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

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

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Cycling the Col de la Crouzette – Route from Saint Girons

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

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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.

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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