How to Ride Climbs

Dream of climbing the big mountains of the Pyrenees like Demi Vollering? Dancing up the Alps like Remco Evenepoel? We’ve got the same featherweight, scalpel-like efficient road bikes and gear these climbing legends trust—but it takes more than top-tier equipment to become a better climber on a bike.

We mere mortals may not have the watts-per-kilo or killer instinct of the pros, but with the right cycling climbing tips, consistent training, and the right setup, you’ll start riding hills stronger—and smarter.

Here are five proven ways to climb like a pro cyclist this summer:

Tour de France Mens 2025 - Major Climbs

Hautacam (Stage 12)

• Location: Hautes-Pyrénées

• Elevation: 1,520 meters

• Length: 13.6 km

• Average Gradient: 7.8%

• Notable Features: A steep and relentless climb that serves as a summit finish, revealing riders' true climbing abilities. The Tour won’t be won here - but it could be lost here.

Superbagnères (Stage 14)

• Location: Haute-Garonne

• Elevation: 1,800 meters

• Length: 18.5 km

• Average Gradient: 6.3%

• Notable Features: Perhaps the coolest name of any climb, it’s summit finish that will come after the monstrous Col du Tourmalet. Expect to see a motivated GC group chasing a small breakaway to the line.

Mont Ventoux (Stage 16)

• Location: Vaucluse, Provence

• Elevation: 1,909 meters

• Length: 21.5 km (from Bédoin)

• Average Gradient: 7.5%

• Notable Features: Dubbed the "Giant of Provence," it's infamous for its barren, wind-swept summit and the tragic death of Tom Simpson in 1967. Dead flat for 150 km then straight up, the climb will be supersonic this year.

Col de la Loze (Stage 18)

• Location: Savoie, French Alps

• Elevation: 2,304 meters

• Length: 26.2 km

• Average Gradient: 6.5%

• Notable Features: The highest point of the 2025 Tour, featuring a summit finish. Known for its steep gradients and narrow, winding roads, it's a decisive climb in the Alps.

Tour de France Femmes 2025 – Major Climbs

Col du Granier (Stage 7)

• Location: Savoie

• Elevation: 1,134 meters

• Length: 9 km

• Average Gradient: 5.4%

• Notable Features: A less-known climb that can serve as a springboard for attacks, adding strategic complexity to the race. With a rapid descent to the finish it’s all about risk vs reward.

Col de Plainpalais (Stage 8)

• Location: Savoie

• Elevation: 1,174 meters

• Length: Approximately 9 km

• Average Gradient: 5%

• Notable Features: A scenic climb through the Bauges region, offering both beauty and challenge, setting the stage for an early breakaway that just might stick.

Col de la Madeleine (Stage 8)

• Location: Savoie, French Alps

• Elevation: 1,993 meters

• Length: 18.6 km

• Average Gradient: 8.1%

• Notable Features: A classic Alpine climb, known for its length and steepness, as a summit finish it should be THE decisive climb of the 2025 Tour de France Femmes.

Col de Joux Plane (Stage 9)

• Location: Haute-Savoie

• Elevation: 1,700 meters

• Length: 11.6 km

• Average Gradient: 8.5%

• Notable Features: One of the most challenging climbs in France, featuring irregular and steep gradients, right in the middle of the stage it’s sure to have a huge impact on GC.