Considering registering for the Haute Route Pyrenees? Here are five reasons why you should.
The ultimate cycling pilgrimage, the Haute Route Pyrenees encompasses raw beauty, challenging climbs, and breath-taking routes that you will never forget. We’ve noted our top five reasons why you should take on this unique adventure. Scroll to discover.
1. It´s an opportunity to ride on roads that are usually inaccessible to pro races
A true raw mountain experience, during the Haute Route Pyrenees you will have the opportunity to encounter untamed roads which are usually inaccessible to even pro races. Take in the wild chain of peaks and immerse yourself into some of France´s most pristine and untouched landscapes. As you ride your way through this five-day adventure, be prepared to encounter a variety of wildlife along the way! From cattle to horses and everything in between, take in the raw nature and wild animals as you cycle through the Basque country and beyond. Plus, our team of professional photographers will be on hand to capture these unexpected moments for you to keep and look back at this adventure of a lifetime!
.png?width=2048&name=MicrosoftTeams-image%20(19).png)
2. You will be able to ride from city to city, with all logistics covered by the Haute Route team
As you navigate your way across the Pyrenees, you´ll be riding from one city to another each day. Our goal is to help you succeed this epic journey from the very start, this means we´ll cover every aspect of planning down to the smallest of details. The Haute Route team will be onsite to take care of everything from moving you bags, to accommodation, ensuring you have everything you need from city to city. Make the most of your recovery time and rider services at the end of each day and we will handle the rest. Riding point-to-point with full support from the Haute Route team, ticking the Pyrenees off your bucket list has never been so easy.
3. Challenge yourself and take on the legendary Col du Tourmalet
The Haute Route Pyrenees wouldn´t be complete without the legendary Col du Tourmalet. Tick off this bucket list climb and challenge yourself like never before. One of the highest paved mountain passes in the French Pyrenees, get ready to feel the ultimate satisfaction of tackling this epic climb. As part of the stage three route, riders will set out from Pau in the longest stage of the 2022 race, the peloton will take on the stunning ascent to Col du Soulor before heading into Col du Tourmalet from Luz-Saint-Sauveur. Reaching the summit at 2115m, riders will have the chance to admire the spectacular view and grab a photo with the iconic statue of Octave Lapize before a long, beautiful descent to Tarbes.
Read more about the legendary Col du Tourmalet in our blog post here.
4. You will be able to take on elements of the Tour de France
Starting with stage two of the course and the final col of the day, you will face the wild Col de Spandelles, which is set to make its Tour de France debut just two weeks later. Next, prepare to take on one of the most important climbs in cycling history in stage three – the Col du Tourmalet, which has earned its sacred status since it first featured in the Tour de France in 1910. End this five-day adventure on a high with the Col du Portet. Finding new fame in its Tour de France debut in 2018, it has quickly become a bucket list climb in the Pyrenees. At 2215m, the summit offers sweeping views across the region and makes the perfect finish line for this epic edition of the Haute Route Pyrenees.
5. The 5-day format allows you to fully experience the beauty of the Pyrenees The Haute Route Pyrenees is a five-day format which gives you the time to fully lose yourself in a long, roaming challenge. An immersive experience and a true adventure, take the opportunity to conquer long, thrilling days in the saddle, traversing through the winding roads of France and into Spain where legendary cols await; all alongside a peloton of passionate and supportive riders.
