Triumph on the Tourmalet

Well we were certainly pleased! Today was a tough one, only 55 miles but over 8,900 ft of climbing. We started with a short flat section on a bike path out of town and the started a gradual climb through the Gorges de Luz. Unfortunately it was early and the sun hadn't got up far enough to reach the gorge so it didn't look as spectacular as it potentially was. We got to the town at the bottom of the Tourmalet climb and set off for 12 miles of steady uphill - over 4,000 ft in one go to add to the near 1,500 we had done just to get to the bottom. In an earlier post I think I said that road we were meant to take up from the west side was closed due to a wash- out and we were going to have to cycle round and approach from the other side. Luckily they have done some temporary repairs and the road has been open at weekends only for July and August, but closes again for more permanent repairs tomorrow!  The flood damage was amazing, half houses were hanging over the river and there were twisted piles of metal where things had just been buckled by the force of the water.

Everyone talks about the Tourmalet as some great climb, but to be honest it is just long! The gradient, apart from the very last pull up to the top is just steady - although after 12 miles and 4,000 ft it starts to feel hard work. 9km from the top there is a route for cyclists on the old road called 'The Laurent Fignon Route'. It is traffic free and although the surface isn't as smooth as the new vehicle route it gives spectacular views and it is easy to stop and take pictures ( you have been warned!)  At the top we had the obligatory photos with the Col sign, cycled over the finish line and purchased Tourmalet bike shirts, which cost an arm and a leg, but are worth it.

It was really cold on top. But after yesterday's experience on the Aubisque we were better prepared today. The top was crowded with cyclists, motor bikers and people driving enormous camper vans which were a real hazard on the narrow roads. We descended to the next valley for lunch, but didn't stay too long to avoid our legs seizing up. Then it was back uphill to the Col d'Aspin. Tourmalet is just a few feet short of 7,000 ft whereas the Aspin is only around  4,900 ft, so it wasn't as long a climb, even less steep and not as cold on top. If you did it at home you would really think you had done a good climb, but it felt almost trivial after what had gone before.

Tonight's accommodation could best be described as 'basic' so we are hoping dinner is at least substantial. One thing we have noticed ( off on a tangent now) is that the ski resorts over here, at least in summer, look like a cross between Colditz and a tenement block in the 1950's. we can only hope they look better when covered with snow........

Knackered and need food, so will leave you with a selection of pictures from today. Tomorrow we make a short excursion into Spain. 

Pictures are the team on the two cols

Some local residents staging a sit- in protest on the cycle only route to the Tourmalet

Various views