Signal du Mont du Chat, Mountain summit in Savoie, France.
Signal du Mont du Chat is a limestone summit reaching 1,504 meters in the Jura Mountains with views toward Lake Bourget and surrounding peaks. The road climbs the mountain over roughly 13 kilometers with an average grade of 9 percent.
The mountain gained fame in 1974 during the Tour de France when Belgian cyclist Eddy Merckx won the stage featuring this climb. This marked a turning point in establishing it as a legendary professional cycling route.
The limestone summit has long served as a landmark for people in the region and attracts cyclists who come to test themselves on its steep slopes. The route is a popular training spot for riders seeking a serious physical challenge.
The road is well-paved and clearly marked, though several tight hairpin turns make the ascent demanding for drivers and cyclists. Conditions are generally best from spring through fall when snow and ice are not a concern.
The route maintains a sustained grade above 10 percent for several kilometers, making it one of France's steepest continuous climbs. This relentless slope without relief keeps it a place where cyclists face their toughest tests.
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