From Sainte-Marie-de-Campan, at 2,779 ft (847 m), to the Col du Tourmalet at 6,939 ft (2,115 m), it’s 10.7 miles (17.2 km) at an average 7.4% and 4,160 ft (1,268 m) of climbing. All three sources agree: Wikipedia and cols-cyclisme give 17.2 km and 1,268 m; CyclingCols, 17.1 km and 1,267 m.
What the climb is like
- Sainte-Marie-de-Campan to Gripp (about 2.8 miles, or 4.5 km). An open valley and a gentle grade. This is the warm-up.
- Gripp to La Mongie. From Gripp (about 3,380 ft, or 1,030 m), the road climbs steadily at 8-10%, through avalanche galleries, to the La Mongie ski resort (5,740-5,900 ft, or 1,750-1,800 m).
- La Mongie to the top (about 2.5 miles, or 4 km). Close to 9%, now above the trees, up to 6,939 ft (2,115 m).
The maximum grade is around 11% (between 10% and 12% depending on the source). We don’t publish a segment-by-segment profile because we’ve only found the exact positions of Gripp and La Mongie in user comments.
Tour de France history
This side of the Tourmalet has one of the most famous stories in cycling: in 1913, Eugène Christophe broke his fork descending the pass and repaired it himself at a forge in Sainte-Marie-de-Campan, because the rules banned outside help.
The 2010 Tour’s summit finish, won by Andy Schleck with Alberto Contador in yellow, came up this side. The Tour has also finished three times at La Mongie, partway up. In all, the Tourmalet has 87 Tour crossings through 2020.
When to go, water and traffic
The pass is closed from early December to early June, and on some summer mornings it’s reserved for cyclists from 9 a.m. to noon. Fill your bottles in Sainte-Marie-de-Campan: there’s little water until La Mongie, which has restaurants, as does the area near the top. The Col d’Aspin also starts from Sainte-Marie-de-Campan, and the Hourquette d’Ancizan is nearby.
What gearing to use
A 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%, and on a 34x30 you’ll pedal around 70 rpm. Compare in the gear calculator.
Tips
- Use the 2.8 miles (4.5 km) to Gripp to eat and drink.
- In the avalanche galleries, use a rear light.
- If you have time, climb both sides: the west side is on the Luz-Saint-Sauveur page.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb the Tourmalet from Sainte-Marie-de-Campan?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 1 h 28 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 1 h 45 min at 2.5 W/kg and 1 h 08 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
What happened at Sainte-Marie-de-Campan in 1913?
Eugène Christophe broke his fork descending the Tourmalet and repaired it himself at a forge in the village, as the rules required.
Where does the Tourmalet get hard via La Mongie?
At Gripp, around km 4.5 (mile 2.8). From there the grade holds between 8% and 10% all the way to the top.