The Col de Joux Plane is another of the many iconic French climbs located in the Haute Pyrenees. It has been used around 12 times previously in the Tour de France after it debuted in 1978. The climb starts from Samoens which is a picturesque small village.
The first kilometres are steep from the outset just before Plan Praz. Closer to the middle of the climb the section where the gradient goes to its maximum of 12.5%, just before La Combe Emeru.
The average gradient is 8.5% so pacing on this climb, on many, is important. The vistas that open up closer to the summit of the Col de Joux Plane are spectacular and a good reward for the efforts.
The fastest recorded ascent of the Col de Joux Plane was by Marco Pantani in 1997 in a time of 32min 50sec.
