August 2011. As you leave the river valley behind the vista opens up to the massive scree slopes and the peaks above. Simply fab.

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hello, we were on the 1ste july 2011 on the col de izoard with 2 bikes! does anyone know of there''s a site of the photographers who stand near the hills?

My personal climb rating:

The scenery is indeed amazing, especially when riding through casse deserte close to the top. I also enjoyed the ride up from Guillestre to the foot of the actual hill, because you pass through a beautiful gorge. The descent is well suited for those interested in attaining top speeds, especially in the Arvieux section. The bottom sections are interesting for practising relays with a group of 5 to 6 persons.

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I have one problem. In the 22nd jully I lost the Nikon E4600 camera in black bag, with wery much pictures of my family holiday. It happened on the way from Col d Izoard to Chateau Queyras. I forgot him on the top of my car... I have asked in the Arvieux infocentre, as well as in all buildings on Col d Izoard, but nothing... Of course is be sure, maybe him found an Italian, or some local sheepherd... So much the worse for me... But Hope dies last...! I am from Czech Republic and so my potentialities are wery limited.

My personal climb rating:

A beautiful ride from this direstion. The gorge is scenic and atmospheric, with ever such a gentle incline. A sharp turn left and the climbing begins. As ever, the straight road leading up to the hairpins is deceptively difficult. When you reach the hairpins, each virage gives the briefest respite to ward off exhaustion. The route is very well signed for cyclists, with elevation and gradient. At each ramp you can amuse yourself by guessing the gradient: 11% can feel surprisingly easy; 6% can feel surprisingly difficult. And the casse deserte: nothing I had heard or read had prepared me for the reality that suddenly unfolded aroud that hairpin turn - eerily magnificent. There is even a short downhill respite to the Coppi memorial before the final few hairpins to the top. More than five stars.

My personal climb rating:

Magnificent climb!. Starting from Guillestre, first cycle along the river. It can be quite windy, so be alert. After some kilometers you start the initial climb. The first 6 km are easy en not very interesting. When you reach the village of Arvieux you can refill your bottle. Youll need that, because the next 10 km, you will be climbing at a percentage of 9. The surroundings are breathtaking. It is landscape that has been eroded by wind en water. It ressembles somewhat the surface of the moon. Dont forget to visit the little cycling museum at the top at 2361 m. Most beautiful climb of this part of the Alpes.

Did this as part of the Etape de Tour in 2006. It is a moving place. I chose the monument at the top to leave a photo of my mates dad who died of MS. He loved Le Tour.