Etape 2007 - Peak Times Summer Activity Holidays, Bagneres de Luchon, France

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A view from the Pyrenees Etape 2007 – Introducing “Port de Bales”
Monday the 23^rd of July 2007 sees the start of Stage 15 of next years Le Tour. Starting at Foix, the 196km stage ends at the picturesque Loudenvielle in the Hautes Pyrenees after tackling some of the well known Col’s of Port, Portet d’ Aspet (Cat 2), Ment’e and Peyresourde (Cat 1). This stage also provides the setting for the 2007 Etape. New to next years tour is the introduction of Port de Bales (HC) which at 1775m will provide both the Tour riders and any club rider attempting the Etape with a 19.5km climb from the village of Mauleon Barousse up and over the Port de Bales and down through the Vallee d’Oueil to join the final climb to the Col de Peyresourde.
Riders should not underestimate this climb, as the earlier stages are relatively tame winding through pretty villages and along the River Ourse. With plenty of road markings to show the distance to the top, the final 10k of the climb will test the legs and lungs. The surface on the way up is not great, with narrow hairpin bends and gradients of above 10% as you get closer to the top, though the tree cover may provide welcome protection from the sun. Approaching the summit there are spectacular views, though nothing in comparison to the views across to Superbagneres and Pic d'Aneto beyond when you reach the top and hit the newly surfaced road that descends to Bourg d’Oueil and on to the Col de Peyresourde. Though a fantastic road, it is not for the feint hearted with steep unprotected drops and narrow switchback corners to test both the brakes and the nerves of the rider.
Route gallery
	After a pleasant ride through the entry to the Vallee Barousse along the river you enter Mauleon Barousse the start of the 19.5km Port de Bales climb.
	Leaving Mauleon Barousse the first 5k is fairly tame, winding through small villages alongside the river with plenty of shade available.
	The final 10k is predominantly under the canopy of the Barousse forest, though the last few kilometres opens up as the incline increases to over 10%. The last kilometre is marked at 500 and 250 metres to prompt anyone with enough energy to sprint the final few yards.
	At the summit you will be greeted with spectacular views across the mountains and peaks of the Haut Garonne and the Hautes Pyrenees, including the glacier on the Spanish peak Aneto.
	After the fairly rough surface on the ascent, the new road from Port de Bales down to Bourg d'Oueil is a delight. High speed but with a couple of very tight switchback corners and unprotected steep drops to the side.
	After the main descent it is then on along the Valle d'Oueil to tackle the final challenge of the Cat 1 climb Col de Peyresourde.

Good luck and good riding