Saturday, 25 July – Friday, 31st July 2020*
Due to the popular demand for our June trip, we have decided to organise a second trip to the Pyrenees.
Bookings are now open for our Le Raid Pyrénéen Cycle Trip July 2020. Places are limited so secure your spot today.
After 2019’s success, and the response to the trip running in June, Focus on Fitness are organising a second trip to take on Le Raid Pyrénéen in July 2020. I can say it is truly one of the worlds greatest bike rides, taking in iconic climbs from the Tour de France… and spectacular descents. Why not join us next year?
We will take on the challenge of cycling 720km, climbing over 11,000 metres… all in 100 hours!! 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 Sunday 28th, 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 are on hand everyday, 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!
Great cycling trip with a brilliant group. Plenty of hard climbs followed by some fantastic descents especially on the final two days as you get closer to the Mediterranean. I’d highly recommend this trip to anyone interested in long days in the saddle.
John Gleeson
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 cost of this tour is €1450 and includes the following:
- Pick up from Biarritz Airport.
- Drop back to Perpignan 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 raid Pyrenees Cycling Jersey
- Medal and Carnet de Route.
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 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.
This was a fantastic trip and route. We traveled on some of the best cycling roads and climbs in the world. Well organised trip with great on road support throughout the trip.
David Connolly
I would highly recommend the trip to anyone looking for a challenge and have any interest in cycling and especially the routes of the Tour de France.
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. 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 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.
*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.
