We don’t know about you, but the opening of the Belgian site of Probikeshop has given us some ideas!
The arrival of first online cycling equipment supplier in Belgium is an opportunity to equip yourself at a low price to take up sporting challenges.
So here are some of the toughest hills to climb by bike, some of which are now considered as obligatory passages for any self-respecting cyclist.
From France to the borders of Pakistan, via Italy and the American continent, warm up the calves and embark with us for this extreme world tour.
Probikeshop arrives in Belgium, the opportunity to equip yourself to attack the most difficult climbs in the world
Excellent news for bike lovers of all kinds: the online equipment supplier Probikeshop is coming to Belgium.
With items at the best price and more than 60,000 referencesyou will find on probikeshop.be everything you need to practice road cycling, Gravel, mountain biking or even BMX in the best conditions.
An opportunity to seize to perfect your equipment and set off to attack the most difficult climbs.
Despite our in-depth research on Belgian climbs, we don’t hide the fact that you will have to pack your bags to warm up your thighs and calves.
Indeed, the Belgium has never worn his nickname so well ” flat country “.
With a distance of 2.3 km, Eddy Merkx’s favorite climb is certainly one of the steepest in the region, although with a few 20% climbs.
Crossed in part by the runners of the legendary Liège-Bastogne-Liège race, it is however far from competing with the toughest climbs in the world that we are about to see.
1. Wuling Pass in Taiwan: 105 km altitude climb
Technical characteristics :
- Length: 105 km
- Paint : 3.1 %
- Maximum slope: 27%
- Arrival altitude: 3,258 m
Made famous by the Taiwan KOM challengethis 100 km giant coast is one of the few to offer a departure from sea level for a arrival at more than 3,200 meters above sea level.
As the pressure and temperature gradually decrease, the lack of air considerably complicates the ascent above 2500 meters.
These technical characteristics make it by far one of the most difficult hills to climb by bike.
The time record is currently held by the Italian Vincent Nibali who made the ascent in 3h19’54 during the 2007 edition of Taiwan KOM.
The cyclist then declared having been confronted with “one of the longest and most difficult tests of his life”.
Situated at Hualienon the beautiful east coast of Taiwan, this ascent of the Hehuanshen mountain is also an opportunity to enjoy incredible landscapes.
Alternating arid lands and sumptuous forest, the kilometers are linked between cliffs, waterfalls, turquoise water and subtropical gorge. A reward worthy of the effort!
2. Khardung Pass in India: one of the highest climbs in the world
Technical characteristics :
- Length: 39km
- Maximum slope: 5%
- Elevation: 1,859m
Cyclists crazy about challenges are familiar with this Indian pass, renowned for being one of the highest roads in the world.
Ici no smooth tarbut an unpaved surface from the start in the city of Leh to the summit, 39 km further.
However, the main difficulty is neither the absence of tar, nor the stable slope at 5%, but the altitude.
Indeed, the Khardung pass is located at 5,329 mmaking it one of the highest climbs in the world.
The geographical location also complicates the challenge. Close to China and Pakistan, the army convoys are numerous.
You will therefore have to arm yourself with courage if you wish to take up the challenge and be well informed about the geopolitical situation before your departure.
3. The Babusar pass in Pakistan: 3,154 m drop
Technical characteristics :
- Length: 41.8km
- Elevation: 3,154m
- Average slope: 7.5%
- Maximum slope: 23%
- Arrival altitude: 4,170 m
Among the most difficult mountain passes in the world, the Babusar in Pakistan offers a route as beautiful as it is challenging.
The climb is made through rivers and green valleys, before ending in an arid landscape, at more than 4,100 meters.
If altitude sickness lurks, the sweltering climate characteristic of the Chilas region makes it difficult to breathe.
What further complicate the arrival to the summit.
However, pay attention to the geographical location of this country. Nestled in the Kashmir region, this mount is tvery close to a war zone…
4. Mauna Kea in Hawaii (USA): conquering a giant volcano
Technical characteristics :
- Length: 67.7km
- Average slope: 6.1%
- Arrival altitude: 4,191 m
The highest peak in the Hawaiian archipelago, Mauna Kea is considered by cyclists to be one of the toughest climbs on the planet.
Traced on the sides of this giant volcano, the route starts at sea level to rise 4,000 meters higher, after 67.7 km of pedaling (about 6 hours of effort).
The ascent is made through sumptuous landscapesalternating between mountains, tropical forests and vast wilderness areas.
At the top, the 360° view of the Pacific Ocean and Big Island offers the ultimate reward.
Assistance is still recommendedincluding for the most daring athletes.
The average slope at 13% on the last few miles usually finishes off the last energy resources of the most seasoned cyclists.
Similarly, appropriate physical preparation is strongly recommended before setting off to attack Mauna Kea if you want to overcome this mythical mountain of cycling.
To climb it, two possibilities are available to you: from Kona (famous for hosting the Ironman) or from Hilo.
5. Mount Washington in the United States: 22% slopes
Technical characteristics :
- Length: 12km
- Average slope: 11.9%
- Maximum slope: 22%
- Arrival altitude: 1,909 m
This wild ascent located in the northeast of the United States, in the region of New Hampshire is certainly one of the most trying challenges to do on a bike.
On the program: a average slope at 11.9%strong exposure to the winds and a yaw at the end of the course at more than 22%.
The flattest steps never display an incline less than 10%.
Additional difficulty, the tar stops halfway to give way to compacted gravel for more than 1.5 km. Enough to put your thighs (and your nerves) to the test!
6. The Paso Internacional Los Libertadores on the Argentinian-Chilean border: a road very exposed to the wind
Technical characteristics :
- Length: 25km
- Maximum slope: 14%
- Elevation: 1,600m
- Altitude on arrival: 3,200 m
The Paso Internacional Los Libertadores also occupies a prominent place in our world tour of the toughest climbs.
Located at the border between Chile and Argentinathe first step connects 29 hairpins to go from 600 m to 2,800 m high.
From there, you will still have to cross 7 km before reaching the old road leading to the summit (Chilean crossing point).
The stony path, the 10% incline and the strong winds will contribute to the physical challenge.
Reached the top, no yellow jersey, but a reward that is priceless: a splendid view of Aconcaguathe highest peak in South America and the switchbacks climbed by the strength of your legs.
Good to know: bring warm clothing. In 2013, a snowstorm blocked 15,000 Chileans on the Argentinian side for an entire day.
7. Passo dello Stelvio in Italy: 34.2% maximum incline
Technical characteristics :
- Length: 24.3 km (from Prato)
- Maximum grade: 34.2%
- Elevation: 1,808m
- Altitude : 2 758 m
Return to Europe for the Passo dello Stelvio, the toughest pass of the famous Tour of Italy (Giro d’Italia).
Its altitude, length and inclination place it far ahead of the mythical Col du Tourmalet (France), already renowned for its extreme difficulty.
The different stages of the course will see a succession of maximum slopes of 34.2% and no less than 48 lacesfor an elevation gain of 1,808 meters, all at more than 2,700 meters above sea level.
Open only in summer, the presence of snow cannot be ruled out even on sunny days.
Carried out by the champion of champions Fausto Coppi, the latter said he had the feeling of dying during his first ascent.
8. Mont Ventoux in France: mythical stage of the Tour de France
Technical characteristics :
- Length: 21km
- Average slope: 7.5%
- Maximum slope: 12%
- Altitude : 1 912 m
A mythical stage of the Tour de France, this cycling classic is one of the most formidable climbs in France.
Mont Ventoux offers different routes to reach its summit, the most popular of which is the ascent of Bedoin, located on the southern slope.
Nicknamed the “Giant of Provence”, several stages of the route are exposed to the mistral and the inclination is often greater than 10%.
As you approach the finish, the last six kilometers will take you through a lunar landscape, the first reward before enjoying a panorama of Mont Blanc (Alps chain) and the Mediterranean Sea in the distance, only on a clear day!
Mont Ventoux owes its reputation in particular to Tom Simpson, a 29-year-old cyclist who died of exhaustion (or doping) during his ascent during the 1967 Tour de France.
Ready to take the challenge ?
This world tour of the most difficult climbs to do by bike has given you ideas?
Equip yourself at the best price on Probikeshop and take advantage of the sunny days to take up the challenge. In France, in Europe or in more distant lands, there is no shortage of mythical passes to warm up the calves!
Be careful, the majority of passages are located at high altitudes. In addition to good physical preparation, bring heightened vigilance to the symptoms of mountain sickness.
In case of difficulty breathing, dizziness, nausea or headache, don’t wait to come back down.
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