This challenging route covers 103km with +2204m of vertical climbing. Starting from Cycl'in Pyrénées in Argelès-Gazost, the route begins with the climb to Col du Tourmalet (2108m) via Sainte-Marie de Campan. Finally, you'll tackle La Croix Blanche (834m) via Pouzac before returning to Cycl'in Pyrénées in Argelès-Gazost to complete the route.
As you make your way out through Argelès, you'll follow the signs to Hautacam to eventually cross the river and eventually merge across the traffic to make a left turn towards Hautcam. This can be a tricky merge in busy traffic so please take care.
Once you turn off, you'll start climbing towards Ayros-Arbouix, the road should be quieter from here on.
Ayros-Arbouix is not only is it the start point for the Hautacam climb but it is also where the Colpasso concept was first dreamt up. (Colpasso founder, Luke spent 8 years living at the kilometre zero sign of Hautacam before moving to the Val d'Azun.)
As you come into Luganan, next to the Hotel des 3 Vallées, there's a non-descript cafe called L'Étape. The place is like a time-capsule of old Tour de France memorabilia. If it's open and you have the time, definitely check it out.
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