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Cycling holidays at Villa Tamerza.
Routes for the manic, the fit and totally unfit biker!
The area around Bagneres de Bigorre is a mecca for road cyclists 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
Check out what the Crawley Wheelers thought of the area
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, Hautacam, Col de Marie Blanc, Luz Ardiden - 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 £90 per person plus your flight and food. Request more information
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 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
Jan 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 -
Lance 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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