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Col de la Croix

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Col de la Croix 1,778m

The Col de la Croix is an Hors catégorie climb that features regularly in the Tour de Romandie and Tour de Suisse.

At over 20km long the Col de la Croix is a real test of climbing stamina and technique, the changing terrain includes steep hairpin turns and long rolling tempo sections.

For guests on our Cyclotour du Léman and Gruyère Cycling Tour sportive holidays and our epic Randonnée Alpes Suisse the Col de la Croix is a real highlight.

The Col de la Croix starts with the unmistakeable vineyard section as seen in Peloton Magazine.

Col de la Croix Profile

Tour de Romandie 2013 Parcours | Col des Mosses and Col de la Croix

The Col de la Croix was set to be climbed twice in the 2013 Tour de Romandie Queen Stage but heavy snow restricted riders to just the one ascent!

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Col de la Croix Stats:

  • Starting elevation: 435 m
  • Final elevation:  1,778 m
  • Length of ascent:  22.6 km
  • Elevation gain: 1,345 m
  • Average gradient: 6 %

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The Col de la Croix welcomes you with a series of steep switchbacks that quickly take you high up above the Rhône valley through sun drenched vineyards. For the first 10km the climb is unrelenting and as the gradient levels of and you pass the houses where the F1 starts live there’s time to recharge for the final push.

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The dramatic final hairpin of the Col de la Croix with Glacier 3000 as the backdrop:

Climbing the Col de la Croix

What is it like to climb the Col de la Croix?

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Col de la Croix | Cycling In Switzerland

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The first part of the Col de la Croix through the steep, terraced vineyards was tough and the day was searingly hot. We stopped halfway for iced coke and ice cream which hit the spot! The rest of the ascent was quite challenging but there was plenty of inspiration from all the famous names from pro-cycling on the road including ‘Go Froome’ from the recent Tour of Romandie that featured the Col de la Croix on the Queen Stage.

Brevet Guest Gerard’s Col de la Croix experience

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David Garner | Meet The Team| Brevet

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My favourite climb (so far) in Switzerland is Col de la Croix. It has everything that you need to really test yourself: a distance of 18 kms – or more – depending on where you start ; an average of 6% topping out at 10%; excellent hair pin turns that require you to get out of the saddle to push through; and the most fantastic Swiss scenery that you can experience looking all the way to Mont Blanc.

Brevet Guest David Garner

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Col de la Croix Descent

What goes up must come down and the descent of the Col de la Croix is a real thrill ride.

Climbing the Col de la Croix on a Brevet Cycling Holiday

Guests on our Cyclotour du Léman and Gruyère Cycling Tour sportive holidays and our epic Randonnée Alpes Suisse benefit from our first hand knowledge of cycling in Switzerland, including advice on how to climb the Col de la Croix from our professional Brevet Guides who live and train in Switzerland year round.

If you would like to holiday like a Pro with knowledgable and friendly guides, Brevet Team Car support then book your Brevet Cycling Holiday today.

Col de la Croix | Descent | Cycling In Switzerland

Brevet guests descending the Col de la Croix against the towering backdrop of the Diablerets massif

Col de la Croix Strava Segment

Are you on Strava? Brevet guests join the Brevet Cycling Club on Strava and benefit from the peer support of a fantastic community of riders training with a common goal.
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Cycling Climbs in Switzerland

Take a closer look at the climbs you will face if you join us on a Brevet cycling holiday in Switzerland:

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