While the Tourmalet gets all the glory, the Col d'Aspin is the climb that many locals prefer. Rising to 1,489 metres, it's a beautiful, forested climb that offers a more peaceful experience than its famous neighbour.
Two Distinct Sides
The western approach from Arreau is 12 km at 6.3% — a steady, rhythmic climb through beautiful forest. The eastern side from Sainte-Marie-de-Campan is shorter at 4.8 km but much steeper, with sections reaching 9-10%. Both sides are rewarding in their own way.
The Perfect Warm-Up
The Aspin is often used as a warm-up for the Tourmalet. The two climbs can be combined in a classic loop: start in Campan, climb the Aspin from the east, descend to Arreau, then climb the Tourmalet from the west. It's a perfect day of Pyrenees cycling.
Comments (0)
Log in to join the discussion
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!