Col de Joux Plane (Samoëns) - Cycling Inspiration & Education

A relative late comer to the Tour, the Joux Plane first featured in the 1978 race quickly building up a fearsome reputation. Since then it’s been the backdrop to plenty of fireworks putting the great French champion Laurent Fignon into difficulty in 1983 and Lance Armstrong well and truly against the ropes in 2000, with the Texan describing it as “the hardest day of my life on the bike”. Six years later and the Joux Plane was back in the spotlight with Floyd Landis destroying his rivals and tearing up the road in an attempt to pull back a seemingly impossible time deficit.
Despite all of the pharmaceutical trials an tribulations that would play out in later years the Joux Plane remains un-phased by it all. It’s as if its early slopes were designed to soften even the most trained legs before the latter half really turns the screw, maintaining a near double digit gradient all the way to the summit.
Relax, stay composed, and your effort will be worth it as the Mont Blanc Massif peacefully watch over your every move and you’re gifted with one of the best descents in the Alps back down to Morzine.
Start: Samoëns
Length: 11.6km
Summit: 1700m
Elevation gain: 998m
Average gradient: 8.5%
Max gradient: 12.5%
Ridden in July
Thank you to our partners Mavic, Cannondale, Exposure Lights, Fi’zi:k, Haute Route, Lezyne, Map My Tracks, Muc Off, Scicon, The Sufferfest, TORQ and USE for enabling us to bring these truly special mountains to life for you all. If you're in need of new bike kit in the future and you enjoyed this video then bear them in mind and help keep the wheels turning :-)
For more help and advice visit our website at thecolcollectiv..., become part of our col community and sign up for our free newsletter for monthly updates.
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Stay well, ride safe and thank you for watching.
Mike Cotty
The Col Collective
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[@janjuskrajnc2363]

Anyone bere before today stage in tdf? Great battle again between Jonas and Tadej cant wait... Monsterous climb awaits!!!

[@danalexander3590]

"Chasing daylight, climbing mountains, this is why we ride"- Mike Cotty (Stelvio Video) These videos are stunning. Inspiring music choices, cinematography is unbelievable. Loved all of them, never fails to make me want to get outside and climb some mountains.

[@MikeCotty]

Perfect! That's soooo good to hear and exactly why we try to make them Dan! Thanks for watching! Mike

[@petertaylor123]

After a full year since watching this video...I found myself staying in Morzine. I have just finished climbing this col. It's pretty stunning. Not the easiest by anymeans, but not a 'killer'. If you are in the area, the climb from Morzine o Avoriaz is also pretty stunning. Especially if you then take the quiet descent to Montriond. Minimal cars and the promise of a swim in the lake to cool off. What more do you want!?!?!?! Thanks for your you tips Mike and team....

[@samuelfawdry6411]

This brings back great but painful memories for me.

[@lindamazziotta5609]

Mike's videos are simply superb, they make you want to be there. Brought me to the Sanetsch pass this year, in the Swiss Wallis, truly fantastic!

[@osimnod]

Beautifully done, Mike. I shared your channel with a patient of mine -- he's an avid, 71 year old recreational rider and planning on riding in Europe in 2021. Thought he'd appreciate your creativity, commentary and historical perspective, as do I.

[@anthonyhomercycling]

Thank god I found this channel!!! Everyday inspiration!!!

[@rahulkota1]

Ah! Brilliant in every sense. what a wonderful work done by the team. Mike what a beautiful climb you have covered here. Brilliant work on the bike. Beautiful music and wonderful camera work...simply superb, yet again. Kudos!!!

[@yanniskouretas8688]

As I return from today's training ride , another masterpiece awaits for my viewing pleasure! Thanx Mike ...

[@TheColCollective]

You are VERY welcome Yannis!

[@bugrutch]

Beautiful. Love the commentary about finding your legs Mike

[@vasilymorozov9641]

I really want to tell you thanks a lot! I always enjoy watching your video. I hope will be have a chance to be there someday

[@boethiusm8438]

Your videos should be classed as a public service, for a share of the TV licence.

[@natbell731]

another place to put on my lits to climb grate video 😊

[@MikeCotty]

So many amazing climbs to explore in that area!

[@bedders2]

Very mixed emotions on this climb. My first ever Col was the Morzine side, followed by a bad crash on the way down to Samoens, few days later I tackled this side, was met with rain and thunder half way up, nearly reduced me to tears with the pain, but I battled on and made it to the top. When ever I'm having a bad day on the bike, I got back to the JP and I always get through. Thanks again for a great video Mike!

[@MikeCotty]

Wow, well done for your persistence Hayden. We all have a climb that has taught us more than just cycling, and that we can reflect on during the hard times. That's what makes these mountains so special!

[@willcarling343]

Did this last year and came back and did it last week starting from morzine. I love this col so much

[@Pearlwig]

I'm so glad I found your channel.Totally inspirational

[@MikeCotty]

Thank you! Really happy to hear you're enjoying the vids!

[@steveh2199]

Another gem! Amazing how peaceful and serene the videos make the climbs seem, then you watch the tour and you see the mayhem and pain!

[@MikeCotty]

Totally! Some days they are almost silent, just the sound of a single rider on the road. Other times it's a full on carnival. Love the mountains!!

[@philsmtbs2956]

Cheers CC/Mike. This was fantastic inspiration for L'Etape. Joux-Plane killed my bike - rear derailleur hanger snapped 10m from the summit. Fortunately Mavic guys were just there to turn it into a scooter for me so I could still finish into Morzine!

[@MikeCotty]

No way! The JP takes no prisoners! Vive le Mavic crew!

[@leroyyoder3494]

Chapeau Mike! Well done again. I noticed near the end when the shot is on your tires touching the road, no deflection.....oh to be a featherweight! Thanks again, you do not disappoint!

[@budikeshop]

Videos are my training inspiration :) Thank you Mike

[@kirstyakroyd-wallis7230]

Just completed the Joux Plane at the end of the 2016 L'etape du Tour. Its seriously tough but an amazing experience.

[@MikeCotty]

Fantastic! Big respect Kirsty!

[@craigarcuri2930]

Thanks Mike. These videos never disappoint. Best cycling content anywhere! I know I'll be climbing later today in 90 F heat. The inspiration helps.

[@TheColCollective]

Thank you for your appreciation Craig, really means a huge amount to us. Ride safe! Mike

[@louiswassong211]

Breathtaking video!

[@valentinlopezpuche204]

Great job again. Thanks a lot Mike.

[@TurkiyeCumhurbaskani]

The view from the drone is super nice

[@jessiemorton4219]

I enjoy your videos the places you ride are places I'll never get to ride.I recently bought Lezyne Super GPS computer I saw on your bike,

[@Charles_on_the_Line]

a huge inspiration brother! wanted to thank you for a great job on these videos. way to keep our minds motivated!

[@MikeCotty]

Thank you kindly. M

[@rodrigolabrac9441]

wonderful

[@paulybuckland]

Went up the Joux Plane this summer and it didn’t hold back. That first KM is brutal start

[@digitalvelvet]

Tho I would never pretend to be a rider in the peloton, I have been known to pretend to be Mike Cotty when it ramps up !Great effort as usual MC

[@razcohen5590]

Looks seriously beautiful and epic! Supposedly the decent of the joux plane is just as epic as the climb. I would love to see a real time descent like you do every so often if it is possible!

[@TheColCollective]

The descent is one of the best in the Alps. Unfortunately the road was shut when we ere in town last. We do have some descents on the way though :-)

[@renziencarnacion6989]

i chance upon ur video and ill it superbly great all video i think.keep on pedaling

[@LeonardoAnaia]

Adoro ver os vídeos,pedala muito parabéns show .

[@rik20091]

All Perfect, man!

[@irishrover99]

I gave this video a Like after watching it for 3 seconds as I know it's gonna be good

[@MikeCotty]

Happy days! :-)

[@stranz64]

Aweeeesome!

[@theylivewesee1674]

just what I need

[@petertaylor123]

It feels like AGES since my last CC installment! 😜 Top draw usual from the Col Collective. Thanks guys! One thing I don't understand,,,,,21k subscribers? Where is everyone?? You deserve waaaaay more views/subs for this quality workmanship. "If YOU film it, they will come (eventually)."

[@MikeCotty]

It has been waaaay too long since our last video. Pesky work commitments getting in the way :-( Hopefully more to come sooner now! Spread the word, the more that join The Col Collective community the better. These videos are for everyone :-)

[@petertaylor123]

I was only teasing!! I would still be disappointed if there was 'only' a daily upload!! There's just no pleasing the public! 😜

[@MikeCotty]

+p tay Ha! Trust me, there's nobody in the world that wants these videos out more regularly than me. One a day, that would be a dream!!!! 🐮😋

[@simonblythe5105]

Make sure you train for this, did this last summer and I had to walk but got to the top

[@nikonlickon]

Mike great work mate :) make it look easy buddy haha all the way from Australia!!!!

[@TheColCollective]

Ha, I put it down to camera trickery! ;-) Thanks for checking in. Ride safe, Mike

[@paulgoddyn1380]

Ryan De Silva

[@MrRandomg23]

Great video and really inspiring ride, you should also seriously consider releasing the soundtrack of the collcollective on iTunes, its mind blowing

[@TheColCollective]

Huge thanks for your appreciation, we really can't begin to explain how much that means to us. Especially pleased to hear that you're enjoying the tunes :-) Unfortunately we only have the video rights so we're not able to do anything more with it :-( Ride safe and thanks again for watching! Mike

[@cornealryder5245]

doing some prep as off to do this in August, looks quite tough from what you show. but love the video tres useful! what is a good time to do this ?

[@chekemedina2133]

love cannondale😍😍😘

[@samuelfawdry6411]

when will you do one of the Cold de la Columbiere?

[@jonasgi]

Great videos! Will you consider making a video from the spanish beast Anglirou?

[@TheColCollective]

It's definitely on our list for sure! :-)

[@staminapromos]

I did this last year. Took me 1:32 so I'm happy to say I'm a third as fit as Marco Pantani.

[@mikemccray5304]

What about the music? The blend of music is impressive! I like to listen to it when i ride. What is it?

[@stephanjaure3344]

Same here, could you add the names of the musics/composers with the videos? Wonderful job!

[@tom38334]

Hello,I admire your videos and want to know how many times have you been for the ascent? Thank you and sorry for my bad english i'm french and i'm 15

[@TheColCollective]

Hi Tom, you're English is better than my French and I'm 20 years older! I've ridden the Joux Plane 3 or 4 times in total. For the video we rode it once from bottom to top. Awesome climb and the descent is superb! Thanks for watching! Ride safe, Mike

[@ketilbaudon2742]

@@TheColCollective loool if you want to come back to samoens mountains I could show you some difficult ones because I live in samoens and I know the mountains by heart (sorry for m'y english too im french and i have 16 lol)

[@24samw]

Can I ask when exactly this was filmed. I'm off to the Alps may next year and just looking to see how likely it is that roads like these are open at that time of year. Thanks

[@TheColCollective]

Hi Sam, we filmed this in July. If you're going to hit the highest peaks in the Alps (Galibier etc) then you may have to watch out for snow. Some of the passes could be still be shut, it really depends on how hard the winter is. A good amount will be rideable but normally the highest are cleared by the end of May. Hope that helps, ride safe, Mike

[@icars30]

In future maybe a video with Transfagarasan from Romania. :)

[@renzohobbenschot318]

can you do the monte baldo or the passo di tremalzo ?

[@garryharding667]

Love your channel, Mike 👌 one question: Do you ever sit in the saddle ? :)

[@MikeCotty]

Of course, more than it may appear. The video may only be 10 minutes but there's a lot of "saddle time" in the hour or more it takes to actually ride the climb.

[@garryharding667]

+Mike Cotty Keep up the great work 🚲👌

[@MikeCotty]

+G Harding will do, ride safe and thanks for your support. M

[@Mephistono85]

Brilliant! What is the title of the first song?

[@luanreitzdelima1041]

😱😱😱

[@johnzarn3367]

Are the cranks used on this bike made by Cannondale? I love them!

[@TheColCollective]

They certainly are John, HollowGram SiSL2 with 34/50 SpideRing. Absolutely awesome set of cranks, I've used the HollowGram since 2000 when the first pair was made and they've had me smiling ever since! :-)

[@irishrover99]

mike can you do mortirolo as I'm heading to Bormio next year ,preety please

[@MikeCotty]

Ha! We just did Mortirolo last week! It's in the way!!

[@yangorelov8120]

Please say, what a music in the video?

[@rodgu2153]

What was your time

[@stephanjaure3344]

Can somebody tell me the name of the first song?

[@semwidjaja3520]

can you do the colle delle finestre

[@TheColCollective]

Finestre is on the way! Stay tuned :-)

[@semwidjaja3520]

niceee

[@Phaidrus]

Mike, thanks again for yer another inspirational video! Which wheelset are you running, if I may ask?

[@TheColCollective]

I'm using the Mavic Ksyrium Pro Carbon SL (clincher). I find them to be spot on in the mountains, lightweight, comfortable and versatile for all conditions. Thanks for watching. Mike

[@jaydenhakala7210]

That guy was not happy when you passed him 😂

[@MikeCotty]

Ha! He was all good. We had a little exchange of nods. Great to see him on the JP. Hope I still have the legs in years to come like him!

[@G_Dawg]

Seriously? Not one comment about how he pronounced Samoen?

[@newcastleirishsetdancers]

A pity such a remarkable presentation for such a challenging climb has to mention those two long-term drug cheats with their many years of lying, cheating, etc.

[@MikeCotty]

Hi Arthur, I was definitely considering cutting that part out. It's just what I remember as a kid watching the Tour on the Joux Plane. Shame those performances ended up being null and void. Still part of the history and my memory. Hope you can enjoy it aside from that. Ride safe. Mike

[@newcastleirishsetdancers]

Yes, still find your presentations great. I went on and looked at the Andora Arcalís with Dan Martin video, having just watched the recent Tour de France visit, and had a bit of a laugh at the "Cow" collective video. This one, while a deviation from your usual presentations still have some beautiful camera work and a great visual flow. We can't change the history of cycling, just a pity that Lance (& others) get air time.

[@jessiemorton4219]

It looks great on the bike but have yet to get it to work if you have any pool with anybody at that company how about telling to getting in touch with me help me out cuz it piece of junk right now

[@TheTiobiloute62]

en Français

[@TesterAnimal1]

I did it on Tour day in 2000. Got some great shots, long since lost, of Armstrong suffering like a dog. Pushed a few of the stragglers to help them a little. The skinny pros I could get them up to a sprint. Tried it on Maggie Backstedt. It was like trying to push a bus! 😂

[@TheColCollective]

Pushing Maggie Backstedt would be like trying to push the mountain itself! 😅