Pyrenees Day 3 : Col du Portillon

Another gorgeous day in France. Under blue skies, Dave and I rolled out towards Luchon, Dave to ride both Superbagnères and Col de Peyresourde, me to ride to the Spanish border via Col du Portillon.

Not a regular feature on the Tour by any stretch of the imagination, Col du Portillon was included in the 2006 edition. On that day, Cadel Evans featured and ended up finishing fourth with Sastre. Portillon was classed category 1 - 8.4% over 7.9km.

For everyone else it is 6.5% over 10.2km. The difference is significant, for the first 2.3km includes almost no ascent. Then 200m in the next 2km, a relatively easy section, and then it takes off again - this time all the way to the top. A more difficult climb than I had expected when I set out.

After a breather at the top, I followed the same route back home. The last 20km from Luchon, though slightly downhill, again a slog into the wind.

Garmin Connect : Col du Portillon