Introduction

The Pyrenees offers cyclists everything from rolling terrain to the north of the region to high mountain peaks to the south.

On a visit to the Pyrenees you'll find some of the most well-known Cols of the Tour De France, including the Col du Tourmalet, Aspin, Aubisque, Luz Ardiden and Hautacam - all within easy reach.

On this Pyrenean weekend we aim to show you some of the area's best climbs and some of the true wild Pyrenees. Just remember to pack your climbing legs!

Itinerary

Thursday 4th July - Day 1: Arrival Day

After arriving at Toulouse Airport, you will be met by one of our guides in the arrivals hall. Toulouse is a 2 hour transfer away At the hotel you will be reunited with your bike that will have been driven down for you. A couple of hours for a nice lunch, time to settle in and fettle your bike, and then we will test the legs by attempting the famous Hautacam (don't worry there is a coffee at the top!).

The zigzagging road of the Hautacam, one of the main Pyrenean cycling climbs, slashes its way up the mountainside, initially rising steeply and narrowly from Argelès-Gazost, then emerging in open, verdant Pyrenean meadowlands, before eventually - after 13 kilometres and at 1,653 metres - reaching the resort that gives the climb its name: Hautacam ski station.

It has been the scene of some of the biggest battles in the Tour de France and has also gained notoriety due to its combination of steep sections and the fact the climb increases in difficulty all the way to the summit. The reward being arguably one of the best views in the Pyrenees. What a way to get started!

Friday 5th July - Day 2: Queen Stage

• Distance: 102km
• Elevation: 2500m

Today we cycle a section of Stage 19 of the 2018 Tour de France and climb the famous Tourmalet.

Firstly we take in some amazing Pyrenean back roads to get us into the right valley, before we attempt to climb the Tourmalet from the Western side. There is no higher main road pass in the Pyrenees and none with quite such an aura or heritage.

The Tourmalet is a glowering, grey hulk of a hill straddling the Ardour and Campan valleys and has been visited the most out of any climb in the Tour de France. For any mountain loving cyclist, a pilgrimage to the Pyrenees is essential, and should include the fearsome ascent of the Tourmalet.

There is the option to climb Luz Ardiden for those wanting a further challenge (710m extra climb).

Saturday 6th July - Day 3: The Aubisque

• Distance: 104km
• Elevation: 3398m

Today we take on the second half of Stage 19 of the 2018 Tour and climb the famous Col d'Aubisque via the Col des Borderes and Col du Soulor.

We return via the valley roads to Lourdes, including an epic descent down the Southern side of the Col du Soulor.

Sunday 7th July - Day 4: Warm down and Departure

Time for one last local ride up to the Pont de Espana, a lovely valley warm-down ride, before your transfer to the airport.

(nb: itinerary subject to change depending on weather and other safety factors)

Group Size

The group will be a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 12 people. We feel that this size of group works best as there will always be enough in the group for some good company but there won't be so many people that it becomes overcrowded.

What's Included

• 24 hour emergency back up support
• 3 nights in a 3* Hotel
• Full Board
• Transfers from the airport to the hotel (if arriving on our recommended flights)
• 2 Professional Cycling Guides
• 1 Bike Mechanic (including support vehicle)
• Local Taxes
• Bike transfer from Bespoke Gresham Street

What's Not Included

• Flights
• Bike Hire
• Insurance (we recommend cycling specialists Yellow Jersey insurance - click for a quote)
• Drinks

below: some video highlights of the Tourmalet from our travel partners Bikecation:

Accommodation

Accommodation is in clean and comfortable 3-star bike friendly hotel in Argeles Gazost. Single occupancy comes as standard.

Hotel La Miramont is a 3* hotel in a great location with famous climbs in every direction that you look.

Food & Drink

All your breakfasts, lunches, coffee stops and dinners are included in the price of the trip. Lunches will be provided each day in a cafe or will be picnic lunches provided by the guides when the weather is good.

Evening meals are provided at your accommodation or in a nearby restaurant. We also supply fruit, biscuits, cake, nuts, etc in the support vehicle that you are welcome to have throughout the day as well as sports nutrition if required.

Water and soft drinks will be in the support vehicle but any alcoholic drinks are not included and will have to be purchased individually.

Support

Each one of our Guided Road Cycling tours is supported by at least 1 qualified bike mechanic as well as 2 professional cycling guides to ride near the front and at the back of the group. The mechanic will drive the support vehicle that will be on hand throughout the day.

below: Relive the Tourmalet circle (similar to Day 2 of our itinerary) courtesy of Chris from Bikecation:

Recommended Flights

Fly to: Toulouse

Booking

Dates: 04/07/2019 - 07/07/2019

Departure Day: Thursday

Total Price: £1,700.00

Book securely online with our Travel partners Bikecation:
bikecation.co.uk/offer.aspx?id=914

below: a taster of the Hautacam and Point de Espana from Chris at Bikecation, via Relive: