For an overview map and details on every route I have cycled in the Pyrenées see here.
The west side was still closed to cars but I had spoken to a couple of cyclists yesterday and knew that I should be able to get to the top.
For details of the east side of Tourmalet see here.
The first 7 or 8 kilometres are pretty standard – through little villages up to Barèges. However, after this it becomes one of the most beautiful climbs I have ever done – and nicer than the east side in my view.
Which side of Tourmalet is harder? In my opinion, the east side. The west side is shorter and thus has a higher average grade, but it is a steady 7% – 8% almost the entire way. Whereas the east side starts off quite easy, but the last 12 kms average a tough 9%. Regardless, both are fantastic and challenging climbs.
Surrounded by high mountains and dominated by the Pic du Midi the route winds up and up.
The top part of the route was still messy and muddy, especially the last kilometre but rideable. It was worth a little mess to have this incredible road be completely car free.
This was the last climb of a great 6 day trip. After descending, I got in the car and headed back home – tired but satisfied.
8 Comments
bravo, ce séjour Pyrénéen nous aura régalé d’images superbes et donné une furieuse envie d’y aller !
merci.
Fantastic !!
Thanks for posting these beautiful photographs!!!
AMR
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Thanks for that, Will. Headed down that way for a little Tour-gazing next week and more all the more inspired by the great snaps. Just hoping the forecast doesn’t include snow. (!) Good luck with the 100 Cols. (Another bit of inspiration.) RB
In your ‘which side is tougher’ section there’s a typo you refer to both sides as the west side.
Rode up from Luz-saint-saveur a couple of weeks ago tough but pleased to have done it.
ps enjoy your Twitter posts very much, thanks.
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Thanks for this. I’m going to try some of these routes this summer and this is really useful.
Hi Will, myself and two friends are doing the Tourmalet in June, can’t wait really excited but apprehensive and respectful towards the Col at the same time.