Back in 1910 the Tour de France sent cycling into a new era by crossing this iconic climb. Now it is one of the most challenging mountain routes in the Pyrenees.
It’s a climb even those with only a passing interest in the race for yellow know about and is a huge draw to cyclists around the world.
Getting there
The Tourmalet is one of the most famous climbs in the Pyrenees and a key part of any ride in this region. It’s steep, challenging and rewarding – it entices riders from around the world and gives them a huge sense of accomplishment when they reach the summit.
The Col can be climbed either from the eastern side, starting in Luz Saint-Sauveaur or the western side from Campan/Sante-Marie de Campan. The western side is considered easier, though it’s still a tough climb with a lengthy opening section that averages 7.4 percent.
We recommend starting early and riding a loop that takes in the Tourmalet, the Col d’Aspin and the lovely mountain town of Arreau. It’s a great way to get warmed up for the climb and you’ll have plenty of time for photos and selfies at the top.
Climbing the Tourmalet
There are two roads up the Tourmalet, one from the northeast starting in Sainte Marie de Campan and another from Luz-Saint-Sauveur to the west. On Zwift you can choose to tackle the climb from either side, but the best option is probably to start in Luz and ride towards the summit of the pass. This is the direction the peloton will take on stage 6 of this year’s Tour de France and it was the way Thibaut Pinot attacked to win in 2019.
The climb from Luz begins with an easy first kilometre averaging only 7.3% but it soon gets tougher. The gradient remains above 7% for most of the climb with only short respites, including from a couple of tunnels.
The Tour de France has visited the Col du Tourmalet 89 times since it was included in the race back in 1910. This is more than any other mountain in the Pyrenees. It has been a summit finish three times, and a hors categorie many more.
At the summit
Once you reach the summit, it will be an unforgettable experience. You will be able to look down over the valley to La Mongie and see the beautiful landscape of the Pyrenees. It is well worth taking a few minutes to soak in the views and enjoy the feeling of achievement that comes with climbing one of cycling’s most iconic climbs.
The Tour de France first included the Col du Tourmalet back in 1910 and it has been featured 87 times since then. It is one of the most iconic climbs in the Pyrenees and has been climbed by many of the sport’s greatest names, including Fausto Coppi, Eddy Merckx and Lucien Van Impe.
At the summit, you will find a memorial to Jacques Goddet who organised the Tour de France between 1936 and 1987. It is a great place to sit and take in the view over a typical Pyrenean lunch. Be careful when cycling in the Pyrenees as livestock such as cows and sheep often wander out into the road so watch out for them!
The descent
The descent down the Tourmalet is just about the most fun you can have on a bike without actually growing wings. The tarmac is incredibly smooth and you’ll be screaming down the mountain, carving through hairpins while ducking under avalanche shelters.
The climb has featured in the Tour de France more times than most people have ever ridden it, and the 2023 edition will be no exception. There’s no doubt it will be a tough challenge for the peloton, and a great way to see how the pros cope with the Pyrenees’ most iconic road climb.
Want to experience the Tourmalet yourself? We’ve got the perfect ride for you. Join us as we retrace Stage 19 of the Tour de France, including the first 144km up to La Mongie and the Col du Tourmalet. It’s a day you’ll never forget.
