They are an expression of the power of nature, tower over the landscape with imposing heights and exert an almost magical attraction when they come into view: the mountains. Conquering them is particularly appealing to racing cyclists. The mountain passes offer the greatest, but also the most beautiful challenges.
Frederik Backelandt and David Stockman have set out to compile 30 legendary road bike passes in one book - most of them in France and Italy, but Spain, Austria and Switzerland are also represented. Among them are some passes with Tour de France history and some that should not be missing from any bucket list, such as the Col du Galibier, the Stelvio Pass or Mont Ventoux. As different as the passes are, they all have one thing in common: tackling them pushes cyclists to their limits - in a positive sense.
The sports journalist and photographer are passionate cyclists themselves. This 224-page, large-format illustrated book bears witness to their passion. David Stockman's impressive photographs reflect the many facets of the various route passes: from barren landscapes and rugged cliffs to green meadows with cows and snow-covered regions. Each pass has its own pitfalls and its own charm. Frederick Backelandt's texts are captivating and as detailed as if you had been there yourself as he struggles up the climbs and negotiates the numerous bends. But they are also informative, full of background knowledge and peppered with valuable tips, for which the author can draw on his personal cycling experience.
Short info boxes provide recommendations on the right clothing, braking technique and cadence, for example, as well as tips on how to tackle the descents or how to save weight. There are also stories about the regions, routes and the cyclists who have mastered them. So there's plenty of inspiration for your next cycling holiday and many passes that you'll want to ride up yourself.
One road bike pass more beautiful than the next
Take the legendary Alpe d'Huez, for example, which owes its popularity above all to the Tour de France has to thank for this. The hallmark of this pass are the 21 hairpin bends, each of which bears the name of a Tour winner. The first kilometres and bends are the steepest, but even after that the climb is no walk in the park. Alpe d'Huez has been the scene of many triumphs and tragedies. If you tackle the pass by bike, you can follow in the footsteps of racing bike greats such as Eddy Merckx, Marco Pantani and Lance Armstrong.
The Stelvio Pass should not be missing from the list of legendary racing bike passes. This is where the famous photo by Italian photographer Tino Petrelli was taken, capturing a brilliant snapshot of the successful cyclist Fausto Coppi on his triumphant ride up the Stelvio. 48 hairpin bends, some of which lead through the forest and between snow-covered peaks, make this pass something very special.
The Passo di Giau lies in the middle of the breathtaking scenery of the Dolomites. Those who dare to tackle the sometimes painful climb will be rewarded with a unique view. First, however, you have to conquer the ten-kilometre climb to the Passo di Giau, which is a real challenge with a constant gradient of 9.1 per cent and 922 metres in altitude. But nothing beats the intense moment of happiness when you have made it and can enjoy the view from the top. With a mountain restaurant at the summit offering a slice of Sacher cake, the exertions are quickly forgotten and after a little refreshment, nothing stands in the way of the descent.
It is therefore worth making your own judgement as to which pass is the most difficult or the most beautiful on a road bike. At the end of the book, a list of the 30 road bike passes provides information on distance, difference in altitude, highest point, average gradient, maximum gradient and index profile, each based on a specific starting point. This makes it easier to assess the level of difficulty and find a suitable challenge for everyone. Because, as cycling star Eddy Merckx once said: "The mountain knows no mercy."
The 30 legendary road bike passes in the book
- Alpe d'Huez
- Alto de Angliru
- Col d'Aubisque
- Col du Ballon d'Alsace
- Col de la Bonette
- Monte Carpegna
- Cormet de Roselend
- Col de la Croix de Fer
- Colle Fauniera
- Passo Fedaia
- Col du Galibier
- Passo Gardena
- Passo Gavia
- Passo Giau
- Gotthard Pass
- Grimsel Pass
- Col de l'Iseran
- Col d'Izoard
- Lagos de Covadonga
- Col du Lautaret
- Col de Peyresourde
- Pla d'Adet
- Passo Pordoi
- Col du Portet
- Sa Calobra
- Stelvio Pass
- Timmelsjoch
- Col du Tourmalet
- Three peaks
- Mont Ventoux
