Cycling at Villa Tamerza.
Routes for the manic, the fit and totally unfit biker!

Check out what the Crawley Wheelers thought of the area 
 
The area around Bagneres de Bigorre is a mecca for road and mountain bikers alike, with classic Tour de France routes abounding. You can witness first hand what it's like to climb the truly great mountain challenges in cycling. Check when Villa Tamerza is available to rent

 
Dick - Villa Tamerza's entry for the 2003 Etape du Tour - having made light work of the Col d'Aspin on a training ride. Gisela not that impressed!
 
 
 
Above, left: Approaching the Tourmalet at St Marie de Campan. Looks simple enough - but then it gets steeper! - and drags on a tiny bit!
Above, right: Reaching the top of the Col d'Aspin from Arreau.
 
You could stay for a month and do different rides everyday. A wealth of Hors, First and Second category climbs for the brave (foolish?), as well as loads of nice flat rides through the surrounding valleys and picturesque countryside.

For elite riders, the 'must' cols are the Tourmalet, Col d'Aspin, Col d'Aubisque, Col de Peyresourde - but there are many others - all within riding distance of Villa Tamerza. We offer great deals to cycling clubs for groups of up to 12. A week's spectacular biking at Villa Tamerza costs from as little as £56 per person plus your flight and food. Find out more.
 
The Col du Tourmalet is one of the longest mountain climbs you are likely to encounter - nearly 23 km from Campan to the top. The last 14 km are fierce, averaging around 8-9%, but with steeper patches just to keep you awake! It takes about twenty minutes to ride to Campan from La Villa Tamerza.
 
 
 
Above, left: Lance Armstrong (our hero!) sprints away from Beloki at the finish of the Tourmalet stage in the 2002 Tour. Above, right: Lance leaves Ullrich
gasping at Ax-les-Thermes.


 
The leading group in the 2001 Tour as they approach the summit of the Col d'Aspin from the Arreau side - our hero leading the pack !
 
You approach the western side of the Tourmalet from Lourdes, which is around an hour's ride from the house. The profile of this side of the Tourmalet is very similar to the other side but definitely harder - about 9 to 10% all the way for some 18km - and the scenery is much more rugged with virtually no trees for shelter on a hot day.

You'll probably get a cheer at the top if there are enough site-seers around - but you'll probably be too knackered to care!. Don't forget to take something warm to wear on the way back down from these climbs, because it gets very cold some days!! and take your winter gloves because your hands will be frozen which makes braking a bit tricky. The roads are mostly quiet and well-surfaced. Best cycling times are between May and October. Villa Tamerza's owners are cycling maniacs so the house may not always be available during the "Tour" in July. Best enquire early!
 
 
 
Above, left: Orange is a popular colour on the Col d'Aubisque!  
Above, right: Another fantastic view of the Tourmalet.
 
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Copyright 2003 Villa Tamerza & Cycle Crazy.