The route
This is an absolute monster of a ride with three Pyrenee cols: the Col de Spandelles, Col du Soulor, Col dâAubisque, and Hautacam. Just look the profile and youâll realize how crazy this route is:
The start is in Argèles-Gazost, where you immediately begin the climb of the Col de Spandelles. Compared to other legendary cols, the Soulor sort of flies under the radar, but it belongs up there. About 15 kilometer of solid climbing with a few easier stretches.
A technical 10km descent to Ferrières doesnât give you much time for rest, as the long climb to the col twin of Col du Soulor and the Col dâAubisque is about to begin. First you climb up the Col du Soulor, and at the crossroads with the D918, you turn right to continue the climb to the Col dâAubisque. Thatâs somewhere between 1 and 2 hours of climbing, and with the Spandelles already covered, this starts to add up.
A long descend to Argèles-Gazost is a welcome relief from the hours of climbing. But now comes the main course: Hautacam. This is the steepest of all the climbs on route: 14 kilometers at an average of 8%.
This col is relentless. Thereâs not one place where you rest on the entire climb. Long stretches of road without corners, combined with constant changes in gradient, make this a tough climb. And having done climbed more than 4000m, every fiber in your body hurts and wants you to quit. Up to you to not give in and keep going. Itâs worth it, and youâll remember this day for the rest of your life.
Fueling up
At the top of the Col du Soulor are a few restaurants where you can rest up. Also at the summit of the Col dâAubisque is a restaurant. And also at Hautacam. Theyâre all ski stations, so thatâs convenient for cyclists in Summer.
Tips
Argèles-Gazost is conveniently located, and never too far away. You could skip additional climbing by cutting the Col dâAubisque, or Hautacam since you have to pass through Argèles-Gazost after climbing the Col de Spandelles and Col du Soulor.