Pyrenees Day 1 : Col de Peyresourde

It was an early start today. A 03:30 alarm, 04:08 train and a 06:25 flight. A flight to Toulouse for a week in the Pyrenees with Melinda, Kenth and Freya, and Shaz and Dave. This is our last holiday before returning to Australia.

After settling into our "home" in Salechan, we headed to Luchon for a spot of lunch. It is a beautiful town at the base of the ski resort Superbagnères. The main boulevarde is lined with trees, and looked amazing against the backdrop of the high mountains.

After a lunch of Moules et Frites, the others decided to have an afternoon nap. I decided to go for a ride. With nothing particular planned, I headed back towards Luchon, saw a sign for Col de Peyresourde and started in that direction.

The Col de Peyresourde (profile) is frequently included on Tour de France routes, including 6 of the last 9. In 2007, when we were last in the Pyrenees, we watched the stage finish in Loudenville. On that day, the route included no fewer than 5 mountain passes - the Col de Port, the Col de Portet d'Aspet, the Col de Menté, the Port de Balès, and finally the Col de Peyresourde before the downhill finish into Loudenville.

From Louchon, Col de Peyresourde is 14.5km at 6.7%. This is longer than any of the Maratona climbs, and about the same gradient as Passo Pordoi. A great way to start the week.

Garmin Connect : Col de Peyresourde