cycling Col de la Madeleine - D 97

Climbed it after I had done the Etape a few days before. I had blown up after 4km on Mont Ventoux (after 100 miles ion a really hot day) so my confidence was shattered, as I climbed into the balai. However a couple of hours on La Madeleine from Pussy to the top at 2000m was recuperative and a great expericne. We havea ggouse nearby so Ive done Courchevel (way too busy) and some climbs into the Parc National de la Vanoise but La Madeleine was wonderful. Great views, huge raptors circling in pairs, connections to the ski domain in the next valley and a very varied climb. Goes from 3-4%, some downhill stuff and then some 12.5% but none of it seemed difficult, just varied and a great tonic.

My personal climb rating: 5 stars

Hi folks! I climbed la Madeleine twice on October 30th, 2006. I was lucky and the day was the last suny and warm day that year! So I climbed, enyoyed the sun and took the same way down to ride to La Toussuire. But I was less lucky and lost my longsleeve at half of the descent which I remarked down in the valley between these mountains... So, no choice, way back and Madeleine another time! Of course, I was really lucky to have found it on the side of the road. Next decision: it has been already quite late in the afternoon, so I decided to just continue climbing La Madeleine a second time! And it was hard!! I had not much food, hadnt eaten a lot before, as I had previewed to eat something in the valley.. Finally, it has been kind of fate that I fell in love with this climb! Love through pain! Haha You have a beautiful view to MontBlanc and Glandon on both sides of the top! Enjoy La Madeleine as well! Greetz mathis