If you’re visiting Bagnères-de-Luchon then there’s absolutely no excuse not to conquer both Superbagnères and the Col de Peyresourde as they start in the same town. Situated in Haute-Garonne region of the Pyrénées, and almost exactly central from the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, the Col de Peyresourde is a classic that’s featured more than 50 times in the Tour de France.

With clear views of the surrounding mountains all the way up the real beauty of the Peyresourde is that at 1,569m above sea level it means it can often be ridden earlier or later in the season with less chance of snow. From Bagnères-de-Luchon in the east the ascent is just over 15km in length with a gently undulating profile, between four to eight per cent gradient that allows you to take in the scenery as it’s intended.

From the west the climb is shorter at 8.3km and more consistent in its profile. With little in the way of trees to shelter you from the elements it can feel like a furnace in the summer or particularly windy should it start to gust. However you’re feeling on the slopes of the Peyresourde, the lure of 12 crepes for five Euros at the 1,569m summit will be a welcome reward for your efforts.

West from Avajan

Length: 8.3km
Average gradient: 6.6 per cent
Maximum gradient: 11 per cent
Start elevation: 655m
End elevation: 1,569m
Elevation gain: 914m

East from Bagnères-de-Luchon

Length: 15.3km
Average gradient: 6.1 per cent
Maximum gradient: 11.7 per cent
Start elevation: 630m
End elevation: 1,569m
Elevation gain: 939m

For more advice feel free to contact @cottydale on Twitter. Ride safe and enjoy making your own mountain history!

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