“Col de Sarenne” Details (Zwift Climb Portal)
Key Details
- Category: 1
- Length: 12.8 km (8.0 miles)
- Elevation Gain: 923 m (3,028‘)
- Average Gradient: 7.1%
- Country: France
- Watopia Climb Segment
- Watopia Descent Segment
- France Climb Segment
- France Descent Segment
- 5 W/kg: 37 minutes
- 4 W/kg: 46 minutes
- 3 W/kg: 59 minutes
- 2 W/kg: 86 minutes
Strava Segments
Time Estimates
This high mountain pass provides a “back door” to the legendary Alpe d’Huez, but it’s not nearly as well known as the Tour de France’s more iconic climbs. In fact, the Tour has only visited this road once before, and that was in 2013, when they descended it.
In the 2026 Tour de France, it’s the last major climb of the Queen Stage (20). From the peak of Col de Sarenne it’s 14.5km to the finish of the race. Riders will descend, hit a rolling uphill section and another short drop, then climb the final few switchbacks and 3.7km of Alpe d’Huez.
This climb averages 7.1%, but the gradient frequently kicks into double digits, especially at the start and near the summit.
Here’s the verified IRL Strava segment:
I’m going to ride it the morning of the stage. Hope its not too hot!
I’m riding it at L’Etape. I hope I’m still alive by the time I reach it! ;-D
Prior to this week, I’ve ridden every climb in the climb portal at 100% and max trainer difficulty except for the new releases. I’ve now ridden Col de Sarenne yesterday and it seemed much more difficult than expected. Good climb, but I think there are some GPS glitches in the switchbacks that spike the gradient. Also I think this is rated as HC and not a CAT 1 climb.