The Col d’Aubisque is one of the most famous mountain passes in the Pyrenees, having been crossed 45 times by the Tour de France to make it the second most climbs mountain in the race’s history.

It’s for that reason that the Col d’Aubisque features near the top of many riders ‘must-ride’ list and in this stunning video RCUK contributor and Col Collective founder Mike Cotty is your guide to take you to its summit.

All in all, the climb rises for 16.6km at an average pitch of 7.2 per cent, gaining 1,190m in elevation to the summit at 1,709m.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to ride the Col d’Aubisque from Laruns a number of times in the past and every time I get the same feeling of nervous excitement inside, knowing that at this point I’m heading deep into the high mountains,” said Cotty.

“For me the Aubisque really marks the gateway to the Pyrenees and is the entrance towards a playground of cols that have not only played centre stage for the professionals in races like the Tour de France but also for thousands of amateur and cycling enthusiasts like me that simply want to experience the climb for themselves.

“Hautacam, Tourmalet, Peyresourde all have their stories but the Aubisque is the one that gets things started. The goal is to make it to the summit so take your time and whatever happens don’t forget to look around and enjoy the view!”

Vital statistics

Length: 16.6km
Summit: 1,709m
Elevation gain: 1,190m
Average gradient: 7.2%
Max gradient: 13%