One of the Tour de France’s oldest climbs, the Col de Peyresourde’s average gradient of 6.5 per cent hides how tough the ascent really is.

Robert Millar twice conquered its slopes to pick up stage wins at the Tour, in 1983 and 1989, while it has also featured on the Etape du Tour.

Sportive veteran Mike Cotty was among the riders climbing the 14.5km ascent on the Etape in 2007, in red-hot conditions.

Recalling that experience, he said it was like wading through quicksand but that has not stopped him returning for the latest video instalment from the Col Collective.

“The Peyresourde’s a cunning little fox, regularly applying the pressure and threatening to turn you around and send you packing back to Luchon for an early shower,” he adds.

“Take your time, keep the faith, and you will be rewarded for all your hard work. With four kilometres to go the road opens up to reveal the Midi-Pyrenees in all its finest, putting everything in perspective once more.

“The climb is one thing but the descent is something else altogether. Without doubt, an absolute masterpiece of a mountain.”

Vital statistics

Start: Bagnères-de-Luchon
Length: 14.5km
Summit: 1,569m
Elevation gain: 944m
Average gradient: 6.5%
Max gradient: 12%