Col de Croix de Fer
The Col de la Croix de Fer is not your typical Alpine climb, with interludes where the road ramps up by over 13 percent and small sharp descents to ravines it puts a halt to you getting any sort of rhythm pedalling. This though is all forgiven as the dramatic changes in gradient is matched by the dramatic changes in scenery as you ride from the Lac du Verney, through the dense green forest, past the Lac de Grand Maison and finally towards some of the most spectacular views in the region.
Forever partnering the Col du Glandon, the Croix de Fer shares practically the same summit as its twin HC category climb and within races like the Tour de France and Critérium du Dauphiné it is often seen as a warm up to the climbs such as the Galibier, Col de La Madeleine and Alpe d’Huez but this doesn’t mean it is not a mammoth climb and one to be revered and ridden.