1953 /2023 ... On July 6, the Tour returned to Cauterets! 

1953, 1989, 1995, 2015 - Back to previous editions
of the Tour de France in Cauterets

The summer of 2023 will be marked by one of the most anticipated events in the world of cycling: the Tour de France, which will then celebrate its 120th anniversary.
For its 6th stage , the big loop starts from Tarbes, crosses the passes of Aspin and Tourmalet, to finish with the ascent towards Cauterets Cambasque. A comeback on this site which saw, in 1989, the 1st stage victory of a certain Miguel Indurain ...
Do not miss this exceptional moment, by staying at the comfortable chalet La Source, a stone's throw from the passage of the Tour ! 

A step for the best climbers

The Tour de France 2023 is described as being
cut for climbers , due to the large number of mountain stages, 9 in total. As of July 5, the peloton attacks the Pyrenees, during the fifth stage between Pau and Laruns (165 km) . On the program, several difficult ascents including the Sedet and Marie Blanque passes. And it was the next day, for the 6th stage , that he leaves from Tarbes to join Cauterets-Cambasque, on a 145 km course.

A relatively short high mountain stage, which also takes two of the most legendary passes: Aspin (12km at 6.5 %) and Tourmalet by Sainte-Marie de Campan (17.1km at 7.3 %). Colles that have repeatedly marked the history of the big loop: it will be the 75th for the Tourmalet!

If the final climb to the Cambasque plateau is less known - borrowed only once by the Tour, in 1989 - it is nonetheless selective with its 16km at 5.4 % on average - and up to 10 % in the Many turns in hair pins, especially during the last kilometers.

With this level of difficulty, we are already expecting a    first explanation between favorites!

Cauterets, tall accustomed

Privileged location for mountain cycling practice, with its winding roads and breathtaking landscapes, Cauterets receives the 5th time a stage arrival in the Tour de France . Steps that devoted the best climbers of the moment, and large champions.

Tour 1953, 10th  stage , Pau-Cauterets -Jesus Lorono, in better climber

It was in 1953 that Cauterets welcomed for the 1st time , the arrival of a stage of the Tour de France. From Pau, the favorites are nervous. The Swiss Hugo Koblet, winner of the 1951 Tour, places a masterful acceleration in the Aubisque. But in the descent of the Soulor, he fell heavily and is forced to abandon.

On arrival in Cauterets, the Spaniard Jesus Lorono wins, with almost 6 minutes ahead. Lorono will finish best climber from this 1953 Tour , a tour that will be won for the first time by Louison Bobet.

Tour 1989, 9th stage , Pau -Cauterets - Indurain takes up the date

In 1989, the large loop explored the climb to Cambasque, above the thermal city. From Pau, the collars of Marie-Blanque and Aubisque allowed Greg Lemond, Laurent Fignon and Pedro Delgado, to gauge themselves. Not wanting to discover himself, the Spaniard sends his teammate, a certain Miguel Indurain , in a scout.

After joining the Frenchman Forest, the Navarrais distances his pursuers, and comes to win his first stage on the Tour de France at the top of Cauterets, where he wins with 27 s in advance.

1995 Tour 1995, 15th stage , Saint Giron-Cauterets -Richard Virenque, best climber

This step included 5 passes - Portet d'Aspet, Menté, Peyresourde, Aspin, and finally the Tourmalet pass before a final ascent towards Cauterets at the crest of the lily. Richard Virenque is a horseman alone and heads for each pass to ensure his pea jersey for best climber.

At the summit of Aspin, this mission is already fulfilled but he continues his effort in the Tourmalet, repels the return of Chapucci and Escartin, to win at the ridges of Lys.

A stage which will unfortunately remain marked by the deadly fall of the Italian runner Fabio Casartelli, during a collective fall in the descent of the Portet d'Aspet pass.

Tour 2015, 11th stage , Pau -Cauterets - Rafal Majka is solo solo

With two passes, including the Aspin and the Tourmalet, and several severe ribs, the stage connecting Pau à Cauterets constitutes the first real mountain stage of this 2015 edition.

It is the Polish Rafal Majka , the best climber of the 2014 Tour, who offers victory. After an attack placed in the Tourmalet, Majka increases the pace, gradually dropping his escape companions, to arrive solo in Cauterets.

This victory allows him, for the second consecutive year, to  win the distinctive polka dot jersey for the best climber in the Tour de France.

There is no doubt that fans will be present, and impatient to see what the Tour has in store for them, this year again in Cauterets.

So do not hesitate, come too vibrate at the passage of the Tour, or relive the climb to Cambasque in cyclo, during your stay at the La Source chalet !