Stage 12 - Into the Pyrenees

Toulouse to Bagneres-de-Bigorre

For many people this stage is the start of the real tour – the mountain climbs of the Pyrenees and the Alps. A gruelling stage of 209.5km with three categorised climbs – a category 4 climb a third of the way into the stage and then two category 1 climbs in the final quarter! Theses two climbs, Le Col de Peyresourde and La Hourquette d’Ancizan both take Tony over 1500m (that’s over 5000 feet in old money!). At least once he crests the last climb its all downhill into the finish in Bagneres-de-Bigorre, descending from 1564m to 522m.

Along the way he will pass through Aurignac where, if he had the time, he could visit the Cave of Aurignac. The cave is notable as the archaeological site confirming the presence of European early modern humans (more commonly known as Cro-Magnons) during the Upper Palaeolithic period. It gives its name to the Aurignacian, the earliest known culture of modern humans in Western Eurasia.

Once Tony reaches the finish in Bagneres-de-Bigorre, which is twinned with Inverurie, he can take advantage of the curative properties of the town’s thermal spas. The area has been used as a spa since Romans times and the name comes from the Occitan word for baths.

Drink of the day is Calvados du Pays d'Auge. I know it comes from Normandy but I won't get a chance to mention a drink I really like elsewhere.

Song of the day is Me & My Monkey by Robbie Williams – Tony’s classic karaoke track to get him through a hard day!