Giants of Switzerland - Furka, Nufenen & St Gotthard - Cycling Inspiration & Education
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- Опубликовано: 28 авг 2024
- When the summer season lasts only three months (if you’re lucky) then you know you’re in an extreme place. Shrouded in mist and snow drifts for much of the year the Swiss Alps are a place of history, wonder and beauty in equal measure. Their size and expanse is often incomprehensible, instilling the feeling of vulnerability and insignificance to all who dare pass. Persevere and you’re rewarded with an experience that is simply beyond words and imagination. The engineering behind some of these great roads is nothing short of mind blowing, perfectly crafted hairpins and consistently challenging gradients are all part of their charm and character. The Swiss are renowned for their precision and having spent some time living in the country I can tell you that this stereotype goes well beyond watches and train timetables making it a truly unique place to explore.
Starting in the village of Andermatt, nestled in the Ursern Valley, we’re faced with a big day ahead. Three monster climbs above 2,000 metres and over 3,000 metres elevation gain across the 105 km ride is not something to be taken lightly. The first tip is to make sure that you’re well prepared for all conditions, no matter what time of year it is. The weather can change in a moment and the descents can be long and cold. The fourth highest pass in Switzerland after the Umbrail (2,501m), Nufenen (2,477m) and Grand St Bernard (2,469m), the Furka Pass is a popular climb, often ridden alongside its neighbouring Grimsel and Susten passes. Such is the selection of huge peaks in this region you’re often spoilt for choice. It’s always tricky to bypass the Grimsel, its curves seen slicing their way heavenly from the summit of the Furka.
Although today it’s the second climb that I feared the most, a climb that I’ve ridden a couple of times before and one that always had me on the ropes. On paper the Nufenen may appear to be a relatively straight forward grind, 13 kilometres in length with an average of 8.5%, but the reality couldn’t be further from the truth. Suddenly after 3.5 kilometres as the wind starts to howl and the gradient ramps up another notch, you realise exactly why the best Swiss rider of his generation Fabian Cancellara once described this as the hardest big climb in the country. A further four kilometres of battling in slow motion against the raw elements of nature and you hit a series of nine hairpins. Physical turns into a mental battle and it’s you against the mountain all the way to the summit. While the surrounding 4,000m high peaks leave you in awe, the most prominent of which is the 4,274m high Finsteraarhorn, it’s important to pace yourself well as the day is far from over.
The early slopes of the St Gotthard may appear to be nothing more than a maze of roads and bridges, it’s just beyond the town of Airolo, as you follow the signs for Tremola road, where this climb comes into its own. Legend has it that it first became accessible for pack mules by Emperor Charles the Great as early as the 760s. However, it would take more than a thousand years until what looks like a million or more cobblestones were laid and the Tremola road was born in 1832. It’s always amazing to take just a moment to wonder at all the people that have been on such a road over the centuries, who was the very first to scale the St Gotthard and the history that goes much further than the simple pleasure of riding a bike up and over such a marvel.
If you've ridden this loop or any of the climbs featured, let us know how you got on in the comments below. We'd love to hear about your own experience!
Start: Andermatt
Length: 105 km
Highest Point: 2,477m
Elevation gain: 3,187m
Max gradient: 13%
Ridden in August
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Stay well, ride safe and thank you for watching.
Mike Cotty
The Col Collective
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I don't know how many times I've watched this video, again and again. My god, these passes are so beautiful, sublime. And they bring back memories. Thanks Mike.
Same to me ....
Great comment , I would love to do these on a Creo e bike though .
ive watched it a few times and will be riding it in a week!
This man on the road bike awesome, and all so hi is very eloquently spoken man as well.
Watching this video is pure pleasure.
This video gave me the inspiration to ride these. One of the most beautiful rides I've done - thanks.
This is absolutely stunning, that is cycling.
The amazing Thing for me ist Not the fact that all These impressive Cols you reach and explain...its the fact that you spend Most of the time during your ride Out of the saddle!😳 Mashine... incredible human! Great footage 👍💪💪💪
I like the part where he gave the cow water, that was nice to see. 😊
Awesome. Hard to believe it was filmed in August - never seen these places so empty of cars, motorbikes and tourists in the summer!
Sylvain Garde Seriously. I did those climbs on a Friday in September and it was moto, Porsche, moto, Ferrari, moto, moto all day long.
Well it's also the magic of editing, and probably doing some parts of the climb more than one time. U only see a few minutes of a climb that takes 1h-1,5hs also he probably rides it during the work week so alot less trafic. But yeah it isn't easy!
Another cracking video. My bucket list gets longer everytime I tune in. well done to Mike and the team.
Thank you for such a nice advert of our beautiful country. I have cycled up a lot of your featured european alp passes over the years and these videos are outstanding, bringing back great memories. You are a great ambassador of cycling, keep it going....
Oliver Kraus thank you Oliver, I really appreciate your kind words. Ride safe, Mike
I remember Furka, going up late at night in the cold. It was mid summer, mind you. We stayed at the pass, and woke up to a nice showy morning on the 15th of July ;)
Amazing memories!
Every time I watch a Col Collective movie it inspires me to push longer and harder. To better myself whilst cycling. Thanks and keep up the good work Mike!
How beautiful are your videos!.. I must admitt, I am TOTALLY mesmerised, hypnotised by your videos!.. And I love it!!.. In fact, I found myself many times, riding up a hill, getting off the saddle, feeling a little tired, but remembering you saying that you forget the pain when you see the wonderful nature around you! Suddenly, I smile at this thought and a rush of energy propelles me forward!.. Thank you🙏🙏🙏🙏For being such an inspiration!!...💐💕💖🌺🌺💕💕💐💐💐💐💐💐
Phenomenal! There's nothing like the beauty of nature, the power of the human spirit, and the genius of the invention and evolution of the bicycle. This video captures it all. Many thanks to you!
Thanks again Mike & all the Col Collective crew for just fantastic & inspiring video.
Did the loop today👌🏻what an amazing Route 😍
Riding it tomorrow can’t wait
Mike, I love all of your videos but I particularly love seeing the roads and climbs of my adopted home of Switzerland ...... thanks!
Every one of your videos is a masterpiece of cinematography, editing and beautiful riding with narration. Such a pleasure to watch. Gotthard is spectacular with its history and cobbles from masons from generations ago. What a treat! Chapeau, Mike!
A fabulous video! Thank you very much.
Swiss mountain passes are an absolute must for cyclists that like passes.
I rode the Alpenbrevet in 1985, first trip to Europe, first fondo. The Gotthard was memorable as we rode up from Andermatt and I was surprised to discover the descent to Airolo was on cobbles. Had never ridden on the stones before. Great trip and this video makes the memories fresh.
Matt, you have the best job in the world... Awesome cinematography and you make it look so easy. The St Gotthard is now on the bucket list. cobbles at 2000m WOW!!
To climb the Gotthard via the Tremola (valley of tremors) from Airolo is for me the best climb in Switzerland and I think many will agree. Not the longest, not the toughest but the with the cobbles it feels raw and there is usually little traffic. Even on the weekends it is not too bad as there is a second much wider road the bulk of the cars will use. The switchback section close to the top is just amazing. I do it at least once a year with the tour Airolo - Gotthard - Oberalp - Lukmanier to Biasca. Also three 2000 m+ passes but not as hard like the Furka - Nufenen - Gotthard.
Do it! you will not regret it.
I have done 2 of these (the Nufenen and the Gotthard) after the Grimsel and before the Sustenpass in the GF Alpenbrevet (170km 5100m of altitude). Such beautiful climbs but the Nufenen was super hard. The Gotthard was a dream for me as a Belgian with all the cobbles!
ahaahhhh!!
Nueffen is hardest underrated climb imo..wind in your face...and keeps going...descent through ticino is spectacular
Raoul Reulen yes that headwind is a killer😂
I completed this loop today in the same order. The Furka is quite enjoyable and not as difficult as I would have expected. The Nufenen killed my legs and I subsequently almost quit halfway up the Gotthard. Finished the 3 climbs but feel bruised and battered now. Nonetheless it was quite fun. Thanks for the recommendation!!!
Thanks for sharing Andrew Himmer, how long did it take you to complete all 3 passes?
Magnifique Magnifique Magnifique
Folks - what a true masterpiece of a (not only) bicycle documentation. Wow Wow Wow. The last chapter - Gotthardt - was a bit more, it seems to me. My impression was you came very near to what the origin of Switzerland and the Swiss people really means - even most Swiss people do not have a clue about the very core of their history. You managed to get in touch with this old sprit - in the pictures, the music, the cuts, last but not least the fine and smart comments of the young rider. For me one of the very best videos I have ever seen on RUclips. Yes - you made it! 🙏
amazing video, congrats, powerful photography, clean and well done graphics, impeccable job.....!!!! thanks!!!
Thank you so much for your appreciation. Mike
Absolutely amazing, wish I'd have enough money to visit all those beautiful mountains
Thanks… absolutely wonderful
You’re very welcome 🙏🏻
This video is amazing, thank you. I'm heavily inspired. Rode the passes on a motorbike years ago but now into cycling...
I am mad jealous! What a wonderful ride. Lucky bugga!
Saw this video so many times in anticipation to do this ride. Did it yesterday. Ohhh my god!!! I will not want to see the Nufenen again any time soon. Finished it with a lot of cramps and thought I could not longer do the Gothard. With some food, stretching and pain, still did the Gothard. Lovely lovely ride. Really wonderfull. But the Nufenen…..never again 😂
Massive respect Miguel! Nufenen is an absolute monster! 👿 Well done for completing the loop! 💪🏼 Recover well! 🐮
You guys make the most epic cycling motivational videos! And to top that you manage to include quality information. Just can't stop watching your videos. Keep up the brilliant work.
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful (3x) .... as always! :-) I put in my holiday plans!
Always enjoy seeing such beautiful climb, thanks.
Cobbles and alpine climbs - cycling heaven!
Great efforts on and off the bike to bring us these brilliant videos - every one is brilliant, and each better than the last.
Don't know how you do it but thank you and please don't stop!
Wonderful as usual! If I had enough money I would invite you to South America to ride in the Andes and have some fun in the +4000m passes.
Fantastic have ride those passes
Wonderful! The Gotthard is a must-do for all cyclists. Unlike Belgian cobbles, these are nice to ride on. It is great that the Swiss maintain this road so lovingly. Each of the two times I did it, there were postal coaches at the top!
I rode all of those passes in various combinations. Usually take a train to Airolo or Meiringen. Going to my starting point by train, I can also end my tour somewhere else. Furka, Nufenen and Gotthard are nice climbs, for sure. But the decents on Nufenen and Furke are much better in opposite direction. I'll never ride down the Ticino side of Nufenen. What I want to do this year is a tour from Airolo to Grindelwald or even down to Zweilütschinen. It links some of the most epic downhills and a relentless climb up to Grosse Scheidegg before finally dropping to Grindelwald... My 2018 goal.
Another great video. Thank you for the beautiful pictures.
Fantastic tour, thanks for sharing!
Coming from Italy I did 3 times the one from Airolo to St Gottard, with all the cobbles it gives you the impression to go back 200 years!
And how was it possible that the the road was always so quiet.....almost unreal.
But I never managed to do a complete tour like you did....may be this year !
Buenas tardes. Caramba qué trepada tan espectacular, lo mismo que los paisajes. Un viaje introspectivo, es sin duda la invitación, de esté maravilloso entorno. Mil gracias y Saludos desde México.
너무 아름답네요.. 좋은 영상 감사합니다.
Thanks Mike. Don't know whether to laugh, cry, or hurt but it is inspiring. Like E. Williams from New Hampshire said, below, in February in upstate NY we suffer the cold with rides at 20 - 30 degrees F but as a result are too damned short. Need videos like these to dream.
Thanks for the inspirational video. I did the ride last week. Absolutely stunning and a unique combination of climbs!
I love climbs !! Great job! Congratulations and continue to promote cycling hugs from portugal
Great video!Beautiful Swiss!
Epic. And the matching jersey and shorts and socks and shoes and helmets - spot on. Well done.
Wow the scenery is beautiful, this is definitely on my to do list! Thankyou!
Yet another superb video. As I am watching this from snow covered Quebec, Canada at a temperature of -20 degrees ...
your video helps me forgetting winter and yearning for my first spring ride!
Thanks
Just back from Switzerland, rode this loop on the day the Nufenen and Furka Passes opened (8th June). Started with the Nufenen as we set off from Munster. Climbing the Tremola was a challenge as not open yet and 4 of the hairpins were covered in snow. An epic day, thanks for the inspiration.
Absolutely stunning! Watched this as motivation as I geared up for a 21°F ride here in NH USA. Thanks Cotty and crew! Love these!
You're welcome Evan. Stay safe (and as warm as you can). If it's any consolation, it's down to 14°F here, and I'll be the first to admit I hate the cold! Thanks for watching. Mike
Awesome video again Mike and everyone at Col Collective. This place is on for 2019 with my little gang of peddlers! Italy in 2018 along with a trip to the tour on Alp d’Huez and a return trip to Bourg d’Oisans September. Love the videos. Thanks.
Spectacular riding my friend, and epic scenery for sure. Legs hurt just watching...
Excellent work Mike. Bring on summer! 🙌
Exelente esa subida la mejor Col de galibier
Amazing. Need to start planning this as a holiday!
Definitely, cycling is the new golf.
Did that loop and others during a week in Andermatt, a great base for mountain passes.
amazing
Did all 3 this year while living in Switzerland, admittedly not all in the one day. Did the first two climbs from the opposite direction and they were just as pleasing... I count myself lucky to have been fit and healthy enough to have taken on such challenging but rewarding climbs.
Amazing video and I'm sure it was enjoyable experience putting it together and also watching back on the footage.
Bravo
Awesome. Such incredible videos.
super adventure on earth i want to go
Started around 8 AM from Airolo due to roadworks slowing traffic through St.Gotthard tunnel. Annoying headwind on my way up to St.Gotthard pass. No wind at all climbing Nufenen around 12/1 PM. I loved it !!!
Incredible cinematography! Brings cycling to a whole new level to witness! Such a great channel.
Waching these, makes life worth it... 👌
Hola Mike. Excelentes rutas. Te admiro mucho.. Bonitos paisajes. Saludos desde Colombia 🇨🇴
Simply amazing!
The best of Swiss!
Diese Tour ist identisch mit dem Alpenbrevet Silbertour.
Absolut empfehlenswert !
Für die Harten der Harten gibts noch die Gold- und Platintour.
Bin die Goldtour gefahren. Statt Gotthardpass gings in Airolo weiter über Lukmanierpass und Oberalppass. 4.400 hm und 230 km.
Das Wetter ist immer ne Lotterie.
It looks so easy for you. I always have to torture myself on these pass roads. Thanks for your inspiring videos. They remind me of times past. I am now 70 and still ride my racing bike. This summer I wanted to drive a few more passes in the Alps. I trained on Zwift all winter. But the corona crisis destroyed that.
amazing stuff. beautiful scenery and admirable levels of fitness
very neter film with great shots!
We are riding this tomorrow, I get goosebumps watching this! So beautiful!
@13:42 insane serpentines!
Nice!! Those drone shots are just brilliant!!
Cheers Chuck! Love a bit of aerial work here at TCC :-)
Mike, you are an absolute inspiration! Love these videos. Wish I could ride some of these incredible routes one day!
Amazing climbs Mike! Thanks to you and your team for the excellent job showing us those beautiful journeys full of nice views and landscapes. I really feel inspired to keep cycling and specially when I have to climb. As you sometimes say: ABSOLUTELY SUPERB!!
Fantastic to hear! More videos on the way! :-)
Mike, That was awesome! Best one yet!!
Just an all round epic video. The shot at 15:18 is unreal.
It's my favorite big-loop. Furka is a dream (post-ride-MUST-do: watch the legendary Goldfinger Scene on the Furka!) followed by the gnarly Nufenen (really hate it) but the Descent is superbe. And then, for dessert: the almighty Tremola. I just love it, even more than Stelvio and Umbrail. If you even see the historic Post Coach, you're in luck. @Mike: your vids are awesome, thanks.
Fantastic stuff again Mike.
you guys make some of the best cycling content on RUclips! 👏
Dat’s look easy for you 💪!! Thank you for the amazing video!! Greetings from Geneva
Inspired by Mikes awesome col collective videos me and my buddy did the Giants of Switzerland loop yesterday and route of Col de la Crois (36c..), col de Pillon and Col des Mosses day before. Definitely great rides and very different. Keep them coming!
Beautiful, inspirational film, Mike. I'm lucky enough to be moving from the UK to Zug in Switzerland in a few weeks. Only an hour or so from these passes, can't wait for the snow melt! Sure beats cycling in South East England.
Makes me wanna go to Switzerland
Hey Mike.... I really love your stuff, you have inspired me beyond believe! Thanks for all that you do, and you have a wonderful team of people that work with you. Keep it up and stay safe👍
Looks amazing!!
2:55 the Best part
Glad you enjoyed the cow shot, one of our all time favourites :-)
wow, what a view
The tour is really great.
But the cobbles nearly killed me at the end... 😉
What a playground!
Miss your videos! Haven’t seen that many in recent times. Hope things are ok.
I'm doing this turn once every Summer, starting in Amrbri, Airolo, Gotthard, Furka and Nufenen and down the Val Bedretto back towards Ambri again. Absolutely stunning nature! But... I'm not as fast as you are...
Ive done this same loop twice but stayed in Airolo. First time on the Fondo, but second time by myself. That was my most enjoyable ride ever (to date). Finishing on the Nufenen was brutal, but the decent back to Airolo was amazing. That day i saw about a dozen cars. prepare for the altitude though!
great video. thanks
Looks like the Dolomites can wait. Swiss Alps next on the list!
Your channel is amazing.Great video as ussual...
Incredible