Along with the Col du Tourmalet, the Col d’Aubisque sits amongst the legends of the Pyrénées with a rich heritage in the Tour de France. It first featured in the race in 1910 when the roads were no more than goat tracks and bikes weighed twice what they do today and featured steel frames, wooden rims, and only one gear. To top it off, on that occasion, the stage was an inexplicable 326km long, so there’s little wonder why cycling has such an archive of tales from the road.

From the west the ascent starts in Laruns with the initial stretch to the spa resort of Eaux-Bonnes being relatively gentle. After the Cascade de Valentin it takes on a whole new character, rising to double figures and never really allowing you to gain composure again until reaching the ski station of Gourette where it finally eases back to 8 per cent.

Situated in the heart of the Midi Pyrénées, the eastern side of the Aubisque is climbed after the 20km ascent of the Col du Soulor, making it a climb of two peaks. Here’s a piece of insider knowledge – if you’re planing on riding the Aubisque from the Soulor side then instead of taking the classic route consider going via the Col des Bordères. Not only is there less traffic but it’s also more picturesque and to top it off you get to add another col to your name.

West from Laruns

Length: 16.6km
Average gradient: 7.2%
Maximum gradient: 13%
Start elevation: 519m
End elevation: 1,709mm
Elevation gain: 1190m

East from Argelès-Gazost (including Col du Soulor)

Length: 30.1km
Average gradient: 4.1 per cent
Maximum gradient: 10 per cent
Start elevation: 463m
End elevation: 1,709m
Elevation gain: 1,247m