The first testing climb

84km, 1802 m

A change of plan today as the pass down from Col d'aubisque is closed. 

So took a different route through the foothills and then south up the valley from Asson.

The village signs are upside down everywhere, expressing the dissatisfaction of rural communities. 

Followed delightful river valleys with rushing brooks and waterfalls and lovely flowers in the banksides. And yes cowbells. 

Then the work began in earnest with Col de Spandelles, a 9 km climb averaging 8%. It was used for the first time in the Tour de France last year so the surface was perfect. 

 Luckily I could follow an old gentleman who set a good slow pace, although we didn't speak until the summit. Some really sharp sections of 12 to 14%. He shook my hand and said 'Bravo' which I was chuffed about. 

It took Pogacar 29 minutes last year,  I needed 1 hrs 35 mins. 

Then a long descent into Argeles Gazost.