Open the Mountains – with Stefano & Assault to Freedom
Epic ride to Col du Telegraphe & Galibier
Cycling in the Italian Alpsis always superb, with challenging road cycling routes among the best in the world. Add to this, Italian hospitality and you’ve got a truly brilliant cycling vacation in Italy to look forward to. Tackling the Galibier should be on every cyclists list, and this Italian Alps cycling route from Stefano is a classic.
Stefano and the Assault to Freedom team in Italy, always set out to create the very best cycling routes in Italy and the best cycling in the Italian mountains and Alps. This one is a brilliant ride into the high hills of the Alps, taking on both the Col du Telegraphe and Col du Galibier in one swoop. It will test you, both physically and mentally, and can be best tackled by a brief overnight stay, making sure that you really enjoy the trip.
However, if you’re up for an ‘Assault to Freedom’ challenge, then set off early, wrap up and take on the challenge set by Stefano 😉
Route Information
Stats 213 km 4780 metres
Refreshments & Where to Stay
This route begins in the Alps, NW of Turin at Susa, meaning that there’s ample accommodation options for you. Click the Booking.com link on this page to view these.
In terms of refreshments, take plenty with you. There are places to grab a bite to eat and drink along the way; however, there are also long distances between these opportunities. If you want to do so, break the ride into 2 days and take a stop near the Col du Telegraphe.
Character
If ridden in one swooping assault, this is an epic ride, and only for fit and experienced riders. However, it can be broken down into easier days. The descents require care and skill, and you need to stay within your actual abilities.
Route
- Start the route off at the small town of Susa and head out towards Plan des Fontainettes, over-looking the lake of Lac du Mont Cenis.
- A long and winding descent – where care needs to be taken on some switchbacks – takes you to Saint-Martin-d’Arc, where refreshments can be taken.
- Then begins a 33 km climb to the Galibier, which will test the best. Along the way, there’s epic views, but also, lots of refreshment opportunities to help you out.
- Then begins a long, and sometimes tricky descent to Briancon, where you have lots of opportunities to rest and take on board much needed calories, before a final climb short climb, to Montgenèvre.
- It’s now a case of staying focused, and enjoying the descending back to the start, where coffee and medals can be enjoyed! 😉
Why not take on your own epic cycling challenges, and join the Assault to Freedom CC – visit their website here
Click below for GPX file & accommodation
Download GPX
Choose Accommodation
