Welcome to the Queen’s Stage! Today’s stage is a beast – deliberately so – but it offers an easier alternative for those looking for a bit of respite approaching the halfway point of the trip.
Leaving Alpe d’Huez, riders will descend to the east, via the Col du Sarenne, before re-tracing yesterday’s steps back up the valley to the Col du Lautaret. From there, it’s 30km downhill through the commune of Briançon to the foot of the Col d’Izoard. This category 2 climb is 19.1km long at an average gradient of 6% and a maximum gradient of 11% will be a test for everyone after 80km in the saddle. Once completed, it’s another 30km downhill before the final 14km climb to the ski resort at Risoul.
Day 3 Profile and Statistics
Total distance: 134km
Total Ascent: 3,870m
Total Descent: 3,780m
Time @ 17km/h: 7hr 52 min
Time @23km/h: 5hr 49 mins
Col du Sarenne, Col du Lautaret, Col d’Izoard
Route Cumulative Statistics
Total distance: 309km
Total Ascent: 10,050m
Total Descent: 8,570m
Cols Conquered: 8
Day 3 Alternative Route
With the main obstacle of the day, Col d’Isoard, removed the alternative route is shortened by about 16km but more significantly riders get >1,100m of climbing relief and get to enjoy a 60km downhill stretch from Col du Lautaret to the town of Risoul. A reduced climbing load of only about 30% of the stage should lead to an increase in the average speed for the day and reduction in the amount of time spent in the saddle.
