The statue at the summit of the Col du Tourmalet known as “The Giant” is removed from the mountain every winter to protect it from the extreme cold and also to prevent damage to it from skiing. It is usually removed on the last Sunday of October and returned on the first Sunday of June. The statue is placed on a flat-bed truck and this year over 1000 cyclists (including Bernard Hinault) turned up for the occasion and cycled up the Tourmalet to see the statue resurrected. This year the Giant will be removed 1 month early on 26 September at 11:00 and will arrive at Bagnéres de Bigorre at 13:00. The Conseil General of Hautes Pyrenees has organised the event as a memorial for the great champion of France, Laurent Fignon. All cyclists are invited to take part.
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