Our base in the Pyrenees is surrounded by the great climbs of the Grand Boucle. Before leaving, we’ll add another couple of climbs to our palmarès, Col du Soulor and Col d’Aubisque.
Cirque du Litor and Col du Soulor Our base in the Pyrenees is surrounded by the great climbs of the Grand Boucle. Before leaving, we’ll add another couple of climbs to our palmarès. This one will be remembered for being the most scenic. We’ll head down the valley to Argeles-Gazost ad climb to Col du …
Cirque du Litor and Col du Soulor
Our base in the Pyrenees is surrounded by the great climbs of the Grand Boucle. Before leaving, we’ll add another couple of climbs to our palmarès. This one will be remembered for being the most scenic. We’ll head down the valley to Argeles-Gazost ad climb to Col du Soulor. For our stronger riders, we’ve added a bonus climb before reaching the ascent to Soulor. From Arrens-Marsous, the main climb is 7.5 km long with grades mostly above 8%.
Your efforts at the summit will be cheered on by the spectators in their campers positioned for tomorrow’s stage not to be outdone by the curious, if not crafty, horses, donkeys and sheep searching for willing feeders. Our climbing continues after a short descent, along one of the most beautiful roads in France along the edge of Cirque du Litor to Col d’Aubisque. There’s a great cafe to stop for a sweet tarte at the summit before returning to Soulor for lunch. We’ll then descend to meet up with our transport.
We have a small transfer this afternoon to the base of one the mountain ranges between the Pyrenees and Provence. So we’re be able to do some climbing tomorrow morning before our next transfer. We’ll arrive in time to catch up last climbs of today’s stage. Soon after the finish of today’s stage, we’ll group for dinner and celebrate our first week in the Pyrenees.
TODAY IN THE RACE
Stage 15: Limoux to Foix Prat d’Albis, Mountain, 185 kmAerial pictures will capture the amazing Cathar castles during today’s stage. Riders, however will be captivated by the challenging ascents. None more than the difficult 18% slopes of Mur de Péguère before descending into Foix, which is 12 km from the final summit finish. Nearly 5,000 m of vertical ascent in today’s stage.