Stage 16 Bagnères de Luchon to Pau

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The Tour rode the most difficult Pyrenees’ cols today tackling 4 famous passes including the monstrous Cols du Tourmalet and d’Aubisque on their way to Pau. We begin our ride from our hotel in Lourdes, up the valley to Argeles-Gazost at base of Col d’Aubisque. Climbed the Col de Soulor and spectacular Col d’Aubisque on the race course. Col du Soulor and Col d’Aubisque (2 climbs in 1) Lenght 29,1km, Altitude 1709m, Height gain 1365m, Average gradiant 5.2%, Max Gradient 10%. Hillel viewed the Tour from the Col de Soulor and got some great pictures.

Craig, our guide Charly and I (Dean) made our way back down the Aubisque to the 1K to sign, where we found just a great place to watch the Tour on the climb.
 

Lance goes by in the wining break.

Contador goes by in the second group.

The descent down from the Col d’Aubisque is long and we all got separated, but made our way back.

All in all it was an EPIC day of climbing and viewing with over 80km of riding.