Port de Bales (Mauléon-Barousse) – Final Hairpin | Art Print

Port de Bales for years remained as just a farmer’s track. A track for them to tend to their sheep and cows high up in the hills/mountains. It was only in the 1980s that Port de Bales became accessible when it got made into a passable road, but like Col de Portet this quickly became unusable due to the harsh conditions it faces throughout the winter. It was in 2006 when the Tour de France transformed it and made it usable again. By the way, if ever you want to find the current Tour de France roads, they’re easy to spot, as preparation for them starts in late May/June. Spot the fresh asphalt!

Port de Bales found in the French Pyrenees connects the village of Ferrère (to the north) to that of Bourg-d’Oueil, Haute-Garonne (south-east). Or more significantly it links to famous climbs like Peyragudes via Garin. Often closed for large periods during the winter, so worth checking if it is open if you’re thinking of visiting in late May/early June.

From the pretty village, Mauléon-Barousse has a deceptive start, with the gradient being at warm-up levels for the first 4km. Easily following the River Ourse along a quiet and green road. Through Ferrere and for the next few KM no real change in gradient or scenery. At 8km it keeps getting progressively harder but still in the trees along a snake-like road, weaving until the snake gets aggravated and the mood changes. At 11km the first of the hairpins with the gradient going north of 10% with the trees occasionally backing off revealing pastures. Like the other direction, it is with 2km to go where it really opens up and delivers drama. Bends with steep drops to your left-hand side with you high above the valley floor. Amazing reveals leaving you wanting to see more and the finale? a sublime section with a stone-walled hairpin, slingshotting you to the summit.

A slow visual start and you have to be patient for the drama. But we love the feeling of remoteness and we didn’t see a single car when there. Absolutely you should enjoy going up and over too.

Stats: 1196m of ascent in 19.3km. Average gradient of 6.2%. Elevation: 1,755 m (5,758 ft) Hairpins: 8

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About the Photographer – Daniel Hughes

Epic Cols is a passion project for rider and photographer Daniel Hughes. Hughes is a Sony Photographic ambassador who works with some of the world’s largest and most renowned outdoor brands. His work can be seen in galleries, magazines, online publications and on his clients’ channels.