THE MOST UNDERRATED CLIMB OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE – COL DE PAILHÈRES with Off The Marc!
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Video THE MOST UNDERRATED CLIMB OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE – COL DE PAILHÈRES with Off The Marc !
Video THE MOST UNDERRATED CLIMB OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE – COL DE PAILHÈRES with Marc Figueras Grabulosa from Off The Marc YouTube Channel.
THE MOST UNDERRATED CLIMB OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE – COL DE PAILHÈRES
The Hidden Gem – The Col du Portillon
The Col du Portillon, also known as the Col de Peyresourde, is a hidden gem of a climb located in the Pyrenees. While it may not be as famous as some of the other climbs in the region, it certainly holds its own in terms of beauty and difficulty. In fact, this lesser-known climb rivals many of the more famous ascents in both aspects. Today, we’re going to take a closer look at this hidden gem and discover why it deserves more recognition.
The Numbers: A Closer Look
The climb up the Col du Portillon from the midjan side is the most famous route up the mountain. This side of the climb spans a total of 10.4 kilometers, with an average gradient of 8.4% and maximum slopes reaching 9.5%. This may not be the steepest climb out there, but what sets it apart is its consistency. Even when you feel tired, the climb continues with a relentless and consistent gradient. It’s this consistency that makes the Col du Portillon a true test for cyclists.
Tour de France History
Surprisingly, the Col du Portillon has only been climbed five times in the history of the Tour de France, and it has never been the site of a summit finish in the race. One possible explanation for this is the remote location of the climb. The lack of infrastructure and parking for the Tour de France caravan makes it difficult to host the finish of a stage on this climb. Instead, the Tour de France typically uses it as a penultimate climb before finishing in a nearby resort. The second explanation for its limited appearances in the race is the sharp turns. In the last three kilometers of the climb, the road becomes narrow and the switchbacks become extremely sharp, making it challenging for the caravan to navigate.
The Pyrenees vs. The Alps
One question often asked is whether the Pyrenees or the Alps are steeper. While the Alps are higher, the Pyrenees pack a punch in a smaller area. The French legend Bernard Hinault once said that while the Alps are higher, the Pyrenees are steeper and more compact. This means that in the Pyrenees, climbers can find a lot of challenging climbs packed into a smaller area, without the need for long transitions between climbs, unlike in the Alps.
The Summit
Reaching the summit of the Col du Portillon is a rewarding experience. At 2001 meters of altitude, the summit offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area. The solitude and beauty of this lesser-known climb make it a truly special experience for cyclists. Despite its relatively low profile, the Col du Portillon is a climb that deserves to be discovered and appreciated by more cyclists.
Challenges and Rewards
The Col du Portillon may not be as famous as some of the other climbs in the Pyrenees, but it certainly holds its own in terms of beauty and difficulty. Its consistent gradient and sharp switchbacks make it a challenging climb, while its stunning views and sense of solitude make it a truly rewarding experience. The lack of infrastructure and its remote location only add to the allure of this climb, giving it a sense of authenticity that is often lacking in more popular climbs.
Discovering the Col du Portillon
Despite its lack of fame, the Col du Portillon is a climb that deserves to be experienced by cyclists looking for a true challenge and a unique adventure. Whether it’s the consistent gradient, the sharp switchbacks, or the stunning views at the summit, this hidden gem of the Pyrenees has a lot to offer. So, if you’re looking for a climb that’s off the beaten path, the Col du Portillon is definitely worth adding to your cycling bucket list.
In conclusion, the Col du Portillon may not have the same recognition as some of the more famous climbs in the Pyrenees, but it certainly holds its own in terms of beauty and challenge. With its consistent gradient, sharp switchbacks, and stunning views at the summit, this hidden gem is a climb that deserves to be discovered and appreciated by more cyclists. So, if you’re looking for a unique and authentic cycling experience, consider adding the Col du Portillon to your list of must-ride climbs.
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