Despite its recent debut for the professional peloton, Grand Colombier in Ain has become a key feature of the biggest cycling races in the space of just a few years.
The 2026 Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes adds to the excitement with a double ascent of the pass, from two of its slopes. The peloton will first take on its iconic hairpins, cut into the rocky ridge itself, before closing the stage with the climb to the Selle de Fromentel, where gradients reach 22%.
The finish at the summit, at 1,501 metres, promises to be spectacular, as riders reach their limit against sweeping views over the great lakes and the Alps.
This legendary pass is also especially popular with amateur cyclists looking for a challenge! Since 2012, when the Tour de France first featured this climb, the Grand Colombier cycling days have attracted more than 2,500 participants from around the world each season.
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