Video: Mike Cotty heads up the Aubisque in latest Col Collective film

Here’s the third video from Mike Cotty’s latest venture The Col Collective. It’s the first released that features a climb outside the Alps as he heads across to the Pyrenees to tackle the Col d’Aubisque.

Making its debut in the Tour de France in 1910 – the first time the race headed into the high mountains – it’s now as close a fixture in the race as any climb can be, appearing nearly 50 times.

Shot in June, it’s also the first ascent that was filmed for The Col Collective, and “for that reason alone an ascent that will always be close to my heart,” says Cotty.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to ride the Col d’Aubisque from Laruns a number of times in the past and every time I get the same feeling of nervous excitement inside, knowing that at this point I’m heading deep into the high mountains.”

With its summit 1,709 metres above sea level, the climb is 16.6km long with an average gradient of 7.2 per cent, hitting 13 per cent at its steepest point.

Cotty adds: “For me the Aubisque really marks the gateway to the Pyrenees and is the entrance towards a playground of cols that have not only played centre stage for the professionals in races like the Tour de France but also for thousands of amateur and cycling enthusiasts like me that simply want to experience the climb for themselves.

“Hautacam, Tourmalet, Peyresourde all have their stories but the Aubisque is the one that gets things started. The goal is to make it to the summit so take your time and whatever happens don’t forget to look around and enjoy the view!”

According to Cotty, the Col Collective website is continuing to take shape and will be launched soon. Sign up here to keep up to date.