Classic and Legendary

After breakfast we’ll head out over two of the classic climbs of the Tour de France, Col du Peyresourde and Col du Tourmalet, separated by one of the modern additions, Hourquette d’Ancizan. This will be a memorable and epic ride, 100km and over 3,000m of vertical ascent. Our first two climbs were the final climbs of yesterday’s stage.

With that many vertical metres, there isn’t much flat in today’s route, so our climbing starts straight out of Luchon. We’d advise pacing yourself and enjoying the scenery. After 14 km, averaging 7% we descent into the next valley. Our next climb is shorter, but possibly more difficult, certainly the start of the climb where ramps reach 13%. It is a narrow road with tight corners and is better to climb than descend. Our second summit for the day.

Once we arrive in Sainte-Marie de Campan we make a left turn and our main climb begins, the legendary Col du Tourmalet. As we near La Mongie, it feels like the mountain is defeating its challenges, but your energy is revitalised as you’re cheered through the ski station. It’s a little more than 4 km and you’ll reach the summit of this legend. Our final 20 km is downhill to our hotel ideally located near tomorrow’s race route. A well deserved drink this afternoon as we watch the time trial before we have dinner together at our hotel.