Col du Tourmalet par Campan (East Side) including Luz Ardiden

One of the "Big three" in the Tour de France, together with the Aubisque and the Galibier. The start of our videorace is located in Sainte-Marie-de-Campan. This side is the heaviest side of the Tourmalet, although gradient and average % are lower than the west-side.
In the first five kilometers you won't notice much difference in percentages. The road continues to go on and off with even descending pieces and you wonder when the col really starts until you reach Gripp. The percentage now rises to more than 8% and the road hugs the hillside and the trees. The first five kilometer, the pecentage remains stable at around 8 to 9%. Meanwhile, you take the first hairpin in the forest.
When you reach the first gallery, near the Barrage de Castillon, the percentage finally goes into the double digits. The two kilometers between the first gallery and La Mongie with 10%, are the toughest of the whole ascent.
When entering La Mongie the climb gets easier again. A kilometer further on, at the exit of this ugly ski village, you see the sign of the last 4 kilometers. The top is now within sight and the thought that the last kilometers go at about 8%, is motivating. After three hairpins - the last hairpin is very steep and you better not take it on the inside - you reach the top with the famous iron statue and get rewarded with the view into the beautiful west side of the col.
Now we face the long descent to Luz St. Sauveur and begin the very steady climb to Luz Ardiden. It’s a “nice” climb, the gradient does not differ very much on the climb so it is easy to get and maintain a rhythm. The climb offers spectacular views of the grand peaks of Haute Pyrénées, it is mostly wooded until 4km to go where it opens up and you can see the ski station.