A day of two halves: we’ll spend the morning gradually gaining height as we head south from Toulouse, with the Pyrenees in view in the ever-decreasing distance! The roads look like they’re flat, but they’re not flat and we’ll be wise to take them gently and save energy for what’s to come. The lovely town of Luchon is at 124km, and it’s here that the climbing begins in earnest.
First up is the Col de Peyresourde, a classic Pyrenean climb with the pass visible from a long way off, stunning views of the surrounding peaks and a creperie just over the top! We’ll make our way down a fun descent of hairpins into the Louron valley and then it’s time for treat number two! We head up the shady eastern side of Hourquette d’Ancizan, which is similar in gradient and length to the Peyresourde but has a totally different atmosphere. The landscape opens out at the top of the pass and now, at 170km, you’re rewarded with a full 30km of cruisy descent to the finish.
