Col d'Azet (and Col de Peyresourde)

This race offers the last 54 km. the eighth stage of the Tour de France 2016. After a few flat kilometers, we reach Saint-Lary-Soulan. We cross the beautiful center of the village and, after a few meters, turn left to climb the Col d'Azet.
Col d'Azet, also called Col de Val Louron-Azet, is one of the prettiest climbs in the Pyrenees, a hidden gem compared to the famous giants of the Pyrenees. The first kilometers of the climb are easy, the road is wooded and quiet. However, shortly after Salihan, things get serious, with a gradient of 7-8% for the rest of the climb. During the course of the climb, we cross the small villages of Estensan and Azet. In the final part of the climb, the vegetation opens up when the tree line is passed, and amazing views all around make this ascent an unforgettable experience. We descend to Genos and ride along the lake going for Loudenvielle. Some ramps announce the second climb of the race. We turn right on D618 and start climbing for 7km., with an average gradient of 7%, to Col de Peyresourde. Col de Peyresourde not need comments, famous and beautiful climb much loved and traveled by cyclists from all around the world. Reached the summit, we face the descent gives us beautiful images of the valley and surrounding mountains. Finally we arrive in Bagneres de Luchon where the race ends.