The Ascendancy of the Col de la Loze: A New Myth in the Tour de France Pantheon
A mere five years ago, the Col de la Loze was an unknown entity to the wider cycling world. Today, however, this formidable ascent in the French Alps has rapidly carved out a reputation for itself, earning monikers like “the 21st Century Pass” and “a real beast” as it cements its place in the recent history of the Tour de France.
The article from Franceinfo, published on July 24th, 2025, delves into the remarkable transformation of the Col de la Loze from an obscure mountain road to a legendary testing ground for the world’s elite cyclists. Its meteoric rise is a testament to the challenging nature of the climb and the dramatic spectacles it has produced in its short but impactful tenure on the Grande Boucle.
The Col de la Loze first made its appearance in the Tour de France in 2020, immediately capturing the attention of riders and fans alike. Its defining characteristic is its brutal gradient, particularly in the final kilometers. With sections reaching well over 10%, this relentless incline punishes even the most well-drilled climbers, pushing them to their absolute limits. This sheer difficulty is precisely what has contributed to its growing mythos. Unlike some of the more established, historically revered climbs, the Col de la Loze is a modern challenge, a true test of endurance and mental fortitude in the contemporary era of the sport.
The Franceinfo report highlights how the physical demands of the Col de la Loze create breathtaking sporting drama. The exposed nature of the road, often above the tree line, offers panoramic views but also leaves riders vulnerable to the elements and exposed for all to see as they battle the gradient. This visual spectacle, combined with the intense physical struggle, makes for compelling television and unforgettable moments. Cyclists have spoken of the sheer, unrelenting nature of the ascent, describing it as a “vacherie” – a French term that conveys something particularly tough or unpleasant, albeit in a way that commands respect.
The “21st Century Pass” moniker speaks to the modern context of the climb. In an era where riders are fitter and more specialized than ever before, the Col de la Loze represents a new frontier of difficulty, a climb that demands a complete rider. It’s a testament to how cycling’s narrative continues to evolve, with new challenges emerging to test the mettle of future generations of champions.
In just a few short years, the Col de la Loze has moved from a footnote to a headline act in the Tour de France. Its demanding profile, coupled with the indelible images of riders battling their way to the summit, has ensured its place in the pantheon of iconic climbs. As the Tour de France continues to seek out new and challenging routes, the Col de la Loze stands as a shining example of how a relatively new ascent can quickly achieve legendary status through sheer, unadulterated difficulty and the unforgettable stories it helps to write. Its inclusion in the 2025 Tour de France, and likely future editions, will undoubtedly continue to solidify its mythic reputation.
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France Info published ‘Tour de France 2025 : “Le col du XXIe siècle”, “une vraie vacherie”… Comment le col de la Loze est devenu mythique en cinq ans’ at 2025-07-24 04:00. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.