CyclistAlpe dHuez during the Tour de France: Cyclings biggest partyAlpe dHuez is by no means the Tour de Frances toughest peak. The climb is only half the length of Mont Ventoux and its summit is some 800m lower than the Col du Galibier. Neither of those climbs, however, nor any other, can match the decibels produced on the Alpe.Over the past few decades this mountain has garnered its own legend, attracting fans from around the globe to bear witness to some of the Tours most defining moments. It has since become a bucket list attraction for any pro cycling fan, leading it to be branded by the level-headed newspaper Lquipe as a climb in the style of Hollywood.So when Tour de France organisers promised the 2026 race would have back-to-back stage finishes on Alpe dHuez, fans instinctively scrambled for the nearest hotel rooms and campsite pitches to guarantee a double bill on the sports loudest mountain.Move over Maracan and Azteca Stadium for one weekend this summer, Alpe dHuez became the biggest sporting arena on the globe, with a reported crowd of half a million people there to catch a glimpse of Tadej Pogaar riding up the mythical hairpins.Between the caravans, Europop and mankinis, Cyclist speaks to some of those who made the sporting pilgrimage.Article continues belowJoe McGortyJoe McGortyJoe McGortyJoe McGortyJoe McGortyJoe McGortyJoe McGortyJoe McGortyJoe McGortyJoe McGortyJoe McGortyJoe McGortyJoe McGortyJoe McGortyJoe McGortyColin from Belgium has camped on Alpe dHuez for five days to bag a good spot, and says it has been one long party.Joe McGortyColinfrom BelgiumIve spent five nights sleeping inside a tent here. Ive got neck pain, back pain, Ive almost lost my voice, but its worth it. Weve been having a party for the past five days, but today is the one weve been waiting for. People have been walking and cycling up here since 4am, so we had an early start to get the party started and make sure they didnt miss out.We have three speakers, so if one runs out of charge or breaks, weve always got another on standby. My favourite thing to play is the Dutch song Links Rechts. Everyone here knows it and its great to see people jumping from side to side together.We were initially a group of 13, but several hundred have now come down to the corner. Weve been chatting away and making new friends throughout the day. I remember some people from the last time I was here four years ago. Thats what the Tours about making memories and connections that last a lifetime.Belgians Thomas, Julien, Kevin and Jordan have attracted plenty of attention in their Quinn Simmons costumes and are hoping for a high five from the man himself.Joe McGortyThomas, Julien, Kevin and Jordanfrom BelgiumWeve been in the Alps all week around ten days already. Today we chose to dress up as Quinn Simmons because we like his character, his look, the energy, the aggression on the bike. Hes been active during every stage of the race so far.We havent been dressed like this for ten days though. This is the first day weve been in fancy dress. We bought the gear off AliExpress and we have some wigs and stick-on moustaches to wear once the race gets closer. Hell probably be dropped by the time he reaches us, but getting a high five from Quinn would be great.We only got off the cable car about 30 minutes ago, but weve already had around 20 people ask for photos. Were expecting a lot of extra attention some Americans have already been quite loud.Were not sure where the best hairpin is to watch the race today, but well find a way to hunt down the best atmosphere. Weve probably had about two beers each for breakfast. Weve got two rucksacks filled with drinks, so I reckon we have about 40 to get us through the day. Were Belgian the beers are never far.Jean-Louis is local and has noticed more French fans in the wake of Paul Seixass rise he may even have to finish lunch early to bag a good vantage point.Joe McGortyJean-Louisfrom FranceWeve lived in Huez since 2001 but my wife was born here. Were not cyclists as such, but weve got lots of Tour memories. This year my cousin is here. Weve never considered putting our house up on Airbnb or anything when the Tour comes. This is a moment for family and friends.Every three or four years this town becomes something else. Every time, the Tour feels more popular. People flock to the bends nowadays, but I think we used to be able to get closer to the riders.There are more caravans too. Theyve taken all the parking spaces in the town. Some have been parked outside our house for a week. I think there are more people this year because of Paul Seixas. Ive noticed more French people in particular. He is our golden boy and when we have a Frenchman doing well, it sparks national euphoria.Well have our lunch on the balcony, then head down. We might have to go earlier than that to get the best spot.Monica and Sofia (above) and Victor (below) have come all the way from Mexico to cheer on Isaac del Toro.Joe McGortyJoe McGortyVictor, Monica, Sofia and Claudiafrom MexicoWere from Toritos [Isaac del Toros] hometown. Were almost family. She [Claudia] was his neighbour.This is our fourth or fifth Tour de France. Weve been to Strade Bianche, the Giro, Tirreno-Adriatico there were maybe six, eight or ten Mexicans at those races. Today there are probably a couple hundred around this one corner.A lot of our Mexican friends have been here for two or three days already. Theres definitely some tequila in the cool boxes around here somewhere, so if Torito wins well get drunk together.Isaacs having a massive impact back home. Finishing second at the Giro created a big boom for the cycling community, but now a culture is growing around the Tour de France. Most people didnt really know what it was about. They knew it was a race in France but nothing else. People are talking about it this time. Theres even a channel dedicated to showing maybe five or six hours of the Tour. Before, you would see just a 30-minute highlight package.Even though we got knocked out of the World Cup, we are still happy because of Isaac. Were not jealous of Tadej either. We want him to help Isaac win a Tour. Isaac will get his time.Karel, Jos and Lars have travelled from the Netherlands and are determined to have a good time, but say Dutch corner has become overcrowded and is prone to drink-fuelled arguments.Joe McGortyJos, Karel and Larsfrom the NetherlandsWhen the Tour route was announced, we knew we had to come here. Its 1,200km from home but we drove it in one go. If you want a spot on Dutch Corner you have to arrive a week before.A Dutch priest would ring the church bell at this corner every time a Dutch rider won on Alpe dHuez. Thats why its called Dutch Corner. We came here because of that. Its like a big orange family. Its often the same people here year after year. We dont know each other in Holland but when we come here we all look out for each other. That atmosphere and the music, its what we call gezelligheid.More Dutch people were here last time we came [in 2022]. There was more atmosphere in the days before, but this year it was a bit quiet. There were maybe ten Dutch people here during the week. In 2022 there were 20 or 30.Because its a good atmosphere people know to come here, so it often gets crowded. People get drunk and arguments start. There were some issues with the police before. Its getting worse and less Dutch every year. Its a shame.Meanwhile Ulf is part of what he hopes will become a new tradition on Alpe dHuez: Danish corner.Joe McGortyUlffrom DenmarkWe had a Danish Corner on the Col de la Loze last year. It was a big success so we felt we needed somewhere for the Danes to gather at this years race.Some Danes started following the Tour in Barcelona. It began with just a small group of friends but word spread about Danish Corner through social media. It has moved around France. Some have been following the race since the start, but a lot of the group have been together since Stage 15 [when the race reached the Alps].You can always see a Danish flag when the Tours on TV. I think its been more noticeable this year. Weve brought a piece of Denmark to France and I think weve challenged Dutch Corner today. Everyone here is wearing red football shirts, flags, its everywhere. One guy has even painted his moustache red. Weve got our own Danish beers, food and Faxe Kondi a drink we call Danish gasoline.Theres great camaraderie here with hundreds of Danes looking out for each other. I have a little child at home, but when you have such good friends around, it helps with the homesickness.Nataa has come from Slovenia to cheer on Tadej Pogaar, but is also sporting a sombrero for his teammate Isaac del Toro.Joe McGortyNataafrom SloveniaIve been to the Giro and the basketball and football European Championships, but never the Tour de France. Its my first time. Ive been watching the Tour on TV since Armstrong, Pantani and Ullrich and Id like to think that I would probably be here even if Pogaar wasnt, but this year I have time, and I dont want to miss my chance to see Pogi.I live near his home town but Ive never seen him race in real life before. I heard that hes underlined this stage, so it would mean everything to see him win.Every time I see Slovenian sport I wear this flag necklace. Its from cheering at the basketball European Championship and the football Euros. Im also wearing this hat [a sombrero] because Del Toro and Pogaar are such good friends.Slovenia is such a small country, so its a huge opportunity for our sportsmen to put us on the map. Right now, Pogaars our number one. Cycling was popular before him but now even more. The clubs dont have space for new kids. Hopefully our government will pay to host the Tour de France soon.Didi the Devil made it to Alpe dHuez despite having his van broken into in Barcelona thankfully the thieves didnt steal his costume.Joe McGortyDieter Didi the Devilfrom GermanyIve been following the Tour in this costume for 33 years. Im 74 now. Ive had a couple of health issues but Im still jumping. Its like an addiction.Fans and riders recognise me. People ask for photos and shout El Diablo at me. Im not sure whether Im a celebrity but I enjoy it. Its my work.Someone asked how much I would have if I had a euro for every photo. The truth is, I dont make any money from that. I have sponsorships, but Im doing it for fun really. Its a funny life. I bring a van with me for the race. Its got a mattress inside. I was staying in a rough area in Barcelona, however, and my van was broken into before the first stage. They smashed one of the windows and stole some of my things. They didnt take my devil costume, but I had to miss the race.I was here on the Alpe for the tape du Tour last week. No other climb in this sport is like Alpe dHuez. This is what cycling is all about.The post Alpe dHuez during the Tour de France: Cyclings biggest party appeared first on Cyclist.