Tough enough for the 100-hours Raid Pyreneen challenge?
THE “Raid Pyreneen” is a 100-hour challenge from Hendaye on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean to the beautiful seaside town of Cerbare on the Mediterranean. The route travels via the high cols of the Pyrenees Mountains in five stages.
“This is a hard but beautiful riding challenge,” says Pyrenees Multisport. “If you are reasonably fit and regularly ride your bike, then this is will be an excellent achievement and well within your grasp.”
There are several versions of the Raid Pyreneen offered by various cycling touring holiday specialists. However the official Raid Pyreneen must follow the route laid down by the Cyclo Club Bearnaise, be completed in 100 hours and get your pass-book or carnet stamped by cafe owners along the route. It must also take place between 1 June and 30 September (the hottest time of year but it does ensure the high cols are open). There are also two spellings of Raid Pyreneen! We’ve used the Cyclo Club Bearnais’ official spelling but it also appears as Raid Pyrenean. However, that’s a small point given the task facing riders.
“The route takes riders on the quiet country roads over the most famous climbs in the world,” says Pyrenees Multisport.
“Each day will be ridden at a reasonable pace with a relaxing stopover in two-star hotels along the route. Our support will always be there with either water or a hot cup of tea on top of the climb. You will not need to carry anything other than yourself over the mountains.
“We provide you with our very own Carnet de Route and daily route cards. We try and stay to the quiet roads but do follow the official 100-hour route. We also give you a fantastic cycle jersey so you can ride the tour in style.
“If you are reasonably fit you will be able to complete this course but will need to train for it. There is always vehicle support in case you get into difficulties. All your luggage and bike containers are transported between stages. There is also mechanical support available so you do not have to worry about anything than enjoying the ride.”
TOUR INFORMATION
Duration 7 days/6 nights
Dates 21-27 July 2012
Start & finish Toulouse Airport
Tour distance 710km (441 miles)
Tour difficulty 3 cogs
Price per person 895 (265 single supplement)
LINKS
Pyrenees Multisport
Cyclo Club Bearnais
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- Raid Pyreneen: official route of the trans-Pyrenees cycle event. Image: Pyrenees Multisport
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- Raid Pyreneen: members of the Cyclo Club Bearnais riding their own Raid. Photo: Cycle Club Bearnais
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- Raid Pyreneen: be prepared! Pyrenees Multisport do supply back-up. Photo: Cycle Club Bearnais
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- Raid Pyreneen: cover some of the most famous cols in the Pyrenees. Photo: Cycle Club Bearnais
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- Raid Pyreneen: must be completed coast to coast in 100 hours. Photo: Cyclo Club Bearnais
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- Raid Pyreneen: climb not too hard here. Photo: Cycle Club Bearnais
Category: Cycle
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