Pyrenean Cyclosportives

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.

The Ariegeoise, the Luchonnaise, the Hubert Arbes (based around Lourdes) and the Barrousse Bales 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 Bales will be something you'll savour for years to come.

The first local Cyclosportive dates of 2008 are just being announced. We'll keep this page regularly updated as others are added.

For an early season warm-up, La Ronde Castraise on Sunday 27th April offers 85km and 145km options with modest climbs of around 1800m. 560 finishers on the long course last year and an overall rider rating of 17/20. Entry fee €30.

On Saturday 31st May, La Luchonnaise stretches your legs over 103km or 125km courses (with 1750m or 2380m of climbing respectively). 200 finishers in '07, rating the event 15/20. Entry fee of €27.

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June 22nd brings the Marmotte D'Olt with 112km and 150km routes taking in 1700m and 2450m of uphill. With entry from as little as €23 and a course rated 19/20 by last year's 700 finishers this is sure be a popular event again in 2008.

On the same day, June 22nd you might prefer to tackle the Hubert Arbes. One of the best organised sportives in the Pyrenees (Hubert was a top pro and rode alongside Bernard Hinault at Renault Gitanes), the event climbs the Tourmalet, Soulor and Col de Borderes on a 159km route with over 3000m of climbing. €30 on the day (or €25 in advance).

June 28th brings the start of the Ariegoise - one of the prestigious UCI 'Golden Bike' events. Courses of 70-164km are available, the latter taking in 3000m of climbing to a spectacular finish at Plateau de Beille. The event has a superb website ( www.cyclosport-ariegoise.com ) and is sure to be the most heavily subscribed event of the Pyrenean season (3000+ riders). Entry fee, €34.

Starting just a few miles from us in Bertren, the Barousse Bales Sportive will be held on Sun 10th August. It offers both 103km and 150km challenges (2200m / 2700m of climbs). Course rated 18/20 and the entry fee is just €23.

We'll provide our usual levels of support and hospitality to anyone keen to ride any of these events.

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