Sportives in the Pyrenees

As the 'spiritual home' of the mountain stages of the Tour de France, it's no suprise that some of France's most popular, challenging and well-organised cyclosportives take place in the Pyrenees.

L'Ariegeoise, La Lapebie and La Barousse Balès all draw good entry fields each year as local and international riders pit themselves against some of the most legendary and iconic climbs that cycling has to offer. Achieving your target of a gold, silver or bronze standard over cols like the Aubisque, Peyresourde, Tourmalet or Port de Balès will be something you'll savour for years to come.

As the Pyrenean Cyclosportive dates and logistics for 2012 are announced we'll keep this page regularly updated with details. Currently, we expect the following calendar of events:

Most popular with our visitors inrecent years and starting & finishing just 2 kilometres from us in Bertren, La Barousse Balès Sportive is likely to be held on Sun 12th August, 2012. It offers both 105km and 152km challenges (2100m / 2900m of climbs) with the long course ascending both the Port de Balès and Peyresourde. Entry fee is around 28 euros inclusive of an excellent post-event meal.

Brand new in 2011 was the, Roue d'Or des Pyrénées - an event featuring the particpation of Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault & Miguel Indurain. Climbing the cols of Spandelles, Soulor & Bordères, this one offers an excellent warm-up for riders training for the Etape and/or Marmotte and we expect it to take place on Sunday, 20th May.

The UCI Golden Bike-accredited L'Ariegeoise is the Pyrenees most heavily subscribed sportive, with 3000+ riders in 2011. Expected to be scheduled for June 23rd 2012 this one offered courses of 111km or 144km in 2011 and featured the climbs of Port de Lers and Col d'Agnes amongst several stiff challenges.

Run to commeorate the achievements of the great French cycling family, the Lapebies (winners of a Tour & Olympic titles in the 1930s), La Lapebie sportive is one of the Pyrenees toughest on the calendar, climbing the Port de Bales, Mente and the Portillon for a total of over 4000m elevation gain on its longer route of 180km. 2012's start date is likely to be the 8th September and entry is priced at around 27 euros.

We'll provide our usual levels of support and hospitality to anyone keen to ride these events. One week packages based around the various events start from as little as £529 (inclusive of airport transfers, accommodation, most meals & transport to/from the sportives).

If you’d like to know more about including a sportive in your trip to the Pyrenees, drop us a line (including a contact phone number) at pyractif@gmail.com