The Col du Tourmalet, a 2,115-meter peak in the French Pyrenees, stands as the most frequently climbed mountain in Tour de France history. First introduced to the race in 1910, the climb has hosted the peloton 89 times, serving as a defining test of endurance for cyclists ranging from Octave Lapize to current record-holder Vingegaard, who ascended the climb at an average speed of 22.7 km/h.
Why is the Col du Tourmalet the most iconic climb in cycling?
The Tourmalet is widely considered the spiritual home of the Tour de France, occupying a status in France similar to the Stelvio in Italy’s Giro d’Italia. According to historical records, the climb was first integrated into the 1910 route by race founder Henri Desgrange, following the persistence of Adolphe Steinès. Steinès famously secured the route by sending a telegram to Desgrange claiming the path was clear, despite having been rescued from a blizzard during his own scouting mission.
The climb’s reputation for brutality is reflected in its name, which translates to “bad passage” or “evil road.” In 1910, the inaugural year of its inclusion, winner Octave Lapize famously shouted “Vous êtes des assassins!” (You are assassins!) at race organizers upon reaching the summit, citing the extreme physical toll of riding a heavy, single-gear bicycle up a dirt track.
How does the modern Tourmalet stage differ from historical races?
Modern riders face a vastly different challenge compared to the pioneers of the early 20th century. While the 1910 route required traversing 326 kilometers with four major climbs—Peyresourde, Aspin, Tourmalet, and Aubisque—today’s stages are more specialized. When the Tourmalet appears in the 2026 route, it features a 17.1 km ascent from the La Mongie side, with an average gradient of 7.3% and steep pitches reaching 10% between the ninth and twelfth kilometers.
Technological advancements have altered the nature of the climb. Riders now utilize carbon fiber frames and electronic shifting, a stark contrast to the 15-kilogram bicycles equipped with a single gear used by Lapize. Despite these mechanical improvements, the mountain remains a decisive factor in the general classification, with the first rider to reach the summit earning the “Souvenir Jacques Goddet” award.
Which historical performances define the climb?
The Tourmalet has served as the stage for several legendary cycling feats throughout the decades:
- Ottavio Bottecchia (1924): Following an attack on the Aubisque, the Italian rider completed a 150 km solo breakaway, finishing nearly 19 minutes ahead of his closest rival.
- Eddy Merckx (1969): During a stage from Luchon to Mourenx, Merckx launched a solo attack at the summit of the Tourmalet, ultimately finishing 7 minutes and 56 seconds ahead of the second-place rider.
- Vincenzo Nibali (2014): While wearing the yellow jersey, Nibali dominated the ascent before eventually winning the stage at Hautacam.
Italian cyclists have historically found success on these slopes. Gino Bartali and Fausto Coppi both conquered the climb during their respective Tour de France campaigns in 1938, 1949, and 1952. More recently, Ivan Basso beat Lance Armstrong in a sprint finish at La Mongie in 2004.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Souvenir Jacques Goddet?
The Souvenir Jacques Goddet is a prize awarded to the first rider to cross the summit of the Col du Tourmalet during a Tour de France stage. It is named in honor of the legendary former race director.
How steep is the Tourmalet climb?
The ascent from the La Mongie side features an average gradient of 7.3%, with specific sections between the 9th and 12th kilometers reaching gradients of 10%.
Why was the 1910 inclusion of the Tourmalet considered controversial?
Race founder Henri Desgrange initially considered the inclusion of the high-altitude Pyrenean passes to be a “mad idea,” fearing the terrain was too difficult for the cyclists of the era.
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