‘Chiappucci's Seven-Hour Legend’ – exclaimed the headline in the Gazzetta dello Sport the day after rider Claudio Chiappucci's triumph in the 13th stage of the 1992 Tour de France. Indeed, Chiappucci, also known as El Diablo, delivered a performance still remembered as one of cycling's greatest feats. The stage profile was insane: 250 kilometres (155 mi) and five Alpine passes, including the towering 2,764-metre (9,068 ft) Col de l’Iseran.

In a French TV interview before the race, Chiappucci said he was feeling great. Thanks to his excellent form, his race result was astounding: over 200 kilometres (124 mi) in the breakaway, with 125 of them solo.

After the sprint at the Col de Saisies, Chiappucci unexpectedly found himself among the small group of breakaway riders at the start of the Cormet de Roseland pass. Faced with a lack of cooperation in the leading group, Chiappucci tackled the Col d’Iseran’s slopes alone. It seemed like a futile move, destined to fail, and his decision drew considerable criticism in Italy, sparking a new rivalry reminiscent of those between Coppi and Bartali or Moser and Saronni.

Approaching the final ascent to Sestriere, Chiappucci's lead over the chasing group had dropped from five minutes to a minute and a half. Indurain overtook Bugno, reducing the gap to under 60 seconds. However, in the last kilometres, buoyed by the overwhelming support from the crowd (over 100,000 people in Sestriere), Chiappucci summoned his remaining energy reserves, and Indurain succombed to the scorching heat. Claudio Chiappucci was victorious in the legendary stage, ahead of Vona and Indurain.

Cycling this historic Tour de France stage gives you the opportunity to conquer iconic passes such as Col d’Iseran, Mont Cenis and the alpine Cormet de Roseland. The Flixbus service will take you from Turin to the starting point in Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains. You’ll need to reserve a place for your bicycle well in advance.

The first ascent awaits you in Saisies, and features expansive green meadows and opportunities to refresh at various bars on the summit. This is also the site of Marco Pantani's unsuccessful attack on Lance Armstrong during the 2000 Tour de France. The Romagna rider launched his attack well before the finish line – an attempt that ultimately fell short.

The climb to Cormet de Roseland is much harder than the previous one, but you’ll be rewarded by the breathtaking panorama of an artificial lake with crystalline blue waters. The subsequent ascent is just as epic Good bike lights will be essential for the numerous tunnels on your way up the Col d'Iseran.

The Montcenisio climb leads you back to Italy. At the summit, you’ll find an alpine lake and a museum dedicated to this famous pass. A delightful descent takes you to Susa, past grand Roman monuments, then a gentle slope guides you to the base of the final ascent to Sestriere. From there, a bus journey to Oulx train station connects you to Turin.

Sestriere is a frequent Tour de France stage finish, and will feature again in 2024 on the fourth stage. The Alpine passes are only accessible in summer. Along the way, towns offer refreshments and accommodation. These roads will remain forever etched in your memory, just as Claudio Chiappucci's remarkable race lives on.