Iconic Climbs Pyrénées Challenge

62km / 39 Miles – 1851m / 6070 feet Elevation Gain

So many incredible rides it was hard to decide which one to start with! Today’s ride showcases what the Pyrénées is all about. Wild nature, dramatic landscapes and spellbinding scenery.

43km / 27 Miles – 1828m / 6000 feet Elevation Gain

Anyone who has a passing interest in the Tour will be familiar with the stage finish of Pla d’Adet, less familiar is Col de Portet. It’s only been in 1 Tour. But it is a beast! We were privileged to be at the Col de Portet inauguration in 2018 when the road to the ski station was sealed. Its claim to fame is its the highest paved road in the French Pyrénées at 2227m.

60km / 37 Miles – 2378m / 7800 feet Elevation Gain

Today is one of those special “look at those mountains! ” rides we love to share. We leave St Lary heading deep into the mountains via a valley that goes all the way to the Spanish border. As we wind our way up the valley you can’t help but be awestruck by the surrounding mountains whose peaks are all well above 2,500 meters above sea level. It is an incredible feeling.

65km / 40 Miles – 2908m / 9540 feet Elevation Gain

Today we say goodbye to St Lary Soulan. What a magical 3 days cycling! What a day ahead!

First on the menu is Col d’Aspin. It wouldn’t be VéloRoo style to ascend it on the well trodden path. Our little known route is one of the hidden back road gems that the Pyrenees are loved for. With wild landscapes, breathtaking views over “miniature model” villages that accentuate the magnificence of the massive backdrop and a gradient that starts with a bang before settling into “just difficult”.

45km / 28 Miles – 1367m / 4485 feet Elevation Gain

It might only be a 15 kilometre ascent, but there is some serious climbing to be had to reach the summit of the Ski Station and numerous TDF finishes that is Luz Ardiden.

Our legs have the chance to warm up on a charming 12km loop through a couple of stone hamlets clinging to the sides of the mountain before a gentle ramp to the base of Luz Ardiden. Shaded for the first part, you sneak some views through the trees. Hairpins give way to ramps up the mountainside. Arrive at the bottom of the open area you can’t quite see the summit, but you secretly hope its not at the top of the ranges!

100km / 62 Miles – 2694m / 8838 feet Elevation Gain

Today we celebrate two wonderful climbs the Col du Solour and Col d’Aubisque. Our route passes through delightful grey stone villages surrounded by open fields and spectacular mountain backdrops.

The first ramps at the foot of the Col du Solour are challenging with the whole climb offering its own charm and character. A photo stop at the summit marker is a must, before we continue onto Col d’Aubisque.

40km / 25 Miles – 1820m / 5971 feet Elevation Gain

The Iconic of all Iconic TDF climbs. So many stories have been written about the “grand daddy” of climbs, and today it is your turn to scribe your own story into the history pages of the Tourmalet’s slopes.

60km / 37 Miles – 1837 / 6027 feet Elevation Gain

Todays ride is in the direction of the Spanish border and a region listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The steady climbing route takes us along the gorge, it’s river full of massive rocks, a result of previous slides from the dramatic peaks we are surrounded by and a reminder of the harsh reality of the beautiful scenery surrounding us.

Au revoir! And now you continue your travels, taking with you all the memories from your epic adventure in the Pyrenees.