Cycling The Hautacam

Those who watch Ski Sunday are probably already familiar with The Hautacam but it is also an iconic cycle climb last used in the Tour De France in 2022. It had been on the radar for some time and as we were close by in the motorhome it seemed an ideal opportunity to climb it.

We checked in to the Camping Car Parks Aire at Agos Vidalos ( N43.035706 W000.070657 ) €14 per 24 hrs and is situated a short distance from the climb.

The climb is an average of 8% over the 16km with steepest section at 12.8% but the irregular gradient makes it hard to get into a rhythm and I found it quite demanding. The locals are well used to the cyclists lured to the climb and we were certainly given plenty of room by passing traffic.

The first few kilometres are pretty gentle but once the climb starts in earnest it quickly ramps up to 8% and then the middle kilometres were showing as 10%+. There are a couple of sections where it flattens to allow the legs a bit of recovery but they are brief. The middle section of route is at present being resurfaced and the smooth rolling tarmac make every pedal stroke a bit easier. Nearing the top progress came to an abrupt halt as a flock of sheep blocked the road, they were in no hurry and oblivious to car horns.

Arriving at the top was a bit of an anti climax and I was surprised at the lack of action, I wasn’t expecting a fanfare but maybe an ice cream van selling cold drinks, but nothing, the ski station was deserted, a couple of cars and one other cyclist. We did see a few more cyclists ascending as we were descending but not nearly as many as who choose to tackle the other iconic local climbs of Tourmalet, Sulour and the Aubisque.

A brief stop to admire the stunning views, the obligatory “proof of passage” photograph by the sign and it was back down the hill, I would add with a great deal of caution, didn’t want the newly laid greasy tarmac to spoil our day.