Col du Tourmalet (Campan) - Cycling Inspiration & Education

The Col du Tourmalet has a long and illustrious history with the Tour de France, first used in 1910 it immediately stamped its authority on the race with Frenchman Octave Lapize venting his displeasure and yelling 'Vous êtes des assassins! Oui, des assassins!' ('You are murderers! Yes, murderers!') to officials as he battled his way up little more than a goat track on his single-speed bike. Three years later and Eugène Christophe famously re-welded his fork in a forge at the bottom of the climb in Sainte Marie de Campan only to be given a time penalty for having outside assistance when he needed a second pair of hands to operate the bellows, now if that’s not a little harsh I don’t know what is?
To say that the Tourmalet is a regular in the race is an understatement having been featured over 80 times, and more than any other mountain, in the Tour’s history. From professional racers to amateur riders the Tourmalet is a book of stories a thousand pages long or more. The beauty of this mountain is knowing just how many tales it holds from old to new as you trace your way towards the 2,115 metre summit, making it the highest road pass in the Pyrénées. I’ve ridden the Tourmalet in the rain, shine and even under moonlight and every time I can feel a certain energy that’s unlike anything else. Maybe it’s the legends of the road in spirit riding with you? Maybe it’s my over active imagination dreaming of racing in the Tour? Or maybe it’s just the experience of the Tourmalet itself, something we all should have at least once in our lives.
I hope this video helps you conquer the Tourmalet and add your own history to this truly memorable mountain.
Start: Sainte Marie de Campan
Length: 16.9km
Summit: 2,115m
Elevation gain: 1,275m
Average gradient: 7.4%
Max gradient: 13%
For more help and advice visit our website at thecolcollective.com, become part of our col community and sign up for our free newsletter for monthly updates.
If you’re able to help spread our message by sharing with your friends and fellow riders then that would be truly appreciated. Our goal is to try and get more people on their bikes and enjoying the magic of the mountains.
Never miss a video, subscribe to our KZbin channel or get in touch on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. We’d love to hear from you.
Stay well, ride safe and thank you for watching.
Mike Cotty
The Col Collective
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[@S13SFC]

I'm riding this in August, it'll be my first major climb and just shy of 50. Excited and daunted in equal measure.

[@dcliftonsimms]

Can't thank you guys enough for these. My family sits down with me to watch them and we plan our future holidays around these epic climbs. You're an inspiration to a new generation of little cyclists as well as the current and old guard. Thanks

[@TheColCollective]

That is AMAZING! So, so, happy to hear that you can use our videos to plan your holidays. That's perfect! Take care. Mike

[@dxr2002]

Never a disappointment watching these. Thank you for the wonder videos!

[@MikeCotty]

So, so, happy to hear! Thank you! 🎥🚵😊

[@danygomes5402]

I can't avoid imagining Octave Lapize climbing the tourmalet in 1910: unsealed road, heavy steel bike, no gears...

[@RafaelOshiro]

The scenery is amazing!

[@bronb4412]

Did it two days ago, my first Col :) as long as you don't set out too fast and find your pace it's not too bad. And of course some bars/gels to keep your energy up. Beautiful scenery. Love this video, really nicely put together, thank you Mike, spurred me on to do it when I started to think perhaps I should attempt something easier for a first Pyrénées climb! So glad I went for it :)

[@lgpadilha]

Amazing!

[@ralphwalker2798]

Thanks, Mike. Another great climb. I especially appreciate your injection of history. We need more of that - cycling has such a long and rich history. I remember using Christophe toe straps in the old days!! Keep up the wonderful work.

[@MikeCotty]

Absolutely Ralph, such a beautiful sport with a history like no other!

[@ralphwalker2798]

Mike Cotty Maybe next time a story about Alfredo Binda, the other 'toe strap guy"?

[@seanmcclintock2311]

I love these videos!!!!

[@jeffreybeskar4545]

Thank you for the ride along Mike. Your vids are inspiring !

[@frankswildy]

Really enjoying these videos - great stuff.

[@adriancandacampo6425]

Mike cotty eres una leyenda

[@juditheneric8811]

As always, beautifull..

[@RixterNow]

I love it. Hope to ride that one day

[@EKcyclist]

These videos are inspirational! The advice and info given are extremely helpful. And the music completes the superb effect. Chapeau!

[@nfd610]

Phenomenal videos, Mike, thanks!

[@TheColCollective]

Rob Moore Thanks for watching Rob!

[@rolandlundall133]

I love all your videos of the col's amazing.I feel your passion as it is the same passion I have for cycling.I watch your videos all the time.

[@denisfaure-brac2403]

Great video !

[@SuperBoxer1975]

wow, da muss ich hin! danke !!

[@rahulkota1]

Fantastic information all along the video, wonderful music behind and Mike Cotty you always make it look so simple :) ...absolute powerhouse...brilliant work yet again...Cheers!!!

[@MikeCotty]

Thank you so much for your support Rahul! Peace. Mike

[@Pdeloosha]

Another great video and Thanks for showing the gearing being used. Living here in North East America the high peaks I'm fortunate enough to ride are amazing but the mountain ranges over there are absolutely stunning. There is no doubt that these videos are inspiring and the perfect presenter..ride on Mike !

[@MikeCotty]

You're too kind by half, thanks so much for your support! M

[@centrywt912]

Such a nice way to show the mountain and the climb itself, thanks! :) will climb it too in arround 5 days *__*

[@dannynellie5528]

Best cycling videos around keep up the good work

[@TheColCollective]

+Danny Nellie Cheers Danny! Glad you're enjoying them. We've got some fantastic climbs on the way, stay tuned for more! Ride safe, Mike

[@dviper770]

Thank you for this vid...it inspired me to climb it...I did it 2 days ago from Ste Marie de Campan and it was such an experience...thank you again

[@TheColCollective]

Thanks Simon! We are thrilled you enjoyed it! It's a very special climb!

[@jbstans]

Love these videos. I'm miles away from being able to do anything on this scale yet but they're really inspiring me to get out there and start attacking some hills this year and start building towards something like this - way to go Mike!

[@MikeCotty]

That's the spirit! Absolutely love that attitude! 🙌

[@mikemarkson6291]

Some great cycling videos out there, but these are in a class of their own. Keep up the great work.

[@MikeCotty]

Thank for your appreciation Mike. That really means a huge amount to us. We're only a small team of three trying to make this all happen so it's even more pleasing to hear that you're liking what we're doing. More to come! :-)

[@Guoenyi]

Fantastic welding story

[@dandyness2001]

Love the video, keep posting.

[@TheColCollective]

+dandyness2001 Fear not there are many, many, many more to come! Could do with an extra pair of creative fingers to edit them now! Thanks for watching, Mike

[@stereosteve7892]

Wonderful video! Great view, great music!!! Please more

[@MikeCotty]

Much more on the way Steve! :-)

[@user-ul1fu1qn4p]

@MikeCotty can you tell me what is the name of the song of the first minute of this video? I love all of your videos. Congratulations for your brilliant job

[@staffane3648]

Impressive video production and great inspiration for riders!

[@MikeCotty]

Thanks for your support Staffan! 🙏

[@icacaz7806]

Genial!!!!

[@pjpiper7]

Superb video, again Mike. I did this last year in the Étape in the pouring rain and sleet on the summit; but still a beautiful climb.

[@MikeCotty]

Big respect Pete. The conditions change so quickly. I remember racing an event in 2009, perfect conditions the day before and apocalyptic the day of the race. Let's just say it wasn't as much fun as it could've been at the time but boy the memories now are so fulfilling. Stay well and ride safe. Mike

[@nekovolta2]

Everyone says how great your videos are... Nobody tells the true: what the hell I am doing in this turbo trainer when I just want to be there! THANKS!

[@TheColCollective]

nekovolta2 Hope it makes the turbo trainer more fun until the day you ride them for real! :-)

[@kaderous82]

thank you il like all your vidéo col collective 💪

[@RobBastien]

This is sooo well made, please list all your sponsors in the comments area so we know who to give our money too. :-)

[@TheColCollective]

Thank you for recognising and appreciating the support that has allowed us to bring this amazing project to life (a personal dream that I've had for many years). We are very grateful to of all of our partners so when you're next in need of some new cycling gear, a holiday or mountain event in the future keep these guys in mind and hopefully we can continue to bring more videos to you now and in the future. Thank you to - Mavic, Cannondale, LaFuga.cc, Lezyne, USE / Exposure Lights, Torq Fitness, Haute Route, Muc-Off, Scicon, The Sufferfest, Fi'zi:k and Map My Tracks. Stay well, ride safe and enjoy! Mike

[@ChristoNorman]

The Col Collective I am liking the kit you wear on these videos - which are inspirational

[@prajneshjain4836]

Amazing champ you got one sub!

[@gustaylor50]

Road this mid September. Georgous conditions and an absolutely god like climb. First few km very easy but just hits you 4km in and stays on you all the way to the summit. Can't wait to do the Western face one day.

[@albertcarballaliglesias3559]

Is very nice video,the Tourmalet is fabolous

[@TheColCollective]

ALBERTO CARBALLAL IGLESIAS Absolutely Alberto, the Tourmalet is the king of the land! Stay well, Mike

[@jrproduction1]

Belle vidéo :)

[@McHayes76]

Rode it last summer. It hurt :-) But the view on the top is amazing!

[@EmperorJamie]

Great vid. Off to the Pyreness next month and tackling 8 climbs - using all your vids for inspiration.

[@TheColCollective]

Jamie Maker Superb Jamie! The Pyrenees are such an incredible place. So happy to hear our videos have helped get you in the mood. Ride safe and enjoy! Mike

[@drewmorg.]

Mike Cotty Can you do a video with an in depth review of your gear you use for riding and climbing? And maybe another video for climbing technique (at least from your perspective) on these insane climbs? I love to climb here and new to cycling, but I am constantly messing with clean adjustment/seat etc and still incurring some pains in the knees and whatnot. Would love to see how to get around this!

[@TheColCollective]

Hi Drew, funny you mentioned that. We'll be doing that for Season Two, just need the weather to improve and we'll be back in the mountains again! Until then, stay tuned for more coming very soon! Stay well, Mike

[@McHayes76]

A gradient of 8,5%, not too difficult :-)

[@vitalleroi5076]

Whats song please Mike ? 5:00 merci beaucoup 👍 super vidéo

[@carythompson1147]

i know this has been mentioned before, but a Col Collective Spotify playlist would be well appreciated!

[@TheColCollective]

Hi Cary, I'd absolutely love to put a Spotify playlist together but we only have the rights to use the music for our vids. Massive apologies for that. Ride safe, Mike

[@benlock8147]

+The Col Collective great video and what bike are you riding as it is very nice and when i get my new road bike next year i am planning on going to majorca and climbing some of the mountains over there

[@TheIlieDanila]

Hi, can you please share the name of the song in the beginning of the video? thanks

[@derekbiggerstaff]

Take warm clothing for the descent. I got hypothermia and ended up in Lourdes hospital. 25 celsius in the valley, 3 celsius and raining at the top. Be warned. That was in July.

[@TheColCollective]

Definitely great advice, the mountains can change in a moment from idyllic to pure survival. I've learnt that the hard way too!

[@Marilyn3rietveld]

what is the name of the first song?

[@alanclayton2349]

Epic video Mike hope to go camping at Luz St Sauveur so will hit from West.

[@TheColCollective]

Alan Clayton Nice one Alan! We've got a video from Luz coming soon too so hopefully that'll help you out. Enjoy! Mike

[@alanclayton2349]

Brilliant can't wait.

[@alanclayton2349]

Can you recommend any other climbs near Luz? Don't have to be as big as Tourmalet as I'll have to get up early do one climb before wife and daughter cause a mutiny.

[@TheColCollective]

You could check out Hautacam, Aubisque and Luz Ardiden for starters ;-)

[@alanclayton2349]

Cheers Mike,what's it like around Massif Central. Guy in work said good for camping with family,or should I stick with Luz. Much appreciated matey. 😋

[@joner98]

What's the name of the first song in this video, I love it

[@kellyfreckelton712]

hi what embrocation do you recommend please

[@iancrichton]

I rode this years ago but from the other side. Do you think you'll do that side one day Mr Cotty.?

[@TheColCollective]

+iancrichton Yep, the video is work in progress as I type this. Stay tuned Ian!

[@thefisherman926]

Music track info? The music is always good. I'd appreciate it if you listed it in the info.

[@TheColCollective]

Todd Perrett Hi Todd, glad you enjoy the music. We don't list the tracks as nearly all of them come from a library we have, or from artists that don't offer them commercially (e.g. on iTunes) so it doesn't make sense to list them if they can't be purchased easily. Hope that makes sense, sorry about that. Thanks for your support. Mike

[@lukestockton7348]

+The Col Collective song at 2 minutes is by DJ Roman LaCosta - Love in my heart, available on spotify

[@clasicomano2481]

I think Envalira is the highest road pass in the Pyrenees.

[@ercangulpnar2566]

😀👍

[@jimmyrustler6652]

is he using a cannondale CAAD10?

[@TheColCollective]

+Lynden Pilcher Hi Lynden. I'm riding a Cannondale EVO Hi-Mod with Mavic CC40C wheels and Shimano Di2 components. Always brings a big smile to my face on every ascent. Ride safe, Mike

[@jimmyrustler6652]

Oh right (very nice set up by the way) I was just curious since it looked like the bottom bracket was welded rather than made from carbon

[@hUmoRRR]

Highest road pass in the pyrenees is port d'Envalira 2400, isn't it??

[@r4gemaChin3wOw]

song name 5:30 please ?

[@larsmunch4536]

5:18: "stay composed". If you start to decompose, it is time to stop cycling. Or did I misunderstand this?

[@cosimogritti18]

Song?

[@basqueriders6858]

To be honest, Tourmalet is one of the ugliest climbs when compared to other less famous climbs in the Pyrenees, specially, due to its heavy traffic. However, the climb is so epic it is worth doing!

[@justinbelcher3292]

I think Port d'Envalira is the highest pass in the Pyrenees

[@MikeCotty]

Darn it there's always one little slippery fish that slides through the net. I should've said French Pyrenees. Must've got excited or nervous at the sight of the mighty Tourmalet looming dead ahead! ;-)

[@matthiasvalentin6045]

musique du début svp