Road Cycling in the Hautes-Pyrénées

The Classic Cols of the Pyrenees

Our accommodation is perfectly located for the road cyclist, with great riding in all directions.

The plains to the north offer good warm-up rides through rural villages, whilst the hidden valleys of the foothills provide a great introduction to mountain riding. Serious riders, however, will soon be drawn to the legendary Cols.

We are within easy riding distance of the many classic climbs and, for the infamous 2,115 m Col du Tourmalet, riders can choose from either the TDF 06 (west) or the TDF 08 (east) routes, both of which pass our drive.

Col	Distance to start	Climb Length Gain		Gradient Range Avg		Altitude
Aspin (W)	20 km	18 km	830 m	2-8%	5%	1489 m
Hautacam	20 km	14 km	1150 m	4-10%	8%	1615 m
Tourmalet (E)	20 km	23 km	1500 m	2-10%	7%	2115 m
Soulor (E)	23 km	19 km	1050 m	0-9%	6%	1474 m
Aubisque (E)	23 km	29 km	1400 m	0-9%	5%	1709 m
Tourmalet (W)	41 km	18 km	1450 m	5-10%	8%	2115 m
Luz Ardiden	41 km	15 km	1050 m	5-10%	7%	1720 m
Soulor (N)	49 km	12 km	920 m	5-9%	8%	1474 m
Aubisque (W)	67 km	18 km	1200 m	4-10%	7%	1709 m

Cycling Events

In 2008 there are some epic Tour de France stages in the immediate area, with the most anticipated being the short, explosive Stage 10: Pau - Tourmalet - Hautacam. This is also the stage for the 2008 Etape du Tour.

Training starts early here, and its not unusual to see local riders cresting the Hautacam while you are skiing down its slopes!

As well as supporting training rides, Pyrenees Pursuits are pleased to promote popular cyclosportives such as La Pyrénéene and La Hubert Arbes, which cover much of the same terrain as the 2008 Etape.

2008 Schedule

June 13 – 16
La Pyrénéene
2 valleys 96 km 1810m+
3 valleys 120 km 2560m+
4 valleys 147 km 3250m+

June 20 - 23
La Hubert Arbes
La Petita 107 km
Hubert Arbes 157 km

Anytime
Etape Recce

July 2 - 7
Etape du Tour
Pau - Hautacam 154 km

July 12 - 19
Tour de France
S 9 Toulouse - Bagneres
S 10 Pau - Hautacam
S 11 Lannemezan - Foix

Road Cycling with Pyrenees Pursuits

We offer a range of support levels for cycle groups, depending on your requirements. For self-guided rides we provide route advice and laminated maps, as well as energy snacks and drinks for the road. Our chambres d'hote is equipped with full bike washing & storage facilities, and a workshop of essential tools.

At the next level, we can offer vehicle support and/or a rider with local knowledge who can accompany you. For cyclo-sportives we will handle your registration, and the logistics of getting you fuelled up and to the start in plenty of time.

For groups seeking a more intensive level of support - professional guiding, mechanics, training - we host specialist providers such as the excellent GPM10. Please contact us with your requirements.