Col d' Aspin

From Sainte-Marie-de-Campan, the Col d’Aspin allows the ride to unfold gradually. The western approach follows the valley towards Payolle, with gentler ground giving time to look beyond the road. At around 12.6 kilometres, it is long enough to feel like a proper mountain crossing, yet its opening gives little indication of where most of the work will come. The change is concentrated beyond Payolle, where the road turns upwards and the easy progress of the valley gives way to a more deliberate climbing rhythm.

The bends of the upper ascent draw you towards the pass, with the surrounding mountains becoming the reward for that sharper effort. This is a climb of contrasting halves: the first invites a little speed, while the second makes each turn count. Reaching the open col brings a pleasing sense of arrival. Aspin has a quiet authority of its own.