Alpe d’Huez is the Tour de France mountain famous for its 21 hairpin bends and repeated summit finishes. The climb rises from Le Bourg-d’Oisans to the ski resort at roughly 1,860 metres.
The ascent is about 13.8 kilometres long, averages an 8.1% gradient, and reaches sections as steep as 13%. Its numbered bends descend from 21 at the bottom toward 1 near the summit, creating one of cycling’s most recognizable visual landmarks. The bends are named for previous Tour stage winners.
Alpe d’Huez first appeared in the Tour in 1952, when Fausto Coppi won the stage. It was then absent until 1976, after which it became a regular and highly anticipated venue. Dutch riders won eight of the first 14 Tour finishes there, giving the climb its nickname, the “Dutch Mountain.” In 2013, the race climbed it twice in one stage.