A Guide to Cycling the Col de la Crouzette
The Col de la Crouzette is a category 1 climb located in the Ariège region of the Pyrenees. From the town of Biert, the climb is 8.4kms in length and gains 658m in elevation. The average gradient for the entire climb is 7.8%, however, there are some very challenging sections closer to the summit including pitches of 19%. It was included in the 2008 edition of the Tour de France as part of the climb of the Col de Portel.
Anthospace, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Climb Statistics and gradient profile
Col de la Crouzette (via Biert)
Length: 8.2km / 5.2mi
Average gradient: 7.8%
Start point: 586m / 1,923ft
Elevation at top: 1,245m / 4,085ft
Category: Category One
Nearest town: Biert
Facilities at top: No
When to ride: Year round
Road condition: Asphalt – Good
Nearest climb: Col de Portel
Number of approaches: 2
Through road at top: Yes
Cycling the Col de la Crouzette – Route from Saint Girons
Ride distance: 54km / 34mi
Elevation gain: 1,407m / 4,616ft
The cycling route we have mapped out below starts and finishes in the town of Saint Girons. The climb of the Col de la Crouzette is tackled from the southern approach via the small village of Biert. It is possible however to route yourself in a clockwise direction instead and to ride the climb from the northern approach of Riverenet. If you do this be mindful of the descent from the top of the Col de la Crouzette to Biert as the road is extremely steep and narrow.
Signs indicating the length and average gradient of the climbs are common in this region of the Ariege.
Anthospace, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Steep switchbacks lead to the summit of the Col de la Crouzette – ready yourself for steep gradients of 19%.
Anthospace, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Other cycling climbs to ride in the Ariège
There are several climbs in this area of the Ariege which you can choose to ride. We have listed some of these below. Click below to read about these climbs in more detail.
Col de Péguère
The climb to the summit of the Col de Péguère includes an incredibly steep section of 3kms where the gradients top out at 19%! Discover the climb here.
Anthospace, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Col d’Agnes
The Col d’Agnes is a very scenic climb in the Ariège and has featured in the Tour de France on five occasions. From Massat the climb is 17.2km in length with an average gradient of 5.7%. Discover more about the climb here.
Planning a cycling holiday in the Pyrenees
If you are not familiar with the Pyrenees, our comprehensive guide will help you plan everything you need for your cycling holiday. The guide includes information such as:
- a map of the Pyrenees with climbs and towns marked
- where to base yourself depending on which mountains you would like to ride
- cycling hotels and lodges
- bike hire outlets
- getting to and from the Pyrenees
- non-cycling attractions and activities in the region
