It all began at this point: Deux Mille. The day following our triumph over L’Alpe d’Huez with its 21 winding turns, we examined the map and made the decision to tackle the Col du Glandon, famous for its inclusion in the La Marmotte Grandfondo. After regrouping at the Col du Glandon, we made the choice to ascend the final three kilometers to reach the Col de la Croix-de-Fer. At the chilly café atop, a local uttered the now-famous words: “Deux mille soixante-sept.” And so, Deux Mille came into existence.

Starting from Lac du Verney, the climb can be divided into three sections. The initial part is a steep ascent through the forest leading to the quaint village of Le Rivier d’Allemont. On the opposite side of the village, a rapid and technical descent takes you down to the Eau d’Olle River, immediately transitioning into a 12% climb. Be cautious of your gear selection as your speed drops from 70 kph to 5 kph in a matter of seconds. The landscape opens up and becomes more rugged in the second section, guiding you to Barrage de Grand Maison and the renowned Lac de Grand Maison. A brief descent gives way to the final section, another demanding stretch of five kilometers up to the Col de la Croix de Fer. Col du Glandon is positioned on the shoulder of Col de la Croix de Fer, marking the halfway point of this final section.

Approaching from the Maurienne Valley can take various routes, depending on your choice. All of them converge around Saint-Jean-d’Arves, roughly ten kilometers from the summit. The last four kilometers feature those iconic hairpin turns.