Tres Cols 9th September

It was always going to be a tough ask backing up yesterday’s big ride with another three big cols.  But to get in as much riding as possible during my time in France meant that some hard rides over consecutive days were going to be necessary.

This was a loop listed in the local tourism office cycling guide and given it linked in the Col de la Cayolle 2326m, the Col des Champs 2080m, and the Col d’Allos 2250m sounded too good to pass up.

My legs were as expected very weary; fortunately the Col de la Cayolle makes it height gradually over much of the ascent. Initially the road rose through a tight gorge and over numerous arched stone bridges, then through small villages and pastures dwarfed by the hills on either side.  

Road to the Col de la Cayolle - looking back at one of the bridges

Mid climb up the Col de la Cayolle

The col is sighted a couple of kilometres from the top as the road has made its way above the trees. There are a couple of sections here around 8%, but relief is soon at hand once the pass is reached.

Top of the descent south off the Col de la Cayolle

As per usual, a fast descent led down to the small village of St Martin d’Entraunes where I was able to refill my bidons before heading up to the Col des Champs. Another climb that wasn’t too challenging till the last few kilometres of exposed hairpins.

Last kilometres of the Col des Champs

From the top of this climb, I had the displeasure of descending the worst road down the other side to Colmars. It was a very unpleasant 12 kilometres of rough, potholed hell. With the dappled light through the trees, it was near impossible to read the best lines. All I could do was stand in the pedals, keep a loose grip on the drops and hope for the best. Even a dual suspension mountain bike would have been challenged here!

Thankfully it wasn’t too long, so once on the main road back out to the col d’Allos I was able to try and relax again. By this time though, the last couple of days were taking their toll and I started to suffer. My focus was just on ticking down the distance to the top which lead the final 24km back to town. This worked till I reached the ski resort and saw the final 6 kilometres.

Last switchbacks on the Col d'Allos

Till now I recalled the gradient over this climb wasn’t too bad and indeed these kilometres were only 7%. But seeing the road snaking its way up above definitely dampened my resolve. To add to the stress, I was passed on the way by numerous vintage sports cars to the ski resort and they were using this last section of the climb as a special stage! Open road, in many places only one car wide and these guys barrelling past. I must say they were very respectful, but as you could hear and see them a mile off and if their arrival coincided with a narrower section I happily stopped and waved them through.  This was the most beneficial option for them and me as I had cracked.

I did make the col d’Allos and immediately descended the couple of hundred metres to the Refuge, where I ordered a Coke and an Apple pastry. Once devoured, all that I needed to do was rollback into town.

Descent off the Col d'Allos to Barcelonnette

Given the descent down the Col des Champs, I’d be inclined to recommend this loop in reverse. The Col d’Allos from Barcelonnette looked worthwhile, the other side to the Col des Champs is a good road so the descent would be better that way and the climb up the Col de la Cayolle looked nice as well. Maybe next time…

Ride details:
Distance 120.07km
4673m elevation