The 18.5km climb up to the Superbagnères ski station may be less well known than the likes of the Tourmalet or Aubisque but it’s still very much part of cycling history – last appearing in the Tour de France in 1989 when Scotland’s Robert Millar danced up its slopes to win the stage along with the climber’s polkadot jersey in the process.

Although the 6.3 per cent average gradient can often lull you into a false sense of security, this is mainly due to the gradual first half of the climb that also includes a short downhill section. The climb really starts to show its authority with 9km to go as the thermal spa town of Bagnères-de-Luchon where you started becomes more distant. Surrounded by multiple 3,000m peaks the panoramic views are truly breathtaking on a clear day as the road continually snakes its way up ahead.

Length: 18.5km
Average gradient: 6.3 per cent
Maximum gradient: 11 per cent
Start elevation: 630m
End elevation: 1,800m
Elevation gain: 1,170m