From Bagnères-de-Luchon, at 2,077 ft (633 m), to Superbagnères at 5,899 ft (1,798 m), it’s 10.7 miles (17.2 km) at an average 6.8% and 3,822 ft (1,165 m) of climbing. The average hides two different climbs: a first half up the valley, with changes of pace, and a long, steady second half.
What the climb is like
- Km 0 to 4, miles 0 to 2.5. You leave Luchon almost on the flat (2-4%) and soon hit a short 8-10% ramp.
- Km 4 to 8, miles 2.5 to 5. An irregular stretch up the Pique valley: grades from 2% to 7.5%, with the odd harder kilometer, to the Lapadé bridge and the Hospice de France junction.
- Km 8 to the top, mile 5 on. At the Lys valley junction the real climb begins: about 5.6 miles (9 km) between 6% and 10%, mostly at 8-9%, with the last kilometer near 10%. CyclingCols measures the final 2.9 miles (4.7 km) at 8.4%.
A note on the numbers
CyclingCols gives 17.2 km and 1,165 m (6.8%), and Climbfinder 17.1 km and 1,161 m (6.8%). Cols-cyclisme measures from lower down: 18.5 km and 1,170 m (6.3%). The maximum, around 11-12%, is on short pitches.
History
Superbagnères was a Tour de France finish in the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s: CyclingCols lists Imerio Massignan (1961), Federico Bahamontes (1962), José Manuel Fuente (1971), Bernard Hinault (1979), Greg LeMond (1986) and Robert Millar (1989) as first to the top. Then it was forgotten for 36 years, until the 2025 Tour came back and Thymen Arensman won.
When to go, water and traffic
The road leads to a ski station and can have snow in winter. In summer traffic is light. Fill your bottles in Luchon, a spa town with every service; there are few on the climb. Luchon is also the starting point for the Peyresourde and the Port de Balès.
What gearing to use
A 34x28 or 34x30 is enough for most riders. At 3 W/kg (watts per kilo of body weight) and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll ride about 6.2 mph (10 km/h) on 9%: 65 rpm on a 34x28 and 69 on a 34x30. Run your numbers in the gear calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb Superbagnères?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 1 h 22 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 1 h 37 min at 2.5 W/kg and 1 h 03 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
Where is the hardest part of Superbagnères?
In the second half, from the Lys valley junction: about 5.6 miles (9 km) almost all at 8-9%, with a few short breathers and the last kilometer near 10%.
When did the Tour de France return to Superbagnères?
In 2025, after 36 years away: stage 14 finished at the top and was won by Thymen Arensman. The previous finish was in 1989, won by Robert Millar.