What do the climb categories mean?
Climbs are graded according to their severity, from fourth to first category, plus the very hardest climbs which are considered 'hors categorie' or 'beyond category'. The gradings take into account the length and steepness of the climb and the position of the climb in the stage, with the quality of the road surface making up a final, less important factor.
http://www.faqs.org/faqs/bicycles-fa...ection-22.html
Last edited by Laggard; 07-12-04 at 05:15 PM.