The Alpes-Maritimes Department is relaunching the “Cols Connectés” for a fourth season. In 2025, seven days of free events are planned. It’s an opportunity for both amateurs and professionals to gather around a cycling challenge, with an eighth new pass: the Turini from Sospel.
In 2025, cyclists will gather in the Alpes-Maritimes for a series of timed ascents open to everyone. Organized by the Department, the 4th season of the Cols Connectés adds an eighth pass to its course: the Col de Turini, starting from Sospel. A climb of 24.1 km and 1,250 meters of elevation gain. This pass made an impression during the 2024 Tour de France.
The season will start on May 1st at the Col de Braus. Participants will depart from L’Escarène for a climb of 10 km and 662 m of elevation gain. Six other events will follow until October 4th, closing with the ascent of the Col de la Madone from Sainte-Agnès.
The program targets all audiences: amateurs, licensed riders, professionals, families, tourists, or simply the curious. It offers a free timed experience with dedicated signage, online ranking, automatic photo spot at the top, and a souvenir given to each participant.
An accessible and unifying challenge
The concept of the Cols Connectés is part of a sporting approach as well as a tourist and ecological initiative. Each event day is designed to encourage cycling in a friendly spirit. Champions such as Stephen Roche, Mika Chérel, or Claudio Chiappucci will be present to share their experiences and support the cyclists.
Charles Ange Ginésy, president of the Alpes-Maritimes Department, is enthusiastic about this dynamic: “The Alpes-Maritimes offers an exceptional playground for cycling enthusiasts, between the sea and mountains, with numerous passes to climb (…) I am eager to open this season on May 1st on the lovely bends of the Col de Braus.”
The Department is also continuing its bicycle development policy through the 2022-2028 Bicycle Plan. Allocated 62 million euros, this plan aims to create 320 km of bike paths by 2028. The goal is to promote daily cycling, as well as to position the Alpes-Maritimes as a destination for sports tourism.
Sharing efforts and enjoying the landscapes of the Maritime Alps, the Cols Connectés continues to gather cycling enthusiasts. Registration is free for each event, and the first climb is already open for registration:
Col de Braus – May 1, 2025
