Col de la Core from Castillon-en-Couserans
- 16 km
- 858 m
- Moderate
- Paved
Elevation profile
- 858 m
- 16 km
Route overview
Suitable for cyclists seeking a challenging 16 km climb with over 850 m ascent.
16.2 km cycle from Castillon-en-Couserans to Col de la Core, climbing 858 m in southern France.
The ride starts at Castillon-en-Couserans at 543 m elevation. It passes the hamlet of Hameau de Laffitte shortly after 0.5 km, then begins the first climb at 2 km. This initial ascent covers 4 km with an elevation gain of 191 m at an average gradient of 4.8%, reaching 753 m. After a brief flat or gentle section, the route tackles the main climb at 6.6 km. This second climb extends for 9.6 km, gaining 638 m with an average gradient of 6.7% and max of 8.8%, reaching the highest point at 1389 m at the finish. The road surface is 99% paved, predominantly on main roads with 14.3 km ridden without a cycle lane, including 12.4 km on road D 17. There is a longest stretch of 5.4 km without access to cafe, shop, or water from 6 to 11.4 km, so prepare accordingly. Along the route, convenient facilities are clustered near the start: several bakeries, convenience stores, a bar, and bike rental are within the first kilometre. Toilets and drinking water are available near 0 km and again close to 11.3 km. The area also features nearby peaks Le Castera and Couret near the start, and peak 1328 a few km before the finish.
Highlights
- Summit at 1389 m Col de la Core
- Peak 1328 near 12.7 km
- Peaks Le Castera and Couret near start
- Main climb 9.6 km at 6.7% average gradient
Along the route
Climbs
| Climb | Starts at | Length | Gain | Average | Max | Top |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hameau de Laffitte climb | 2 km | 4 km | 191 m | 4.8 % | 6.8 % | 753 m |
| Castillon-en-Couserans climb | 6.6 km | 9.6 km | 638 m | 6.7 % | 8.8 % | 1389 m |
Hameau de Laffitte climb · starts at 2 km
Castillon-en-Couserans climb · starts at 6.6 km
What this ride is like
- Roads
- 88% main road · 8% minor road · 4% quiet street
- Main roads
- 14.3 km on main roads without a cycle lane — likely busier
- Main roads used
- D 17 (12 km)
- Surface
- Paved throughout
- Gradient
- 88% climbing · 3% descending · 9% flat
- Steep sections
- 11.2 km over 5% · 1.3 km over 8%
Along the way
Food, water and shops
- 0 kmWC Public · toilets · 200 m off route
- 0.1 kmCarrefour Express · convenience store · on the route
- 0.1 kmDrinking water · 210 m off route
- 0.1 kmPharmacie Dubarry · pharmacy · on the route
- 0.3 kmBoulangerie Pâtisserie Aux délices des 4 vallées · bakery · on the route
- 0.3 kmEscapade · bike rental · on the route
- 6 kmCafé · 140 m off route
- 11.3 kmToilets · 120 m off route
- 11.4 kmWater tap · 140 m off route
Worth a stop
- 12.7 km — 1328 (peak)
At the start
- L'Escrive · bakery · 80 m
- Boulangerie Pâtisserie Aux délices des 4 vallées · bakery · 300 m
- Carrefour Express · convenience store · 50 m
- Le Picolo · bar · 50 m
- Rôtisserie des 4 Vallées · fast food · 110 m
Practical information
- Paved
- Point to point
- 1 h 09 min
- May to Oct — daily highs of 18–25 °C in those months
Know before you go
- 14.3 km on main roads without cycle lane
- 5.4 km longest stretch without café, shop or water from 6 to 11.4 km
- Sections of gradient up to 8.8% max
- Almost entire route is climbing (88%)