CLASSIC COLS OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE

Every year France holds its breath as the multi-coloured peloton winds its way into the Pyrenees, producing some of the most dramatic and memorable moments of the Tour. But the cols are not just the preserve of the likes of Contador, Wiggins and Armstrong. All the mountains can be ridden by anyone who is fit and wants to experience the buzz of cresting a pass, having climbed through some of Europe's most beautiful scenery. This challenging itinerary takes in eight of the most famous cols, including the Aspin, Portet d'Aspet and Peyresourde, and gives you the option of taking on a few more. What goes up must come down and the exhilarating descents are a great reward for your hard work. The support vehicle will urge you along, or give you a lift, and as you conquer each mountain the sense of achievement just gets better and better. Our crowning moment is the ascent of the Col de Tourmalet, at 2115m the most formidable road pass in the Pyrenees and a fitting end to our quest to become King (or Queen) of the Mountains.