Pyrenees Day 6 : Port de Balès

Yesterday was a rest day - and we had a day trip to Tarbes. On our return, Dave and Shaz were talking about a climb out immediately out the back of Saléchan. They spoke of a long, steep climb - one which had clearly had scared them both. Obviously this was the "red rag to the bull", and highlighted a climb I needed to do.

The climb they were talking about was Port de Balès, a climb that was included in the Tour for the first time in 2007. It featured on stage 15, the stage we watched in Loudenville. Stage 15 was an absolute bastard of a stage, including no fewer than 5 mountain passes - Col de Port (cat 2), Col de Portet d'Aspet (cat 2), Col de Menté (cat 1), Port de Balès (HC), and finally the Col de Peyresourde (cat 1).

It wasn't the plan, but this week I have been ticking these climbs off one by one. I approached Port de Balès from the north - 18.9km at 6.3% (profile). From this side the climb doesn't officially start till Mauléon Barousse, which is a good 100m above Saléchan. After a relatively easy start, the gradients really start to kick - the last 10km are at 8.5%, with several sections in excess of 10%. A very, very tough climb.

I rolled over top and completed the descent into Luchon. There I turned around and started the reverse climb - 19.7km at 5.7% (profile). It was a real grind. As the statistics would imply, it isn't as difficult as the climb from Mauléon Barousse, but it is still a beast.

Garmin Connect : Port de Balès

This stage was also selected for the 2007 L'Étape du Tour. A mate of mine, Mike McKillen, completed it. I have new found respect for his achievement in completing the course that year.