It was in 1911 when the Tour de France organization decided to take up the Col du Galibier in the route. In 2011, 100 years after, this fact is honored by the Tour de France organization. The Galibier is one of the most intimidating obstacles of the Tour de France.
Henri Desgrange, he is the first organiser of the Tour de France, loved this climb. He once said that his ideal Tour would see only one heroic rider survive to Paris,
One of the stages in 2011 finished on top of Col du Galibier, which made it the highest point ever to finish a stage. Andy Schleck won this stage. This stage had a cruel combination of climbs. An epic route took the peloton over the Col Angel, which peaked at 2,744m, ten across some of the steepest sections of the Col d’Izoard followed by Col du Lauraret to finish the stage at the Col du Galibier. Andy Schleck launched a brutal attack 60 kilometers from the finish. There was no hesitation from Schleck. This was it. Win or bust.