Departure from Luz-Saint-Sauveur: The climb begins in this picturesque village at an altitude of around 711 meters. The start of the climb is relatively gentle, allowing cyclists to warm up before the road really starts to climb.

Length of climb: The pass is around 19 kilometers long, making it a long, continuous climb with an average gradient of 7.4%. This means that for every kilometer you cover, you climb about 74 metres.

Slope and variation: After leaving Luz-Saint-Sauveur, the slope becomes progressively steeper. The first few kilometers oscillate between 5% and 8% gradient, allowing you to find a comfortable pedaling rhythm. Towards the middle of the climb, there are sections where the gradient reaches 10% over short distances, especially after the village of Barèges.

The village of Barèges: Located at the halfway point, it’s a good place to measure your strength. The slope around Barèges can be a little less daunting, offering a short respite before the challenges ahead.

The last few kilometers: After Barèges, the road climbs again, with demanding gradients. The last few kilometers before reaching the summit are among the toughest, with gradients regularly approaching 9-10%. These sections really test the determination and fitness of cyclists.