The route out of Turin to get onto the original first climb, the Colle del Colombardo, is direct and fast to give us more time to take on the climb. With a little re-mapping you will find quieter cycle lane routes a little to the north of the river Stura di Lanzo.

The Colombardo climb has a reputation, though it’s arguably not as bad as they say. It’s the equivalent of those first few bars of a great metal track that grab you by the scruff of the neck and then that’s it, you’re head down and rocking all the way to the end. Real Rally riders tackle the Colombardo and drink a cold, well-earned beer afterwards while basking in the knowledge when on that day, they were heroes and heroines...

After the Colombardo it's onto the famed Colle del Finestre, a long but exceptionally picturesque climb that leads onto the Strada dell'Assietta. After descending from the Assietta there's a brief climb up to Montgenevre through a unique tunnel before arriving at Briancon's fortified old town. After a few km of climbing the early stages of the Izoard climb out of Briancon it's time to decide on which section to take next - the wild Col de Peas 'rough stuff' route or the classic Col d'Izoard?