Col du Tourmalet Climb Guide: Both Sides

The Col du Tourmalet is the great pass of the Pyrenees and one of the Tour de France’s most-used climbs. It has two classic sides, both long and steady.

From Luz-Saint-Sauveur (west)

• Length: 19 km (11.8 miles).
• Average gradient: about 7.4%.
• Climbing: about 1,400 m (4,600 ft).
• Steepest: around 10%, in the last kilometre.

From Sainte-Marie-de-Campan (east)

• Length: 17.2 km (10.7 miles).
• Average gradient: about 7.4%.
• Climbing: about 1,270 m (4,160 ft), through La Mongie.
• Steepest: around 10%.

Both sides top out at 2,115 m (6,939 ft).

Climb figures differ a little from source to source, depending on where each one starts and stops the clock. Where they differ, we give a range or say “about”.

Why it’s famous

The Tour first crossed the Tourmalet in 1910, and has kept coming back. One of the race’s oldest stories happened on its slopes: Eugène Christophe broke his fork on the descent, walked to a forge in Sainte-Marie-de-Campan and repaired it himself.

How to ride it

• Check it’s open: the pass usually closes for snow from early December to early June.
• Steady, not hard: both sides average over 7%, so find a pace you can hold for well over an hour.
• Save some for the top: the last kilometre is the steepest.

The Strava segment

There’s a segment for this climb, and plenty of riders judge their day by where they land on it. Set an honest time on your first go, without blowing up, then come back and beat it. The King and Queen of the Mountain crowns are for the very fastest; for most of us the real target is a personal best.

What to wear up it

A long steady climb is a good place for a jersey with a story. Our Climbs jerseys are drawn from the mountains: the Mont Ventoux Mistral, Contour and TOUGH After the Climb. Each is made to order, with free personalization.

More climbs: famous Strava climbs.

Strava is a trademark of Strava, Inc. Corbah isn’t connected to Strava; this is our own guide.