Col du Tourmalet
Elevation: 2,115m Region: Midi-Pyrenees Open: June to October As the only pass in the Pyrenees above 2,000m and the first true big climb used in the Tour de France, the Tourmalet holds legend status amongst riders the world over. The Tourmalet was first used in the 1910 Tour de France and has since been used in on average 3 out of every 4 times the Grand Boucle is held. The Col du Tourmalet is served by two faces, very similar in difficulty but often experiencing completely different weather patterns. The East face from Sainte-Marie de Campan is a 17.1km ascent at an average pitch of 7.5% whilst the Western face from Luz Saint Saveur is an 18.7km climb with the same average pitch. The Eastern face contains a marginally higher maximum pitch at 11%, but it is on the last kilometre of the Western face that the toughest section as it finishes with a section over 10% at the conclusion. Both faces are very consistent though and a rider in a good rhythm will find the Tourmalet an enjoyable challenge. Things to know: At the summit is a great little restaurant full of cycling memorabilia. There is also a monument to Jacques Goddet, director of the Tour between 1936 and 1988. The Pyrenees has some of the most variable weather patterns in France. Don’t leave your hotel unprepared! Looking for a great day’s riding, make a loop of Lourdes – Argeles Gazost – Tourmalet – Bagnerres de Bigorre – Lourdes. At roughly 90km this will be a very rewarding day in the saddle. |
Hautacam
Elevation: 1,520m Region: Midi-Pyrenees Open: April to November Located between Lourdes and the Col du Tourmalet, the Hautacam is one of the most famous ski resorts in the Pyrenees. In summer it opens its roads to the cycling fraternity for good reason. The climb starts at le Pont du Gave de Pau and winds its way 15.5km to the ski station with a consistent pitch of 7.3% which extends to 11% towards the summit. Surprisingly given its proximity to a number of major climbs, the Hautacam has only been used a few times since its first appearance in 1994. For the cycling enthusiast, the Hautacam offers a nice warm up to the bigger climbs of the regions but don’t underestimate it as pound for pound it is not far shy of more famous climbs such as l’Alpe d’Huez. Things to know: Historically the finish line of the climb is at the ski village, but you can continue to climb to the restaurant at the Col du Tramassel which is another 100m of elevation gain and has incredible views. Every July the Hautacam plays host to a number of cyclosportives. |
Luz-Ardiden
Elevation: 1,715m Region: Midi-Pyrenees Open: March to November Much like the Hautacam, Luz-Ardiden is often forgotten given its more famous neighbours. The ride itself is magic, the road climbs from Luz Saint Saveur in a series of dramatic switch-backs that give riders stunning views down the valley to Argeles Gazost and upwards to the Tourmalet. At 13.4km, averaging 7.7% with sections of 12%, Luz-Ardiden offers riders a challenge particularly when ridden from further down the valley. The ski station was introduced in 1975 when the road was extended further up the mountain side, the Tour de France then followed for the first time in 1985. Things to know: It was here in 2003 that Lance Armstrong recovered from a fall early on the climb to post one of his most emphatic stage wins and secure the yellow jersey. |
Pla d’Adet
Elevation: 1,669m Region: Hautes-Pyrenees Open: March to November If you are looking for a leg burning ride on spectacular mountain side then look no further than the Pla d’Adet. From Saint Lary, the climb averages 8.2% over 11.6km with gradient peaks of around 12%, the bulk of which occurs early in the ride to leave you breathing heavy for the balance of the ride. The climb was first introduced in 1974 and has since featured numerous times as it presents a great conclusion to a stage linked to the neighbouring passes. Things to know: Saint Lary Soulan offers a great spot to base yourself with many nearby climbs, the town is also home to hot springs, a welcome relief at the end of the day. The globally popular George Hincapie won here in 2005. |
Plateau de Beille
Elevation: 1,780m Region: Midi-Pyrenees Open : March to November The Plateau de Beille is quickly becoming a favourite of Tour de France organisers having been introduced for the first time in 1998. Close to Ax-les-Thermes, the climb provides a great mountain top stage finish and its 16km of ascent at close to 8% provide an opportunity for the pure climbers to make a decisive break. Early sections of the ride are often shaded as it winds through young forest before it opens to a baking sun closer to the summit. In the final kilometres, the gradient does ease slightly. Things to know: As you climb, make sure to take in the ruins of the Chateau de Verdun early in the ride. Kilometre 12 contains the most challenging moment as you will spend just shy of a kilometre at close to 11% pitch! |
Superbagneres
Elevation: 1,800m Region: Midi-Pyrenees Open: February to November The tradition of great mountain top finishes in the Pyrenees is found at Superbagneres. Rising from the spa resort town of Luchon in the Midi-Pyrenees, the road doesn’t allow the ability to find tempo as it changes gradient consistently all the way to the summit. With a climb distance of 19.3km and an elevation gain of 1,179m, Superbagneres offers one of the longer climbs of the Pyrenees. The road itself is typically kept in very good state and winds back on itself, offering a photographers dream. At an average of 6.1%, Superbagneres is not immediately disconcerting but that quickly changes as every 5km or so, the gradient increases to around 11 and 12%. The route is also very exposed for the latter part which lends to incredible views but also some very high temperatures in the warmer months. Things to know: From Superbagneres you can see across to ‘Le Pic d’Aneto’ which is one of the highest in the Pyrenees at 3,404m. |
Aspin
Elevation: 1,489 Region: Midi-Pyrenees Open: May to November The Aspin offers a truly stunning ride, over less demanding terrain than some of the nearby climbs. Its location close to the key climbs of the Pyrenees has seen the Aspin featuring in the Tour de France since 1910 on roughly 70% of the Tours. From the village of Arreau the road gains 789m over 11.9km with only small sections getting greatly above the average of 6.6%. From Sainte-Marie de Campan the climb is a bit longer but with less elevation gain making for an easier ride. The suggestion is to ride the route in both directions with a lunch break in one of the villages in between. Such an itinerary will give you around 50km in the saddle and a truly enjoyable day on the bike. Things to know: If you want to break the ride en route, a great spot is the Lac de Payolle. |
Aubisque
Elevation: 1,709 Region: Aquitaine and Midi-Pyrenees Open: June to October Located between Laruns and Argeles Gazost, the Aubisque plays host to the Tour de France on average 3 out of every 4 years. The road itself has given rise to some of the most amazing images in the Tour’s history as it winds its way along the cliff face. From Laruns, the climb is 18.4km at a steady rate with some points reaching 10% gradient. The views from this climb are magic as you can see across to the Spanish border. The more ridden side is from Argeles Gazost. This Eastern aspect also takes in the Col du Soulour. From Argeles Gazost, the initial section is very steep but it quickly eases back providing a false flat before pitching again to overcome the Soulour. After summiting the Soulour, riders are welcomed with a small downhill section before a steady climb to the Col d’Aubisque. Things to know: The town of Argeles Gazost is one of the best places to stay in the Pyrenees however has limited accommodation options. The region is famous for its Catholic history as well as offering many alternative recreational activities. |
Marie Blanque
Elevation: 1,035m Region: Aquitaine Open: February to November This low level pass has been a consistent feature in the Tour de France since 1978 and whilst has never decided a Tour de France, late in a stage it does have the ability to split the peleton and give a breakaway the chance to get home with the stage win. The Western face is particularly tough as it spends 3 of the last 4km between 11 and 12% gradient. The Eastern face is more timid particularly after the first few kilometres and averages only 5.1%. Things to know: The Col de Marie Blanque is not frequented by a large amount of cyclists due to its relative isolation from larger towns and other climbs. |
Portet d’Aspet
Elevation: 1,069m Region: Midi-Pyrenees Open: March to November Like no other climb in the Pyrenees, the Col de Portet d’Aspet offers a unique profile that sneaks up on riders. From both directions, the road gently climbs for the first two thirds before pitching at an incredible rate to the summit. First used in 1910, the Portet d’Aspet has featured on average every second year of the Tour de France and its ability to split the riders on the steep pitch has made it a crowd favourite. The Western face averages 5.4% but don’t let that fool, the final 5km gains roughly 550m and has sections that reach 15% giving rise to a significant challenge to even the strongest riders. The Eastern face is more forgiving with an average of 3.6% but like the West, averages around 10% for the closing kilometres. Things to know: It was here that Fabio Casartelli tragically lost his life descending in the 1995 Tour de France. A wonderful memorial can be found at the base of the climb in his honour. With this mind, pay particular attention on the descent as the road is seriously steep and offers no forgiveness. |
Port de Bales
Elevation: 1,755m Region: Midi-Pyrenees Open: Varies year to year First introduced in 2007 as prior it was just a dirt mountain road, Port de Bales is set to be regularly seen in the Tour de France in the future. Only recently bituminised, the road tracks the steep mountain face between Mauleon-Barousse and Bagneres de Luchon. The Northern face from below Mauleon-Barousse is 19.3km long with an average pitch of 6.3% however it is the section between kilometre 10 and 17 that is the most challenging. From the point where you bridge the mountain stream, the road averages around 9% for 7km on what is one of the most stunning roads to ride with views across the valley. From Luchon the climb is a touch gentler with an average pitch of 5.7% over 19.7km. The Southern face does lack the consistency of the Northern face though, jumping between 3 and 11% over the course of the climb. Things to know: The traditional direction of the Tour de France is from Mauleon-Barousse. The region is famous for excellent terrines and patés that can be purchased in local markets. |