One of the longest Hors Catégorie climbs in the Pyrenees, La Pierre-Saint-Martin owes its modern fame to a single explosive afternoon in July 2015, when Chris Froome rode away from his rivals on its lower slopes.
A long, steady grind above Arette
From Arette, it’s 24.7 km for 1,427 m of elevation gain, averaging 5.8%, with a demanding section over 12% within the first few kilometres out of the village. The road climbs past the Col de Labays and the Pas de Guilhers before reaching the ski station of La Pierre-Saint-Martin, at 1,763 m.
Froome’s coup at the 2015 Tour de France
On stage 10 of the 2015 Tour de France, on Bastille Day, Chris Froome attacked early on the final climb and soloed to the finish, taking both the stage win and the yellow jersey in a ride that shaped the rest of that year’s race. It was the first time the Tour had finished at La Pierre-Saint-Martin.
Getting the ride right
Extra bidons are worth carrying: there’s little shade and few water points across nearly 25 km of continuous climbing, especially in the exposed final third above the treeline.
When to go
May to October — the road serves a ski resort and stays open through the season, but the upper slopes can hold snow into spring.
Good to know
The summit sits right on the Spanish border: riders looking for a longer day can continue over the Col du Soudet or descend the far side toward Isaba in Navarre.
