Any climb that goes by the nickname “The Terrible Mountain” will draw intrigue and excitement in equal measure. Steeped in cycling history, the Col du Tourmalet is the highest road pass in the Hautes-Pyrénées standing proud at 2,115m above sea level. Having been featured in the Tour de France no less than 82 times, it is the most frequently used, as well as being one of the most famous ascents of the race.

If Hautacam is the dessert at this year’s Etape du Tour then the Tourmalet is definitely a worthy and very filling main course. This year thousands of amateur riders will ascend the mountain from the east, starting at Sainte-Marie-de-Campan they’ll be faced with 17.2km of climbing with the steepest section coming on the approach to the ski station at La Mongie with 5km to go.

From the west, starting at Luz-Saint-Sauveur, the climb is slightly longer at 19km. In both instances the road rarely rises above 10 per cent gradient, which means with the right pace and gearing you should be able to find a rhythm and ride in awe at the mountain landscapes as you twist and turn towards the Jacques Goddet memorial and Le Geant du Tourmalet statues at the top.

West from Luz-Saint-Sauveur

Length: 19km
Average gradient: 7.4 per cent
Maximum gradient: 10.2 per cent
Start elevation: 711m
End elevation: 2,115m
Elevation gain: 1,404m

East from Sainte-Marie-de-Campan

Length: 17.2km
Average gradient: 7.4 per cent
Maximum gradient: 10 per cent
Start elevation: 847m
End elevation: 2,115m
Elevation gain: 1,268m