Col de Peyresourde
Originally included in the Le Tour in 1910 as part of the legendary ‘Çircle of Death’ stage. Along with three other peaks in the Pyrenees: the Tourmalet, Aspin and Aubisque, to form part of a 326-kilometre mountain stage that signified the entry of the mountains to Le Tour. For many, the addition of the Pyrenees marked the true beginning of the Tour.
One of our favourite climbs of the Pyrenees. The pretty towns and beautiful views.
While this climb can be done from either side, today we concentrate on the start from Bagneres-de-Luchon. The road climbs immediately, as we roll past the cemetery in Luchon. The roadside cliffs give you a feeling that these mountains are going to be huge. Only a kilomtere into the climb, the gradient is above 8% and the Peyresourde is trying to talk you into turning around. However, you will want to see this beautiful ride and enjoy this incredible descent that follows.
Each town has a flower show.
After we pass the right hand turn, which would take us up the climb from the back side of Port de Bales, the gradient rises a little. Often this is a great spot on the lower slopes of the Peyresourde, to view the race if it is climbing the Peyresourde. Our next sector contains some lovely little towns. Each of these little towns has a beautiful little flower display with hanging baskets full of flowers in a full bloom of colour. Each town has their own distinctive choice of flowers.
Thinking of Crepes
Once we cross the bridge in Garin, we prepare for a change in the landscape. Our road will take us on one side of the Vallée du Larboust and affords us some great views of the small towns across the valley. As we continue up the road, we can see the emergence of our summit destination. We are not there yet. We have some 3kms to go. We hit the long ramps, as we approach the final kilomtere and its time to commence thinking of the little café at the summit. 6€ will get you a dozen crepes with sugar at the cafe. It is often the motivation that gives us our little kick in the pants to get to the summit.
What a wonderful climb. Now its time for the exhilarating descent. Don’t be under any illusion. The descent is fast, so do take care in the towns and don’t forget to give the locals a wave.
