Ride - Activity Narrative
Distance
42.5 km
Elevation Gain
1450 m
Duration
3h 0m
Difficulty
hard
An epic journey through the French Pyrenees, conquering the legendary Col du Tourmaletâone of cycling's most iconic climbs. This challenging 42.5km route showcases breathtaking alpine scenery, rich cycling history, and the personal triumph of reaching 2,115 meters elevation.
Departed from the historic spa town of Luz-Saint-Sauveur, warming up through gentle valley roads as the Pyrenees towered ahead
At 15.5km: Began the legendary ascent of Col du Tourmalet, settling into a steady rhythm as the gradient ramped up to 7.4%
Mid-climb: Passed the Henri Desgrange monument, a tribute to the Tour de France founder who first brought the race over this giant in 1910
At 28km: Reached the summit at 2,115m after 1,200m of climbingâa moment of pure elation with views stretching to the distant Pic du Midi Observatory
Enjoyed a well-deserved 12-minute rest at the top, soaking in the achievement and capturing the panoramic alpine vistas
At 32km: Descended through technical switchbacks, testing bike handling skills while maintaining control on the steep alpine roads
Finished the ride with legs burning but spirit soaring, having conquered one of the Tour de France's most revered climbs
The grinding ascent to Col du Tourmalet delivered everything cycling's bucket list promisesâsustained 7.4% gradients, hairpin bends etched into mountainsides, and the ever-present ghosts of cycling legends who battled here before
Standing at 2,115 meters, the summit offered a spiritual moment of reflection. The Henri Desgrange monument stood as a reminder that every amateur cyclist who conquers this giant joins a century-old tradition of pushing human limits
The technical descent demanded full concentration as the road carved through alpine meadows and rock faces, each switchback a testament to the engineering marvel that makes these mountain passes accessible to modern cyclists
Epic 1200m climb to Col du Tourmalet at 7.4% average gradient
At 15.5 km
Rest break of 12 minutes at the summit
At 28.0 km
Technical 800m descent through alpine switchbacks
At 32.0 km
Start early in the morning to avoid afternoon heat and secure parking in Luz-Saint-Sauveurâthe climb can take 2-3 hours depending on fitness
Bring extra layers for the summit as temperatures can drop 15-20°C from valley to peak, and wind can be fierce at 2,100m elevation
Consider extending the route to include the Pic du Midi cable car station (additional 8km) for even more spectacular views
Stop at the Maison du Parc in Luz-Saint-Sauveur before or after the ride to learn about the natural and cultural heritage of the Pyrenees National Park
Famous Climb - cycling_climb
The legendary Col du Tourmalet stands as one of the most iconic climbs in cycling history, featuring regularly in the Tour de France since 1910.
Tourism - village
This charming Pyrenean village serves as the traditional starting point for cyclists attempting the mighty Col du Tourmalet.
Natural - observatory
Perched high above the Tourmalet, this world-renowned observatory offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Pyrenees.