Bernard Hinault, Greg LeMond and Robert Millar have all conquered the Midi-Pyrenees climb of Superbagneres but it remains relatively unknown in the annals of Tour de France history.

Climbing to the ski station from Bagneres-de-Luchon, the 18.5km ascent with several sections in excess of 10 per cent deserves more of a share of a limelight in amongst the famous peaks of its neighbours, however.

At least that’s the verdict of sportive guru Mike Cotty, who has guided the way up the ascent in the latest instalment from the Col Collective.

“Surrounded by no less than fifteen snowcapped peaks above 3,000 metres, climbing to the ski-station at Superbagnères deep in the Midi-Pyrénées opens up a whole new world of freedom all the way to its 1,800 metre summit,” he says of the climb.

Cotty also warns: “Don’t let the average gradient of 6.3% lull you into a false sense of security though as the road regularly holds its form above double figures from the first couple of kilometres.

“I’m often surprised that it’s only featured six times in the Tour de France so far with greats like [Federico] Bahamontes, Hinault, Lemond and Millar all being triumphant on its slopes.

“But, to be honest, that’s the most fulfilling thing about Superbagnères – its relative anonymity nestled amongst better known climbs feels like a secret Pyrenean gift that just keeps getting better the higher you climb.”

Watch the full video above or see more from the Col Collective here.

Vital statistics

Start: Bagnères-de-Luchon
Length: 18.5km
Summit: 1,800m
Elevation gain: 1,170m
Average gradient: 6.3%
Max gradient: 12%