From Briançon (about 3,870 ft / 1,180 m) to the Col d’Izoard (7,743 ft / 2,360 m) it’s 11.9 miles (19.1 km) at an average of 6.1% with 3,858 ft (1,176 m) of climbing. CyclingCols and Climbfinder agree almost to the yard (11.9 miles / 19.1-19.2 km and 3,858-3,865 ft / 1,176-1,178 m). Wikipedia gives 11.8 miles (19 km) and 3,625 ft (1,105 m), probably from a higher point in Briançon.
What the climb is like
The first half is gentle, with some flat sections before Cervières. Then comes a section of about 1.2 miles (2 km) close to 9% up to Le Laus, and from there about 4.3 miles (7 km) between 7.5 and 9% to the top, above the tree line. The steepest ramp is around 11%. The kilometer markers show the altitude, the distance to the top and the grade of the next kilometer.
We don’t publish a section-by-section profile: the breakdown we just described comes from rider reports and we haven’t been able to confirm it in two sources.
Why Briançon and not Guillestre
The south side, from Guillestre, passes through the Casse Déserte, the most photographed scree landscape in the Tour de France, but the sources measure it in very different ways: between 19.6 and 21.3 miles (31.5-34.3 km) if you count the long false flat through the Combe du Queyras, or 9.9 miles (15.9 km) at 6.9% from near Château-Queyras. The Briançon side is a continuous climb with numbers that agree. If you climb this side, descend a few kilometers down the other side to see the Casse Déserte.
Tour de France history
The Tour de France first climbed it in 1922 (Philippe Thys was first over the top) and crossed it 34 times without finishing there, until the first summit finish in 2017, won by Warren Barguil coming up the south side. Fausto Coppi and Louison Bobet were each first over the top three times; at the summit there’s a monument to both and a small cycling museum. The Giro d’Italia has climbed it seven times: in 1949 Coppi dropped Bartali here on the Cuneo-Pinerolo stage.
When to go, water and traffic
It’s usually closed from October to early June. There are fountains in Cervières (one of them not drinkable) and in Le Laus, which is the last one. The road continues toward Arvieux and Guillestre.
What gearing to use
A 34x28 or 34x30 is enough. At 3 W/kg and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll ride about 6.8 mph (11 km/h) on 8%, which is about 77 rpm in a 34x30. Above 6,560 ft (2,000 m), a bigger cog helps. Compare options in the gear calculator.
Tips
- The first half is for spinning: save your strength for Le Laus.
- Refill your bottles in Le Laus; there’s no water after that.
- Bring a wind jacket for the top and the descent.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb the Izoard from Briançon?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 1 h 23 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 1 h 39 min at 2.5 W/kg and 1 h 05 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
What is the Casse Déserte?
The landscape of scree and rock spires just below the summit on the south side. You can't see it from the Briançon side: you have to descend a few kilometers down the other side.
When is the Col d'Izoard open?
It's usually closed from October to early June.
Has the Izoard been a stage finish?
Only once, in 2017, won by Warren Barguil, up the south side. Before that the Tour had crossed it 34 times without finishing there.