This is one of the first circuits offered during the “la Lapébie” cyclosportive. The programme includes 1 2nd category pass and 2 1st category passes: Col des Ares (average % 3.9 – maximum % 11), Col de Menté (average % 6.6 – maximum % 11.4) and Col de Portillon (average % 6.8 – maximum % 8.2).
Take the D125 towards Cierp-Gaud and then Fronsac to reach the first difficulty: the Col des Ares. Then head for Juzet d’Izaut then Sengouagnet and head for the Col de Menté. The descent takes you to Saint-Béat-Lez, where you head towards Spain to Bossost. The final climb of the day is the Col du Portillon.
Every bend on this climb is a tribute to one of the Spanish winners of the Tour de France, right up to the stele commemorating those victories. The view is well worth a contemplative stop.
