3 Ways to Climb Alpine Hairpins Efficiently (And When to Use Them)

Riding hairpin bends or switchbacks efficiently can save energy, maintain momentum and make climbing in the Alps much easier. In this video I explain the three different lines I use when riding switchbacks and hairpin bends, whether I'm tackling the Marmotte Granfondo, the Étape du Tour or simply riding in the French Alps. We'll cover: ✅ Why Switchbacks matter ✅ The Survival Line ✅ The Momentum Line ✅ The Attack Line When to use each technique and as always, adjust your line to suit traffic, road conditions and visibility. Let me know in the comments which line you prefer. Subscribe for more cycling tips, climb guides and routes from the French Alps. #cycling #etapedutour #marmotte #cyclingtips #frenchalps #roadcycling 👉 If my videos have helped you in any way and you'd like to support the channel, you can contribute via the link below or through YouTube Super Thanks. Your support is greatly appreciated — thank you 🙏 https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/alpsc... 👉 Subscribe for more content:    / @cyclinginthealps   👉 check out our e-guides here; 👉 https://www.breathebike.com/eguides 👉 first time Etaper? e-guide here 👉 https://breathebike.gumroad.com/l/eta... 🔗 L'Étape du Tour 2026 (pro route):   / strava   🔗 Etape du Tour 2026 e-Guide: https://breathebike.gumroad.com/l/eta... 🔗 Water fountains in France: https://eaupotable.info/fr/fr-france 🔗 Cycle the French Alps with us: https://www.breathebike.com 🔗 Follow Mike Cycling in the Alps on Strava 👉   / strava   🔗 Private Airport Transfers from Geneva 👉 https://www.ResortRides.com 🔗 Join us on Facebook 👉   / breathebike   👋 About Us I'm Mike - based in the French Alps near Chamonix, and passionate about cycling the mountains of France. I film and edit all the videos, sharing stunning scenery, Etape insights, and cycling tips from Haute-Savoie — home of the 2027 UCI World Championships. BreatheBike.com Domancy France If you love cycling in the French Alps — you’re in the right place. Please like 👍 and subscribe to support Cycling in the Alps. Welcome to Cycling in the French Alps. Conquer Switchbacks like a pro (or a 58 year old MAMIL) | Make hairpin bends work for you Timecode 0:00 Introduction to riding switchbacks hairpin bends 0:33 Why Switchbacks matter 1:23 The survival line 1:48 The Momentum Line 2:09 The attack line @alpscycling #etapedutour2026 #letapedutour2026 #letapedutour