Montée du Géant – Bringing a cycling icon home
When it comes to cycling few nations are more steeped in history than France. For over a century the world turns to France every July to watch the worlds biggest sporting event, the Tour de France. When it comes to cycling icons, the fearsome Col du Tourmalet’s “Le Géant” is one of the most recognised of cycling monuments.
“Le Géant” welcomes all riders who challenge themselves to the summit of Col du Tourmalet. Locally he’s known as Octave le Géant as he was created in memory of the first rider to summit the mighty Tourmalet during the 1910 Tour de France, Octave Lapize. Octave was quite a character, on summiting the Tourmalet he screamed at the TdF organisers “You are Assassins!”.
Underpinning all of VéloRoo’s tours are authentic and unique events showcasing a cultural heritage ingrained within the communities for generations. Unpolished by commercialism, these events display a passion and enthusiasm that come from genuine celebration.
If you are a cycling connoisseur who loves climbing and is looking for a unique event you will love VéloRoo’s Iconic Climbs Pyrénées Challenge. Accompanying “Le Géant” on his annual pilgrimage home to his summer base will be the best way to finish off a week riding the best climbs the Pyrénées has to offer.
Despite his bulk of 300 kg Octave le Géant gets moved to a valley home for the winter. His ascension to his rightful home atop the col du Tourmalet’s summit is a celebration marking the opening of the Tourmalet for the summer.
So if you seek the ultimate Pyrénéan cycling experience, enquire now!
