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United States | Midwest | Ohio >> Here's how to ride 50 Traffic Free Iconic Cols in the Alps this Summer

Here's how to ride 50 Iconic Cols in the Alps this Summer - Traffic Free!

Here's your chance to ride some of the most iconic climbs in Europe this summer (2018), with closed roads for cyclists!

In Europe a growing number of region and local governments have realized the power of cycling tourism and the dollars that it brings for their local communities. 

So in ground a breaking move, they have provided fully closed to traffic free days to boost and promote tourism, improve cycling safety, promite health and well being.

Cyclists are flocking in their droves to ride on these special traffic free days, along with hundreds of other like minded cyclists.

Most of the event are non-competitive, open days giving cyclist the opportunity of riding the famous climbs used in the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia and the Tour de Suisse. A few are Gran Fondos, but also offer traffic roads too.

1. The French Alps

The Hautes-Alpes region of the France is holding over 20 events, many on the legendary climbs including the Col du Galibier, Colu du Izoard and Col Agnel. For mountain goats and col climbers, this represents a golden opportunity to exeperience some of the most famous climbs in the world in total tranquility.

June Sun 6th: Réallon
June Sun 17th: Col de Pontis
June Sun 24th: Pré de Madame Carle
July Fri 6th: Col Agnel
July Mon 9th: Col de Vars
July Tue 10th: Puy Saint-Vincent
July Tue 17th: Risoul
July Wed 25th: Col du Granon
July Thu 26th: Col du Galbier
July Fri 27th: Col d’Izoard
August Mon 6th: Pommerol
August Tue 7th: Chabre
August Wed 8th: Col du Noyer
August Thu 9th: Foureyssasse
August Fri 10th: Ceüse
August Mon 20th: Col de Vars
August Tue 21st: Risoul
August Wed 22nd: Les Orres
August Wed 29th: Col du Granon
August Thu 30th: Col du Galibier
August Fri 31st: Col d’Izoard
August September Sun 9th: Col Agnel

Mont-Blanc-Savoie

Unfortunately the region cancelled it's series but the Col de l'Iseran, one of the highest paved climbs in Europe still holds it event.

Oisans Region

Every Tuesday morning in July and August in the Oisans Region (the home of Alpe d’Huez) closes a climb to traffic for a bike-only day. 

July 3rd: Col du Glandon and Croix de Fer
July 10th: Col d’Ornon
July 17th: Col de Sarenne
July 24th: Auris en Oisans
July 31st: Col du Sabot
Aug 7th: Alpe d’Huez
Aug 14th: Villard Reculas
Aug 21st: Col d’Ornon
Aug 28th: Col de Sarenne

Jura Mountains 

The giant climb of the Le Grand Colombier featured in the Tour de France in 2017. From June to September, on the 3rd Saturday of the month, the road will be closed to cars for a bike day up the most scenic side starting in Culoz.

The giant climb of the Le Grand Colombier featured in the Tour de France in 2017

 

2. The Swiss Alps

Here are details of thirteen events and the chance to ride with Fabian Cancellara at a few. A few are Gran Fondo's rather than bike days but still offer traffic free cycling.

May 1st: Lukmanier Pass
May 26th: Susten Pass
June 9th: Crans-Montana
June 10th: Arosa
June 24th: Oberalp Pass
July 1st: Col des Mosses / Col du Pillon / Col de la Croix
July 22nd: Granfondo San Gottardo
Aug 11th: Tour des Stations Granfondo (Croix de Coeur)
Sept 2nd: Albula Pass
Sept 16th: Flüela Pass (Davos Festival)
Sept 16th: La Désalpe Reichenbach (Emosson / Col de la Gueulaz)
Sept 22nd: Klausen Pass / Pragel Pass

>>> Top 10 Swiss Alpine Road Climbs for Cyclists <<<

May 26th: Susten Pass

 

3. The Italian Alps

May 26th - The 5th Annual Monte Grappa Bike Day 
June 23rd - Sella Ronda Bike Day, the beautiful 55 km Sella Ronda Route climbs four passes: Pordoi, Gardena, Sella, and Campolongo.
July 21st - The 3rd Annual Monte Grappa Bike Night
September 1st - Stelvio Bike Day
September 22nd - The Mendelpass

May 26th - 5th Annual Monte Grappa Bike Day

6. Austrian Alps

June 3rd: The Grossglockner
July 1st: The Mooserboden

The mighty Grossglockner