Tour trip Climbing For Life 2014

Immediately after leaving from the center of Argelès-Gazost, it heads uphill. You take the first 500 meters of the Col du Soulor, but soon you turn right towards Gez. Here you start on the Col des Spandelles (1,378m). Good for 15.5 kilometers of climbing with an average gradient of 6.0%. But don't be fooled, this winding, uneven forested ascent reaches peaks of up to 13%! At the top, you have an impressive view of the valley that awaits you. The descent is a joy for anyone who loves sharp turns. In wet weather, however, caution is advised. Once you arrive at the village of Ferrières, you barely have time to catch your breath, as you immediately begin the climb of the Col du Soulor. The Col du Soulor is one of the famous Pyrenean passes frequented by the Tour de France. The northern side of the Soulor is 12 kilometers long and is a very steady climb with an average of 8%. Quite different from the Spandelles you just tackled. The last 5 kilometers offer a fantastic panorama. If you look to the right, you can even see the road leading to the top of the Aubisque. During the ascent and at the top of the Soulor (1,474m), you will notice various types of free-ranging livestock. Don't worry, they are completely harmless. Those who reach the top of the Soulor without too much trouble should take a moment to catch their breath and then continue the ride to the top of the Aubisque (1,709m). From the top of the Soulor, the Aubisque is relatively easy to reach. It's barely 10 kilometers, of which only the last 4 kilometers can be considered "climbing." The Col d'Aubisque is one of the classic Tour de France passes and has been first climbed twelve times by a Belgian, including Eddy Merckx and Lucien Van Impe. Then follows a long descent to Argelès-Gazost for the last climb of the day, the Hautacam. Hautacam is a winter sports resort in the Pyrenees. The place is located in the Midi-Pyrénées region in the Hautes-Pyrénées department. The winter sports station is situated at an altitude of 1560 meters. From Argeles-Gazost, it is a very tough climb to the top of the Hautacam. There is a sign every kilometer showing the current altitude and the gradient for the upcoming kilometer. There are few opportunities to recover during this climb. Continuously a high and somewhat fluctuating gradient.