Having cycled some of the first stages of this year's TDF up in Normandy (www.cotentindash.blogspot.co.uk), this year's trip to the Alps will take in another of the star acts of the Le Tour 2016, the Col du Grand Colombier.
This test of tests is not actually in the Alps. It is perched on the toe-end of the Jura, overlooking the Rhône towards the western edge of the French Alps. The Col du Grand Colombier is not hugely high either at 1501m. It is, however, darned steep. It should be our final col of the trip. Our first will be its namesake, the Col de la Colombière, over towards Cluses. In between will be the Cormet de Roselend and the monster Col d'Iseran, the highest genuine paved road pass in Europe.
Heading off in a couple of weeks so stay tuned...
