BOOKINGS CLOSED FOR 2019.
TO FIND OUT ABOUT OUR 2020 TRIP…
Sunday, 11 August – Saturday, 17 August 2019
Bookings are now open for our Le Raid Pyrénéen Tour. Places are limited so secure your spot today.
Interested in cycling 720km, climbing over 11,000 metres… all in 100 hours? Why not join us on our next cycling challenge, Le Raid Pyrénéen. This famous cycling challenge will take you coast to coast starting in the beautiful town of Herbaye, 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 along the Pyrenees.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Complete iconic climbs from the Tour De France, including the Col du Tourmalet.
- 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 COST OF THIS TOUR IS €1450 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.
- Water and snacks during the ride.
- Verge raid Pyrenees Cycling Jersey
- Medal and Carnet de Route.
We would recommend a good level of fitness when taking on this challenge, especially with the extreme ascents and descents. 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 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.
DAY 4 – TARASCON-SUR-ARIEGE TO PRADES – 135KM / 2200M
The classic route as set in the 1950s by the Cyclo-Club Béarnais follows the 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 official finish point at the La Dorade hotel/restaurant.
This is a trip of a lifetime for any cycle 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.
*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.
