Izoard Pass
Arvieux
But the pass is best known for its spectacular Casse Déserte site, which is made up of scree from which cargneulic peaks emerge. As well as being a spectacular geological feature, the pass has become an iconic stop on the Tour de France cycling race. With a gradient of 8% on the last ten kilometres of the ascent to the pass, the greatest champions such as Fausto Coppi and Louison Bobet have forged their reputations there. Indeed, a stele has been erected in their memory.
It is also the venue for a host of other prestigious cycling races such as the Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré, the Giro d'Italia, the Serre-Che Luc Alphand, the Embrunman (one of the toughest triathlons in the world)...
Over time, the Izoard has become a myth. Don't we say that ''a champion enters the casse déserte alone''?
It is also the venue for a host of other prestigious cycling races such as the Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré, the Giro d'Italia, the Serre-Che Luc Alphand, the Embrunman (one of the toughest triathlons in the world)...
Over time, the Izoard has become a myth. Don't we say that ''a champion enters the casse déserte alone''?
