Luz Ardiden, 1,718 m

The road to the village of Grust is a challenging journey characterised by a significant increase in steepness as you approach the village. This change in elevation marks the beginning of a series of hairpin bends that wind their way through the landscape. Each bend presents a new twist and turns, requiring careful navigation and skilful driving to manoeuvre through the tight corners. As you ascend further into the village, the road becomes narrower, adding an extra level of difficulty to the already demanding route.

The surrounding scenery transforms as you climb higher, offering panoramic views of the valley below and the distant mountains on the horizon. The experience of driving through the road to Grust is not just a physical challenge but also a visual feast for the senses, with each turn revealing a new perspective of the picturesque countryside.

Shortly after, you will encounter the switchbacks and more open terrain, leading to a spectacular natural amphitheatre. The steep slopes between the switchbacks offer spectators a view of the riders from a distance of 3-4km.

CLIMB PROFILE: Starting from the north (D921 via Viscos): Distance of 14.2 km, Starting altitude: 622 m, Final altitude: 1,718 m, Average gradient of 7.7%, reaching a maximum of 12%. Completing the climb takes a little over an hour, depending on your fitness level.

CLIMB PROFILE: Beginning at Luz-Saint-Saveur: Distance of 14.7 km, Starting altitude: 622 m, Final altitude: 1,718 m, Average gradient of 6.9%, peaking at 10%.

It can be completed in slightly over an hour, depending on your strength and skill level.

Luz Ardiden has been the scene of much drama as the pros battle their way to the ski station summit. This 13.3km climb on which the gradient averages 7.4%, begins quite sedately, rising through the woods above the thermal baths at Luz-Saint-Sauveur. The road steepens considerably going into the village of Grust, where a long run of hairpin bends begins. It is not too long before you reach the switchbacks soon and more open terrain, where there's a magnificent natural arena, the steep banks between the switchbacks enabling spectators to see the riders when they're still 3-4km distant. These final kilometres run a little easier than the climb's average to reach the little ski station at the summit. There are great views on the lower slope looking back towards Luz-Saint-Sauveur and beyond, where you can see the majestic Col du Tourmalet rising from the valley.

One warm summer evening with overcast skies, we embarked on the ascent. I underestimated the difficulty, prompting Tom, a more seasoned cyclist, to propose that he proceed ahead while I grappled with the mental challenges of the climb solo. I lagged and managed to finish the ascent just as the daylight was waning, leaving me with limited time for a safe descent. Since then, we have conquered this ascent multiple times, and the stunning vista becomes visible around the 4-kilometer point. Even though I couldn't capture as many photos as I had intended that day, we are planning to revisit the climb.

Since climbing these mountains over the last five years, I have learned that you need to be fit and mentally strong. Mentally strong and pure determination will get you up almost any climb; you will get there even though it might be slow. Once that part is over, you have an incredible feeling of achievement, and then the adrenaline kicks in as you have the descent to conquer.