Col du Galibier: Our Marks on the Epic Mountain of the Tour de France

The Col du Galibier, a mountain that evokes awe and excitement in the world of cycling. This legendary pass, majestically rising in the French Alps, has been a staple of the Tour de France for over a century. This year, the fourth stage from Pinerolo to Valloire leads over the Galibier. We set out from Bern to France to experience cycling in its purest form on this epic mountain. And to leave our marks, our orange dots, on the mountain. Because the Col du Galibier is not just a pass; it is a symbol of passion, endurance, and the unbroken spirit of cycling.

The Col du Galibier: A Place of Legends

Since its first crossing in 1911, the Col du Galibier has solidified its status as one of the most iconic climbs of the Tour de France. At an elevation of 2,642 meters, it is one of the highest points reached in the Tour. The climb is relentless: the road winds up the mountain for 23 kilometers, with an average gradient of 5.1%, reaching over 10% at its steepest points. But it is not only the physical challenge that makes this pass so special. It is the stories and legends reflected in every curve and steep section.

Here, some of the greatest cyclists of all time have left their marks. From Fausto Coppi to Eddy Merckx to Chris Froome, each of them has experienced moments of greatness and suffering on the Galibier. These epic duels and heroic performances have made the Galibier a myth, a place where legends are born.

#ridethedots: The Orange Dots on the Mountain

The Tour de France is the ultimate road bike race—a cultural phenomenon and a moving spectacle that captivates millions of fans worldwide. Spectators along the route transform the streets into a colorful, cheering sea of euphoria. And in the midst of it all: the orange dots of ILEVE DISTRICT, decorating the road, pointing the way up, and serving as a hallmark of our Swiss-made cycling glasses.

#ridethedots is the essence of ILEVE DISTRICT. The orange dots represent not only the orange pins that form our hinges and make our glasses unique but also precision, innovation, passion for cycling, and the unwavering will to blaze new trails. No mountain embodies these values better than the Col du Galibier.

The #swissmade Cycling Glasses from Bern

We strive daily to meticulously develop our cycling glasses—not just for the Maillot Jaune, but to offer all cycling enthusiasts the best possible sport glasses. Our glasses impress with the highest wearing comfort, an unrestricted field of vision, and optimal eye protection in all weather and light conditions. Our models combine minimalist design with durable materials. Co-developed by Fabian Cancellara, our cycling glasses are designed and sustainably produced in Switzerland using 3D printing.

The Col du Galibier is more than just a mountain. It is a symbol of the passion and challenges of cycling. And, just like a young startup, it reflects the essence of relentless effort and joy, showing that success and disappointment are closely intertwined.

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