Every year during the Tour de France, the Dutch corner at Alpe d'Huez becomes a focal point for a massive crowd of fans. The site, corner seven, is known for the electric energy it brings to the race. Thousands of Dutch cycling fans gather there, dressed in orange and carrying drinks. Music, including Europop, fills the air. This year, the celebration will peak on Friday as the peloton arrives for the final mountain stage. The Dutch fans have already started arriving and will continue to create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Dutch riders have a special connection to Alpe d'Huez. More of them have won stages on this mountain than any other nationality, even surpassing the host country. The mountain is sometimes called the Dutch Mountain due to this rich history. For Dutch riders, the climb is more than just a race — it's a deeply personal experience. Thymen Arensman, one of the notable Dutch riders, has a personal bond with the climb.
Arensman, who competes for the Netcompany Ineos team, won two Tour de France stages last year. He has grown up with the Tour, especially the Alpe d'Huez stage, since his childhood. He recalls going to corner seven with his parents on vacation. As a child, he dreamed of racing there and climbing it as quickly as possible. Now, he trains on the same hairpins as his team, but the challenge remains unchanged. The climb is just as difficult as he remembered.
Challenges and Celebrations
This year’s Tour de France has been one of the most demanding in history. A scorching heatwave in the first 10 days, along with record-breaking speeds, has drained riders. The race has been tough from start to finish. The final days of the race include three consecutive uphill finishes in the Alps, with Alpe d'Huez being the most notable. For some riders, simply finishing the stage within the time limit is a challenge. The climb's difficulty means riders must manage their energy carefully.
Frank van den Broek, who is in his third Tour de France, acknowledges the difficulty of the climb. He says the corner seven will be a highlight, but the rest of the climb is a significant challenge. The success will depend on how his legs feel and the strict time limit imposed. Daan Hoole, who is in his first Tour, shares memories of watching the race with his brother as a child. They would pretend to be professional climbers and race their bikes. Hoole now sees the race as a mix of celebration and struggle.
Hoole was once a fan of the Schleck brothers, the Luxembourg cyclists known for their performances on Alpe d'Huez. As a child, he would imagine being like them. He and his brother watched the race together, and their childhood dream was to one day ride in the Tour. Now a two-time national time-trial champion, Hoole has grown over two meters tall and no longer fits the profile of a climber. Still, he dreamed of climbing like the pros and remembers the climb as a magical experience.
Party and Pain
Despite the party atmosphere at corner seven, the climb remains a physical challenge for riders. Frank Schleck won a stage at Alpe d'Huez in 2006, while his brother Andy rode the mountain in the yellow jersey in 2011. Their success highlights the mountain’s significance. For Hoole, the climb is not just about fun and memories. He explains that once you're in the race, the romanticized version of the Tour quickly fades. The climb is a test of endurance and strength.