The 18.5km climb up to the Superbagnères ski station may be less well known than the likes of the Tourmalet or Aubisque but it’s still very much part of cycling history – It was the scene of Robert Millar's stage win in the 1989 Tour de France that put him in the polka dot jersey. Although the 6.3 per cent average gradient can often lull you into a false sense of security, this is mainly due to the gradual first half of the climb that also includes a short downhill section. The climb really starts to show its authority with 9km to go as the thermal spa town of Bagnères-de-Luchon. Surrounded by multiple 3,000m peaks, the panoramic views are truly breathtaking on a clear day as the road continually snakes its way up ahead.