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| Col du Tourmalet, the highlight of every trip! |
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| Overall route |
This is an amazing cycling trip along the Pyrenees, from 2018 June 30th to July 6th.
The challenge is reaching the most famous climb in the cycling world
(Col du Tourmalet) from one of the the most beautiful cities all over
Europe, Barcelona. On the way, you will get to know some of the big
climbs in the Pyrenees, reaching over 2000 mts. Port de la Bonaigua, Col
du Portillon, Col de Peyresourde, Val Louron-Azet, etc.
Our trip includes 8 nights at cozy hotels in the Pyrenees (dinner
included), 7 cycling stages, cycling guide, supporting van, luggage
transportation... You don't have to worry about anything but cycling and
enjoying the landscapes!
More information here:
https://roadcycling.barcelona/tours/barcelona-tourmalet/
Stage 1. From Barcelona to Montseny mountains. Our guide will help you
to get out of Barcelona and you will start with some climbing close to
Barcelona. The amazing hotel you will be sleeping is located half way
the first big climb of the trip. Nice, solitaire, amazing spot and
views...
Stage 2. Montseny to Joanetes. Great stage, with the amazing Coll Formic (1145
mts) at the start, then the passage through the Sau reservoir and the
tiny road (with no traffic at all) to Coll de Condreu and possibly the
approach to Sanctuary del Far, with amazing views. End in a cozy
farmhouse with swimming pool. You will be at mum's house.
Stage 3. Joanetes to Puigcerdà. This is a tough start with Coll de Canes
and then a long approach to Coll de la Creueta, to almost 2000 mts,
great climb! The descent via Collada de Toses is a real pleasure on a
very wide road with stunning views. Puigcerdà is the main city in La
Cerdanya region, a wealthy town very know for skiers and mountain
lovers. We are in the border with France.
Stage 4. From Puigcerdà to Rialp. The main climb of the day is Coll de
Cantó, a true first category climb, with some very steep parts. On the
other side, wide road, perfect surface, time to enjoy on the downhill
and then sleep at Rialp.
Stage 5. From Rialp to Bagneres de Luchon. This is really high mountain.
Port de la Bonaigua is one of the classic climbs in the Pyrenees,
reaching over 2000 mts. With a ski resort at the top, Bonaigua is the
first road to be closed for snow in winter and the last one to be open
in spring. Amazing lanscape. On arrival to Bagneres de Luchon, the
strongest riders may climb to Superbagneres, a true hors category climb
included in Tour de France several times.
Stage 6. From Bagneres de Luchon to Campan. The classic approach to
Tourmalet would be climbing Peyresourde and Aspin. Our stage is a bit
longer including Peyresourde, also Val Louron-Azet (the climb where
Miguel Indurain started to win the 1991 Tour de France) and finally the
very nice and solitaire Hourquette d'Ancizan instead of the more known
Col d'Aspin.
Stage 7. Campan to Col du Tourmalet. Today is about enjoying Tourmalet.
The idea is you to climb from both sides. Climb from Sta Marie de
Campan, descent to Luz St Sauveur and then climbing again from that side
(ideally the old road via Fignon). The main thing is enjoying the bar
and the souvenir shop at the top. If weather conditions are poor then
climbing from Sta Marie de Campan will be enough!
