Friday, 30 August – Thursday, 5 September 2024
Bookings are now open for our Le Raid Pyrénéen Cycle Trip 2024. Places are limited so secure your spot today.
After another successful trip to the Pyrenees in 2023, I am delighted to be organising another trip in September 2024. I have been doing this trip since 2019, and I can say it is truly one of the world’s greatest bike rides, taking in iconic climbs from the Tour de France… and spectacular descents. Why not join us this year for an adventure of a lifetime?
We will take on the challenge of cycling 720km, and climbing over 11,000 meters… all in 100 hours!! You will receive an official medal and Carnet De Route. This famous cycling challenge will take you coast to coast. We will cycle through the impressive Pyrenees mountains, staying in stunning villages along the way. The cycle trip starts in the beautiful town of Hendaye, on Saturday 31 August, before taking the journey inland. You will climb 15 Cols over 4 1/2 days, finishing in Cerbere where you can go for a well-deserved dip in the Mediterranean Ocean. This is a challenging but beautiful cycle, getting to take in the beautiful scenery of the Pyrenees.
We want to make your cycle across the Pyrenees as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Our support team is on hand every day, your bags are transported for you daily, and all hotels booked are bike-friendly. All you have to worry about is getting on the saddle each day! Doesn’t that sound tempting?
Looking back on it now I realise this surreal experience under the direction of the legend that is Martin Kirwan was sensational. I didn’t have to worry about a thing except to trust Martin and take direction because he did all the hard work. From the early morning team meetings, the food stops, the evening meals and the accommodation everything was in my opinion perfect. Scenery was amazing, fellow cyclists worked together as a team and we approached the challenge day by day. Martin Kirwan took nothing to chance.
I’ll remember the moment I crossed the line for the rest of my life, that feeling of happiness and fulfilment. If you choose to make the rest of your life the best of your life I urge you to sign up to The Raid De Pyrenees today.
Mag Kirwan
Highlights
- Complete iconic climbs from the Tour De France, including the Col du Tourmalet, and Col d’Aubisque.
- Cycle across the Pyrenees, starting at the Atlantic Ocean, and finishing at the Mediterranean Ocean.
- Discovering local food and visiting stunning towns along the route.
The trip cost is €1,800* and includes the following:
- Pick up from Biarritz Airport
- Drop back to Barcelona Girona Airport
- Bikes will be transported from Ireland so you won’t have to take the bikes on a flight
- Breakfast and evening meals
- 6 nights accommodation
- Guided tour with maps of the route
- Support vehicle throughout the week
- Daily transport of baggage
- Water and snacks during the ride
- Verge Le Raid Pyrenees Cycling Jersey
- Medal and Carnet de Route
*The cost of €1,800 is dependent on reaching a minimum number of participants.
If you are unsure if this is the trip for you or not, please get in touch with me. I can chat with you in more detail about training before the trip, and the week of cycling itself! Although this is a challenge, it is possible for everyone to achieve and enjoy!
For those of you who would like a training plan to build up your fitness for this trip, just get in touch with us and we can create a tailored plan for your fitness level. There is an additional cost for this service.
Payment Plan
A €300 deposit is needed to secure your place on our trip as places are limited. We are then happy to discuss a payment plan that suits you best for the remainder of the cost.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Hendaye – Lurbe St Christau/Gurmençon – 162km / 2000m
A gentle introduction to the Raid with the Col D’ Osquich (500m). This will include one sustained climb, alongside the minor Cols of the Col De St Ignace (169m) and Col De Pinodieta (176m).
Day 2 – Lurbe St. Christau/Gurmençon to Arreau – 170km / 4600m
This is the biggest day of Le Raid Pyrénéen route with four ‘Tour De France’ iconic Cols awaiting you. This is a total of 4,500m of climbing. After riding through the valley towards Arudy, the first Col awaits looming large. It’s the classic Pyrenean ascent of the Col d’Aubisque (1709m) followed by the Col du Soulor (1464m) via the stunning Cirque du Litor balcony road. We will then continue on to tackle the Queen of the Pyrenees, the Col du Tourmalet (2115m). This day finishes with the Col d’Aspin (1489m), the descent from which is one of the most memorable experiences you will ever have on a bike.
Day 3 – Arreau to Tarascon-sur-Ariege -172km / 2600m
The day begins with a valley road warm-up en route to the beautiful Col de Peyresourde (1569m). This is a true mountain pass that accesses one of the most utilised Tour de France towns, Bagnères-de-Luchon. The rest of the morning is taken up by the Col des Ares (797m) and the Col de Buret (602m). This is followed by the challenging 18% inclines of the Col de Portet de Aspet (1069m). Following a long descent and valley road section, the climbing ends with the ascent of the Col de Caougnous (942m) and the Col de Port (1249m), before a long descent into the charming town of Tarascon-sur-Ariege. This is another challenging, but spectacular day.
Day 4 – Tarascon-sur-Ariege to Prades – 135km / 2200m
The classic route as set in the 1950s by the Cyclo-Club Béarnais follows the N20 through Ax les Thermes and up the seemingly endless Col de Puymorens (1915m). This leads us to the triple header of the Col de Llous (1345m), Col Rigat (1488m) and the Col de la Perche (1570m). The Perche marks the end of the high mountains tackled in the Raid. We will end the day with a 35km descent through the stunning gorge and past the walled Catalan town of Villefranche-de-Conflent, a fitting end to the challenge’s Cols.
Day 5 – Prades to Cerbère – 90km / 800m
With the Mediterranean almost within touching distance, Day 5 has a real final stage of the Tour de France feel to it, with two final Cols to tick off, the Col Saint Pierre (185m) and Col de Ternere (233m). Both are Cols in name but most riders don’t realise they have passed over them. The first 60km fly by with riders enjoying the net altitude loss and fine roads en route to Argelès-sur-Mer. This is where the route hits the coast. From here the finish line is a tantalising 30km away. However, be aware that the final section is not to be underestimated. With the coast road following a seemingly never-ending series of ups and downs and twists and turns en route to Cerbère. Finally, we have made it to the official finish point at the La Dorade hotel/restaurant.
This is a trip of a lifetime for any cycling enthusiast. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any further questions or want to get booked on to this trip.
*Dates may vary depending on flight availability.
**Please read our Terms and Conditions for this trip. All participants of the trip must sign our waiver before taking on Le Raid Pyrénéen’ challenge.
This is one of those bucket list trips where you wonder…..can I, should I, will I? My advice is do it!
The organisation & road support, the Tour de France climbs & descents, the scenery and the craic made this trip truly unforgettable. The organisation by Martin Kirwan is second to none, the only thing that you have to do is pedal your bike!Go for it, the sense of achievement & memories will last long after the trip is over….
Marie Slattery
