Gréolières 1400 climb: fifth stage of Cols Connectés 06

On 25 July 2026 cyclists covered 25.5 km and 960 metres of elevation gain from Pont-du-Loup up to the Gréolières 1400 resort. This was the fifth stage of Cols Connectés 06, the free series of rides the Alpes-Maritimes department holds on its mountain passes.

A 25-kilometre climb

The route starts at Pont-du-Loup in Tourrettes-sur-Loup and climbs the slopes of the Cheiron massif to the Gréolières 1400 ski resort. Number collection opens at 9:30 and the start is at 10:00; the stage is organised by the Alpes Azur club. By distance it is one of the longest climbs in the Cols Connectés 06 programme.

Who rides in the 2026 season

The ambassador of the series is Irishman Stephen Roche: in 1987 he won the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia and the World Championship, matching Eddy Merckx’s triple crown. Claudio Chiappucci, Gianni Bugno and Mikaël Chérel also ride this season, the Alpes-Maritimes department reports.

Eight stages a year

The 2026 series runs over eight days: la Madone (5 April), Turini (16 May), Valberg (13 June), a mystery col (4 July), Gréolières 1400 (25 July), des Champs (5 September), de Braus (20 September) and Saint-Raphaël (27 September). Entry is free and for the day the road becomes a timed course.

Mountains instead of the beach

The department describes the series as serving two aims: giving cycling enthusiasts a sporting experience and supporting mountain resorts as year-round destinations. A year ago the same climb drew more than 250 riders, and the finish ended with a pan-bagnat party hosted with a local restaurant.

We have written about the Alpes-Maritimes back country in summer in our pieces on Auron and on the gravel routes of Mandelieu.

— — —

Photo: RUN 4 FFWPU / Pexels