Col de la Forclaz: an appreciation

After the Semnoz it was on to the Col de la Forclaz. I was ascending from Talloires which meant riding around Lake Annecy for a bit before staring the climb. The alternative route is straight up from Doussard. This is the harder side: 8.1km at 7.7%, but as there are two big flat sections, when the road goes up it is steep. Unfortunately though the road was closed for resurfacing so I couldnt ride it. What a shame! Next time...


The other way up the Forclaz is not that much easier though: starting above Talloires the road climbs for 8.4kms at 7.1%. If you start in Talloires add another 2km, with an overall average of 6.7%. The hardest section is towards the top where the road really kicks up: the last 3kms average 10.5%.

But once at the top you are rewarded with some spectacular views. This one towards the Pointe de la Beccaz above Montmin. That sign says 13% - nice if you have just ridden up and are about to start the descent...

...but before you do, consider an alternative descent. Whilst admiring the views of Lake Annecy, you could also descend by hang-glider or parascender. Stop off for something to eat in one of the three restaurants at the top of the climb, and then pay 90 euros to jump off the ramp and land somewhere near Doussard...

Compared to the Semnoz, the Forclaz has much to it. It may be shorter, but there's no magic to the Semnoz. Its kind of like a motorway, almost a purpose built climb: functional and rational, but without that extra something. The Forclaz by contrast, has a story of a hermit living on the hill in the 11th Century, classic winding mountain roads, and great views and places to eat at the top. Surprisingly, the Tour de France has only been up here 3 times (all from the other side, I think). Again, the roads were being resurfaced so perhaps in 2015 when the Tour returns to Annecy the route will come up the Forclaz before a rapid descent into Annecy, or even onto the Semnoz. At least starting the Semnoz in Annecy gives the climb a bit of character and an obvious start point, unlike this year's route. Using the Forclaz would be a great tribute to one of the most under-rated climbs in France.

The Semnoz and the cold descent took a bit out of me, so I took the climb pretty easy taking just over 40 minutes. By the time I got to the start of the climb, the temperature had risen from 6°C on top of the Semnoz to a barmy 21°C - not an easy temperature range for my cycling clothes to cope with. So I decided to take off my leg warmers half way up, only for the sun to go in and the temperature start falling again to 12°C by the time I got to the top. At which point it was time for Tartiflette before heading off to the Col de l'Epine...