CyclistClassic climb: Col dze, the Nice climb thats packed with pro historyFeeling strong? Dont worry, a visit to Nice will soon kick some humility back into you. The areas winning combination of mild winters, upscale Mediterranean living and the cycling equivalent of ski-in, ski-out access to the mountains has persuaded a good chunk of the WorldTour peloton to base themselves along this sparkling stretch of the Cte dAzur.If you somehow found yourself in possession of a Marauders Map-style plan of the city and its surrounding countryside, youd see names such as Neilson Powless, Matteo Jorgensen and perhaps even Monaco-based Tadej Pogaar or Pauline Ferrand-Prvot floating around it on any given day. As a result, even the most prolific of amateur KoM hunters will find themselves catastrophically cowed by a post-ride Strava scroll.Pro cyclist residents and the occasional visit from the Tour are far from Nices only links to the sport. Since 1933 the city has served as the spiritual and, most years, physical end point of Paris-Nice, connecting Frances first and second most-visited cities via a dramatic eight-day race.The route takes the peloton from the cold, often wet conditions of Paris in early March to the welcome warmth of the Riviera, where the surrounding hills have traditionally provided an arena for deciding the race. There are plenty to choose from, but one climb in particular has become inseparable from Paris-Nices history.Hiding in plain sightThe Col dze doesnt announce itself. Further north, iconic climbs such as the Col du Galibier and Alpe dHuez make themselves known from a distance. You can almost sense them on the approach without so much as lifting your gaze from the tarmac. Starting abruptly at a busy intersection near the city centre, the Col dzes unassuming 10km stretch of road radiates no such aura.The average gradient is a tame 5.8% and its summit sits at a modest 507m. On paper its the sort of climb you might skip when plotting a route in the Alpes-Maritimes, but numbers alone rarely tell the full story.The classic route follows the Grande Corniche the highest of three mountain roads that run east from Nice towards neighbouring Monaco winding its way past hillside residences and through trees before emerging to reveal panoramic views of the coastline below.Arriving at the beginning of the route means first negotiating the city. From the coast, this involves riding inland to the bustling neighbourhood of Saint-Roch. Here, the climb starts right out of the city, surrounded by apartment blocks and traffic lights, and soundtracked by the commotion of everyday life in residential Nice. Because of this, the best time to start is early in the morning, ideally at the weekend, when traffic levels are at their lowest.Article continues belowThe view out to the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula should help fuel legs.Andrew GrantThis sign marks the official start of the Col dze and makes you feel like a pro.Andrew GrantLeaving the urban sprawl of Nice, en route to this cols more arresting views.Andrew GrantThe distinctive Observatoire de la Cte dAzur.Andrew GrantThe start of the Col des Quatre Chemins section is a chance to refill your bidons before leaving civilisation behind (below).Andrew GrantAndrew GrantAndrew GrantAndrew GrantThe view out towards Cap Rouxs dramatic rock formations.Andrew GrantWere three-quarters of the way up, and now is the time to push if youre chasing a time.Andrew GrantThe final bend at the top of the climb before dropping down to the finish the end is nearly in sight.Andrew GrantThis summer, the Col dze was climbed four times on the final stage of the Tour de France Femmes, and proved pivotal in cementing Demi Vollerings overall victory.Andrew GrantAndrew GrantAndrew GrantIn for a shockThose who focus too heavily on the stated 5.8% average gradient are in for a shock during the first 3.5km. Rising out of Nice, the road feels decidedly steeper than advertised. Thats because it is. A long, flat stretch near the top and a 1% portion approximately halfway through bring the overall number down considerably. In reality, most uphill sections of the Col dze are more like 7% or 8%.That changeable rhythm is exactly what made this climb so appealing to race directors. There are ramps, plateaus, false flats and even a short descent. It isnt simply a question of watts per kilo. Knowing where to push, where to ease off and how to carry speed matters too. Its a climb that rewards consistent momentum and intelligent pacing.For decades, this was where Paris-Nice was won and lost. In 1969 organisers introduced an uphill time-trial from Nice up the Col dze, establishing what would become one of the races defining traditions. Eddy Merckx dominated its early years, Raymond Poulidor famously beat him here in 1972, and Sean Kelly later made the climb his own, winning five times during his record run of seven consecutive Paris-Nice wins between 1982 and 1988.The traditional Col dze ITT disappeared after 1995 but returned in 2012. Bradley Wiggins started in yellow and covered the course in 19 minutes 12 seconds, taking the stage and becoming only the second British rider after his childhood hero Tom Simpson to win Paris-Nice.Looking downAs the road climbs up towards the Observatoire de la Cte dAzur, levelling out as it hugs the side of Mont Gros, the city begins to lose its grip. Houses become less frequent, vegetation thickens and traffic thins out. Its at this point that the road reaches the Col des Quatre Chemins, offering a chance to replenish empty bidons at a roadside fountain to the right before the gradient kicks up again.From this point on, the character of the climb changes and the Grande Corniche begins to reveal the first of its famous views. The road traverses high above the Mediterranean, occasionally disappearing behind folds in the hillside before emerging to reveal stunning panoramas out towards the peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and the coastline beyond.For those chasing a time, this is where to burn some matches. Earlier restraint will pay off as parts of the road creep up towards double digits and the promise of flatter ground in a kilometre or two emboldens tired legs. Its here that the Col dze begins to deliver on the mountain-road atmosphere implied by its name.As quickly as it intensified, the slope relents, pulling you around a 90 bend to the left and into a long, straight downhill stretch. From here its just a short sprint to a summit that presents itself without fanfare.If youre not looking out for the sticker-bombed signpost, you could ride straight past it, which wouldnt necessarily be the end of the world given that youd soon find yourself in the village of La Turbie home to perhaps the best pain au chocolat within riding distance of Nice courtesy of Ma Premire Boulangerie. From here you can head back down into the city via the Moyenne Corniche or continue on into the mountains to tackle neighbouring climbs such as the Col de Braus and the Col de Turini. If its the latter, youve got a solid excuse to sample a few additional pastries.The post Classic climb: Col dze, the Nice climb thats packed with pro history appeared first on Cyclist.