Lac de Cap-de-Long (St-Lary-Soulan) - Cycling Inspiration & Education

Surrounded by a mecca of prestigious peaks it’s sometimes all too easy to follow the beaten track from valley to summit. There’s something special about the Hautes Pyrénées and the remote tranquility of a world untouched. While the historic Col du Tourmalet proudly basks in the limelight, the little known Route des Lacs remains quietly content with its anonymity. And here lies the true beauty of the Néouvielle massif, home to 70 lakes, cascading waterfalls and an abundance of flora and fauna.
From Saint-Lary-Soulan the vallée d'Aure is gentle for the first 9.5km, allowing you time to warm your legs. It’s at Fabian where the climb really starts, as the road narrows and the gradient fluctuates through a dense forest of mountain pine. Relax, deep breath, the lack of road markings can make it hard to track your progress. Focus on the three sets of switchbacks to gauge your effort and where you are on the climb. Starting with the Lacet des Écureuils (squirrels hairpin) with 6.3km to go, followed in quick succession by the Lacet des Myrtilles and the ancient bends of the Lacet des Edelweiss. It’s here where your heart really starts to pound as the scenery starts to sing in a way that’s less familiar than you may have come to expect from the Pyrénées.
Rugged rock strewn landscapes, the Lac d’Orédon, Aubert and Aumar are all worthy of exploration but today we’re headed toward the Lac de Cap-de-Long, with its 100 metre high dam, holding back a gargantuan 67 million cubic metres of water, it’s the largest reservoir in the Pyrénées and a true spectacle beyond many. This may be an ‘out and back’ route but it’s one that will enrich your soul, put you back in the present and instil the simple feeling of freedom within. On a clear blue day I can think of few better places to be on the planet but, to be honest, not even the autumn rain could spoil the moment such is the mystique of the the Route des Lacs and sensational Cap-de-Long.
Start: Saint-Lary-Soulan
Length: 22.7km
Summit: 2,161m
Elevation gain: 1,361
Average gradient: 5.9%
Max gradient: 13%
Ridden in October
Thank you to our partners Mavic, Cannondale, Exposure Lights, Fi’zi:k, Haute Route, Lezyne, Map My Tracks, Muc Off, Scicon, The Sufferfest, TORQ and USE for enabling us to bring these truly special mountains to life for you all. If you're in need of new bike kit in the future and you enjoyed this video then bear them in mind and help keep the wheels turning :-)
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.
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Stay well, ride safe and thank you for watching.
Mike Cotty
The Col Collective
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[@DanMcNama]

Mike, I'd never heard the Cap-de-Long until now. This looks like a true treasure in the collective and is no doubt now on my list of musts. Thanks yet again for unlocking the reasons why we ride.

[@evictorr]

I watched this video before, but rewatching after having been lucky enough to ride it last month... ah, now I enjoyed watching the video even more. I rode up to Lac de Cap de Long, Lac d'Oredon, Lac d'Aumar and Lac d'Aubert, and thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@mavknight211]

Mike you have the best cyclist job in the world. Hands down. Even pros will envy you. No pressure, just you, your stunning bike and magnificent cols.

[@MikeCotty]

Thanks Maverick. I've been working on trying to bring this all together for close to a decade, it's only now I've managed to make the pieces fit.

[@gerrybalos1272]

This is a life goal for an old slow guy from Kauai. This is now my dream ride. Thank you!

[@garethjones3806]

Inspired by Mike I did this, Pla D’Adet and Col D’Azet last month on a single day. Lac de Cap de Long was simply stunning and exactly as Mike describes. Rode into cloud and mists and arrived at the top soaking wet. The view of the Barrage with maybe 4km to go is welcome and awe inspiring. It’s why we ride.

[@delgunn]

A superb climb….the view was incredible from the dam…cafe at the top was an added bonus

[@jean-mariegarcia1477]

Très belle réalisation à la fois cinématographique et sportive. Merci.

[@estebana.miralles3619]

Absolutely stunning! What a wonderful road.

[@cameronsmith3966]

Greta looking area👌🏼man you're going fast around those hairpin climbs💪🏼🚴🏼 @cottydale. Cool lookin rocks too

[@linear7612]

A dream. Many thanks and keep on riding!!!

[@anthonyhomercycling]

Such beauty and pain... Thank you for another inspiration! Just in time for another climbing day for me! Thank you so much! Job well done!!

[@braddemarco8040]

Beautiful scenery

[@brentmccord9821]

Purely Stunning!! Lac de Cap-de-Long goes on the list!! Thanks for this. Cheers!

[@johncassidy9460]

Absolutely beautiful.

[@fiddleronthebike]

stunning video (as always...), thanks, great work!

[@jonathantaff3007]

beautiful find XXX Awesome! Thank you.

[@willeigo8468]

thanks for sharing an off the beaten track ride

[@TheColCollective]

You’re very welcome!

[@cyclingchantal]

Pure beauty. Awesome! Thanks for sharing

[@MikeCotty]

Thanks for watching ;-)

[@globaljobber]

Awesome - understatement.

[@vasilymorozov9641]

Nature around looks very beauty!! Thanks for sharing

[@fernandolemos2823]

Another beautifull video. Makes me want to go there tomorrow.

[@yanniskouretas8688]

Magnificent vistas (& cycling of course) - Thanks Mike

[@pompeyvin]

Goosebumps watching this - amazing climb. Can;t wait to get out to France again and ride some real mountains

[@bedders2]

And add to the bucket list! Chapeau

[@spen4593]

Awesome work Mike..what a truly beautiful climb..

[@nachetegiant]

Just been there last friday. One of the toughest climbs I've ever done and and espectacular views . Increíble climb.

[@evictorr]

Another nice video! All going well, I'll be in the Pyrenees in September this year, riding to the Lac de Cap de Long, among other climbs. Looking forward to it! :)

[@renziencarnacion6989]

what a great climb sir so beautiful place to be really amazimg

[@alluvialfan294]

Coincidentally, I just bought a map for the Tourmalet and saw this road thinking that must be famous but had never heard of it! Thanks for bringing it to us Mike

[@reflectionsdetail]

I'll be there in a week, thanks for the preview

[@richardward5828]

Rode it a few days ago in not great weather. What a great climb! Throughly recommend it.

[@andreascarmona]

one more week before i go back to Europe Mike ! cant wait to start Collecting ! thanks for keepi g me on my toes , what a nice video man , the Col Collective getting better and better one video at the time ! best wishes and happy Collecting , best of luck out there !

[@petertaylor123]

I love the 'overlay' shot of the 3 of you on the hairpins, genius!! Thanks again guys....

[@MikeCotty]

That's our fav shot too! :-)

[@MikeJones-nh6jr]

Yet another great video Mike, and of one of our favourite climbs where without fail our guests have all been amazed at the quality of the climb and the awesome views. It is worth pointing out that the road out from St Lary is a major connecting route into Spain and can get very busy especially during the holidays. That being said it is safe, and generally motorists are very respectful of cyclists. You can link this climb with an equally stunning climb from Lac Genos via the Louron-Azet.

[@MikeCotty]

Thanks, that's a good tip about the busy road. We were lucky to ride it out of season. Stay safe. Mike

[@davidbgvl]

And my bucket list gets even longer. Thank you for another great video.

[@TheColCollective]

+David Bray The bucket list continues to grow.....that's what we love to hear! :-)

[@reimontube75]

Goosebumps!!!

[@marceloortigao439]

Your videos, and rides, never cease to amaze me. This time you definitely outdid yourself. And I sure agree with you with regards to keeping the TDF out of this mountain and save its pristine and inspirational views to the amateurs. It has been added to my bucket list! Thanks Mike!

[@TheColCollective]

+Marcelo Ortigao You're very welcome Marcelo!

[@jamesmacdonald7]

Awesome climb. Would love to go ride it on a wet rainy day with nobody else around. Thanks for doing these vids Mike.

[@TheColCollective]

+James MacDonald Sometimes a little rain can mean you have the climb all to yourself :-)

[@johnnains195]

I've climbed up to the lac d'Aubert by turning right on the "embranchment", you then have a short and steep descent to pass on the water level and then you arrive at a parking lot where the national park closes circulation to cars. After that point it's 2 or 3 kilometers of a very hard, poor ground road to the lac d'Aubert, where you can see horses and really feel alone. A marvellous climb !!!

[@TasteLikeChicken]

Transcendent, magnificent, inspirational and sublime. Thank you Mike Cotty for the Col Collective and the extraordinary gift that you have given to the cycling community. Your soul is so breathtakingly beautiful. EPO, doping, hidden crank motors, ASO vs UCI fighting....who cares, I've got the Col Collective! Carpe diem Mike, carpe diem!

[@TheColCollective]

+Never Mind Peace on the road. Mike

[@AdilsonAmaro]

Magnificent !!

[@matthewholberton]

Wow, great colours Mike. Worth the wait 😍

[@pedropinhoneves]

Amazing climb! Great video!

[@mjezek7806]

Simply awesome, same as all your videos! They are very motivating, I think not just for me. I wish to try some of these cols. Thanks the Col Collective!

[@MikeCotty]

You're very welcome. Thanks for tuning in.

[@RobertoChiappa]

I have to admit I've never heard about this uphill, really never known. I thank Mike to have shown it. This is one of the most beautiful spot a cyclist can imagine. I put it on my jotter, maybe one day I will pedal over there.

[@MikeCotty]

Good luck Roberto!

[@simonshoe]

One of your best yet, incredible!

[@MikeCotty]

Really glad you enjoyed it Simon :-)

[@_Winterz]

Been there, stunning! Great as always Mike!

[@markdavis5852]

Your films are truly inspirational for those of us that ride for the love of cycling I've been cycling for over 40 years and still love seeing the Cols! Thanks! I hope some day to ride some of these climbs.

[@MikeCotty]

You are very welcome Mark. Ride safe. Mike

[@frankdelangen1404]

I have done this climb 3 years ago. Marvelous and quiet.

[@jeanclaudedumoulin]

Did it last week. Thx for the inspiration.

[@davidr.9037]

Ridiculous...How is it even possible to make such amazing Vids? Thank you Mike for goosebumps every second visiting your Channel. Regards from Germany!

[@jorgeneves2447]

Fantástic video. Great road and landscapes! Congrats Mike . In Portugal you also have great climbs . Try it. 😄

[@Sprocketboy1956]

This is truly spectacular even without snow-covered peaks. Having ridden many of the famous cols in the Alps I have to say that I think I may prefer the wild Pyrenees. I have never heard of this climb before and welcome the Col Collective's introduction of it here. As someone who really does not care much what the pros do anymore I love videos meant "for the rest of us." Or at least those who can climb like Mike Cotty! Bravo!

[@Sprocketboy1956]

I think the Pyrenees might be less expensive too! It is wild and beautiful and no ugly concrete ski resorts although if you ride up the Tourmalet you then end up in one on the other side. But for the most part quiet and traffic-free. Check out the other Col Collective videos of the region, such as the one on the Aubisque. Great stuff!

[@TheColCollective]

+Leslie Reissner Personally I have a really strong affection for the Pyrénées, they just feel right to me, so quiet, less commercial, breathtaking and welcoming all at the same time. Absolutely in love with this range of mountains.

[@gleaveinjapan]

'' Bringing you closer to nature and a pure feeling of freedom'' that's what cycling is all about.

[@mistersmith158]

damn Col Collective and Mike you've done it again. that was some ride and a great video. superb is the word that comes to mind right now. thanks guys and thank you Mike Cotty; you always deliver sir.

[@MikeCotty]

Thank you for your appreciation Michael. Means do much to our little team :-)

[@paddywalker8178]

A really beautiful climb, did it 2 years ago in scorching weather (I remember the garmin reading 44 degrees!) I discovered this climb after reading Daniel Friebe's book Mountain Higher and what an amazing climb it is, exploring the other two lakes was brilliant as well, climbing through yet more wonderful pine forest. Great video shows the climb very well! Definitely need to go back!

[@MikeCotty]

I'm already dreaming of going back, hopefully without the rain next time!

[@fastk9dad]

This is certainly a hidden gem, one of the most picturesque climbs I have seen.

[@TheColCollective]

We were bummed the weather was a little off. In the bright sun it's simply out of this world!

[@FlotitanPmdDo]

There is plenty of place like this in the pyrenees , (protected by national parc) , try Col des Tentes (Gavarnie) for Exemple, the climp stard from Luz Saint-Sauveur, in a way

[@rafaelperezfranco1497]

Excelent video, very instructive. Hi from Bogota - Colombia . Escarabajo's country.

[@davesurf20]

I'll be doing this very ride in about a months time! Cannot wait. Doubt I'll be as quick as Mike though!

[@jackdawson3010]

amazing truly

[@brianboonstra4360]

Inspired by this excellent video, I just took my 14 y.o. son on this climb last Wednesday. It was every bit as good as the video makes it seem.

[@magamagamotorcycleadventur3125]

Waw magnifique

[@MrSpooky60]

stunningly painful but awesome!!

[@hongbongkid]

Brilliant vid as always!

[@dinkobratoev9637]

great work!

[@ybratley]

Another great video. It looks like your really smashing out a good pace on this one.

[@nightfly222]

Just love these video,they are a thing of beauty. Great for motivation especially during these long cold winter month. I gather this was shot last year and just posted? Thanks again keep up the good work.

[@MikeCotty]

Glad you're enjoying the videos. Yep, we rode this last October, just before the snow set in for the winter. Thanks for watching. Mike

[@RixterNow]

Those fall colours look amazing. You probably picked the best time of year to climb

[@TheColCollective]

It was incredible. Actually this was the worst day of the trip in terms of weather (shame as Lac de Cap-de-Long looks even better with a blue sky). We had some beautiful autumn days and have some very special videos that we're working on. Keep 'em peeled! Mike

[@rahulkota1]

That was a wonderful video put together there Mike. What a beautiful climb and yes its a shame that it cannot be part of the TdF, though yes a wonderful place to explore. Fantastic work on the camera there, loved the elements capture in slow-mo, especially as you crossed through the small town in between. Great work and as always keep 'em coming. Cheers.

[@MikeCotty]

More on the way for you Rahul! :-)

[@snookerbg]

Yet another magnificent video! Besides, I'd love a behind the scenes look at your work

[@MikeCotty]

That would show some very early starts, long transfers and late nights ;-)

[@thomasboucher3559]

Climbed this with my Girlfriend. Low Pace but amazing memories. Thank you Mike for making me discover that climb.

[@semwidja2983]

These vids are Just amazing

[@TheColCollective]

Thank you so much for your appreciation :-)

[@gui94210]

Really a good idea to talk about this climbs which deserve to be known. I've now an answer about the fact that this road has never been taken by TDF. I recommend you also to climb the col de portet which in my opinion is really the toughest climb that you can find in the hautes pyrennees.

[@MikeCotty]

Thanks for the recommendation :-)

[@TurkiyeCumhurbaskani]

Beautiful place, Mike you should move here and permanently settle down. Mountains would be right at your fingertips everyday.

[@TheColCollective]

+Cornelius Maximillianus You are reading my mind Cornelius!

[@veloism]

Nice! We've shared it on our blog :)

[@MikeCotty]

Fantastic! Thank you!

[@janjasiewicz9851]

It just keeps getting better! Are you planning to come to Australia? The Victorian Alps have some wonderful long climbs, perhaps not as spectacular as the European Alps or the Pyrenees (or Rockies).. but still gorgeous in their own right..

[@MikeCotty]

One day if we can pull the resources together. Would be great!!

[@alexandreforchesatto1050]

E do Brasil. Muito bonito esse lugar.

[@richycoles]

think the TDF would spoil that gem of a climb. awesome work as always..

[@CaseyChronicle]

yo LOVED the video good work!!:)

[@tekesbur]

Is this one of the best climbs you've ever done? I love it!

[@MikeCotty]

It's definitely up there with the absolute best!

[@tekesbur]

This is the first time I've heard about this climb and I am stunned.

[@hedleythorne]

Saw this video and changed our plans for Pyrenees this year. As a sucker for views/countryside I would rather do this and enjoy the remoteness than double up on e.g. Tourmalet. Good work again Mike.

[@TheColCollective]

Awesome!! Let me know when you're in town, I'd love to come and ride with you guys!

[@hedleythorne]

Wow yes of course! We are looking at mid September I believe (I am cycling in Canada a couple of weeks before too, I feel so lucky!). I need to lose a stone or two before then...

[@TheColCollective]

Fantastic! If you fancy joining us for a cycling tour one year then let us know. We'd be honoured to show you around. Details available at thecolcollective.com/cycling-tours

[@hedleythorne]

Many, many thanks! I will lose some damn weight first but I am very interested!

[@TheColCollective]

Enjoy Canada! Ride safe and hope to see you this season!

[@darrenpinarello]

Do the mountains there get snow Mike? Looks awesome without the snow, probably even better with it. Cheers.

[@alanwhite6244]

WOW!

[@igoretxeberriazuazo7727]

Hi Mike, When a video climbing the Mitic Luz Ardiden? Thank you

[@ukasz246]

Another great trip and movie. Will there be in future some movies from Swiss passes?

[@MikeCotty]

Definitely hoping to bring some Swiss mountains to life one day!!

[@carlosgarzon6906]

super to the colombian ciclys

[@silverarrowslk]

Great video as always Mike but can you tell me the name of the track and artist per the first song on this video? Cheers 👍🏻

[@TheColCollective]

+Silverarrow Hiya, the track is from a library of non-commercial music that we have that sadly means it's not available on things like iTunes (it's a real shame as we've had a lot of requests for playlists and track names). This one in particular is just called "Tech". We tried making a playlist on Spotify but we only have the rights to use it in our video. Really sorry about that. Thanks so much for tuning in to our channel. Ride safe. Mike

[@boomshine7]

If YOU need some inspirations for the pyrenees :p ... I really enjoyed Col de Pailheres aswell (2001m) as a lesser known but one of the highest around there, and offcourse Plateau the Beille

[@TheColCollective]

Watch this space, the incredibly beautiful Col de Pailheres is coming soon!

[@fanaof1]

As i'm from this place in central Pyrénées, let me give you a small detail. Cap de Long is not the largest reservoir in the Pyrénées. This is l'Etang du Lanoux the largest oe (71 millons cubic metre vs 67 for Cap de Long). As you can see, it's really a smalll detail.

[@federicospada1703]

W. O. W.

[@kirkek-ak6379]

wat exact wheels do he normally used to climb (mike cotty) it looks very efficient

[@MikeCotty]

Hi Kirk, I was using the Mavic Ksyrium Pro Carbon. In other videos you may have seen the Mavic CC40 (slightly deeper section). Hope that helps. Mike

[@kirkek-ak6379]

thanks Mike

[@lotusdk10]

how did you start out cycling mike?:) great video:)

[@TheColCollective]

+Daniel Fava Started when I was at school close to 25 years ago and just always really enjoyed it. Then I met the mountains and my world changed :-)

[@lotusdk10]

The Col Collective okay thanks;)

[@leedorney]

Wonder what Mike thinks of the equipment he rides (video ??) and i'd like to know what he think of the Mavic/Time pedals ??

[@fiddleronthebike]

+lee a dorney well, what do you expect him to say about the products of his sponsors? Either he loves the equipment and therefore looked for those brands as sponsors, or they are his sponsors and therefore the equipment is great :-) Btw, I'm riding those Mavic/Time pedals on all my bikes, like them very much! Quick and easy getting in and out, great stand in them and perfect power transmission - and they are extrem lightweight. In my opinion the best pedals on the market...

[@leedorney]

fiddler on the bike Have you rode any others ? how are they compared to the RSX ?

[@fiddleronthebike]

lee a dorney I rode 4 models of Look and the Time RSX, but I like the Expressos more, more stable stand in them and super comfortable to step in

[@TheColCollective]

+lee a downey That's a great question Lee. Regarding my equipment choices, I use all of the stuff I chose to use of my own accord many, many, years ago, the brands I liked and found I got on well with their products. It's only after years of using the same brands equipment that they evolved into being sponsors. When I was a kid I was really inspired by the Volvo-Cannondale and Saeco team, I wanted to do something with Cannondale and was fortunate enough to get a job with the company back in 2000 (I worked for them for 12 years). I always loved the product and have been riding Cannondale for 16 years now (jeez, I'm getting old). Likewise with Mavic, I rode the wheels and found the shoes super comfortable, it was only after many years that things evolved. I always chose the brands that I felt made a good quality product and stuck with it. You'll see from old photos I've been using the same stuff for a very long time. I'm kinda loyal like that. All the brands that I work with now have been through choice, because I liked what they do. As for the pedals, I was actually using the old Time Impact pedals for a long time, then the RXS before the Espresso was made so I've gone through pretty much all of their pedals over the years. I was lucky that Mavic made a partnership with Time as it meant I could use the pedals I already chose (albeit with Mavic branding). I like the float and feel that the Time pedals have, they suit my pedalling style so didn't really feel the need to try anything else. Likewise with the Fi'z:k Aliante saddle, I starting riding with this when it very first came out and got on well with it so have them on all my bikes. Regarding sponsorship I've always taken the approach of use what I want and then see how things evolve from there. The Col Collective is just part of that natural evolution and I'm really proud to be able to include so many of the brands that have helped me out along the way. With a bit of luck that makes sense, bit of a long reply! Thanks for watching. Mike

[@cl9k24la]

+The Col Collective The BIG question is when do you take delivery of the NEW Super Six EVO?

[@joseluismolinamolina970]

Aalguien conoce el interprete de la musica de este video? Gracias

[@jessiemorton4219]

What's not to like!

[@chriswitek9455]

anyone wanna take like 20kg off me so i can try this? haha

[@itsallspent]

40 kg for me

[@andyostler]

great video ,thanks.But slow mo's of cyclist is a little annoying.

[@globaljobber]

Awesome - understatement.