One of our favorite destinations is Col du Tourmalet, possibly the most famous cycling climb in the world. Barcelona Tourmalet is a great cycling tour that links the beautiful catalan city with the big mountain in the Pyrenees. It has been climbed so many times in the Tour de France. It is full of history, but it is also a very hard climb from both sides, being the Luz St Sauveur side, being the Santa Mari de Campan side. One of those mountains that has it all: the terrible slopes, the mythical bar and souvenir shop at the top, the secret passages as the Voie Laurent Fignon, the ski resorts on both sides (La Mongie on the Campan side and Bareges, on the Luz side) The Tourmalet is one of those big passes in the Pyrenees, a mandatory pass in a Transpyrenees trip! Col du Tourmalet gets 2114 meters and is the pass below the might Pic du Midi (which you can reach on a mountain or gravel bike from the Col du Tourmalet). The iconic image of the Geant du Tourmalet (the statue at the top) has become one of the most important souvenirs you will get in your cycling career! We are organizing our Barcelona-Tourmalet cycling tour next July 2022. 5 stages to get to the most important climb in the cycling world. Coll de la Bonaigua, Portillon, Peyresourde, Aspin and Tourmalet are in the menu! We provide: hotels including breakfast and dinner (6 nights) support van with a fully dedicated driver, transportation back to Barcelona. As usual, limited places as it will be a small group. Contact us if interested!!
One of our favorite destinations is Col du Tourmalet, possibly the most famous cycling climb in the world. Barcelona Tourmalet is a great cycling tour that links the beautiful catalan city with the big mountain in the Pyrenees. It has been climbed so many times in the Tour de France. It is full of history,
Climbingb the Alps is one of the biggest challenges for every keen cyclist. A very nice way to get to know some of the best climbs in southern Alps is to try the "Confrerie des 7 majeurs", an amazing route of 360 km and over 12000 meters elevation. Not a joke. In this route, the loop includes some of the most famous climbs included in the Tour de France: Col de Vars, Col d'Izoard, Col d'Agnelo, Passo di Sampeyre, La Fauniera, Col della Lombarda and finally Col de la Bonette. The starting point is usually Jausiers (also Barcelonette) and the loop is done clockwise. There are several ways to attempt this challenge. The hardest is doing this route in just 24 hours, amazing effort. Also amazing to do it in 48 hours, remember they are 12000 meters elevation! And then there is a way to get it for human beings which is in 4 stages. Challenging but at the same time doable!! At Montefusco Cycling we are supporting a bunch of cyclists doing the route in 4 days starting in Barcelonette on August 19th. We will transport luggage and will be ready to support in case of any issue. A challenge is ok, but also safety first!
Climbingb the Alps is one of the biggest challenges for every keen cyclist. A very nice way to get to know some of the best climbs in southern Alps is to try the “Confrerie des 7 majeurs”, an amazing route of 360 km and over 12000 meters elevation. Not a joke. In this route, the
A few weeks ago we introduced a nice cycling trip in the Catalan Pyrenees. But climbing the eastern Pyrenees has many other options. Now, let me show you another version of a cycling trip in the eastern Pyrenees. In this trip we include some very nice climbs, quite known in the cycling world. It is 5 stages long and start/finish is in the french/Spanish border, at Cerbere. This is our suggestion: Stage 1 Cerbere-El Pertus. Start direction north, and in Banyuls sur Mer we lead inland to climb the short but very steep Col de Banyuls. After the long descent, we head north at the very border to climb a dead-end climb called Pic Neulós (literally Misty peak, in Catalan language), via Col de l'Ouillat. Then descent to El Pertus to stay overnight. Stage 2 El Pertus-Arles sure Tech. This stage includes a couple of nice unknown border passes. They are La Vajol (a former pass for Catalan exiles people during the Civil war in Spain) and Alt de Costoja, a nice wide climb crossing villages as Maçanet de Cabrenys and Tapis. No more than 90 km but plenty of climbing in solitaire roads. Stage 3 Arles sure Tech-Camprodon. One of the main Catalan border passes is Col d'Ares, which is the main pass at this stage. It is very demanding on the north (french) side. Not the same from the Catalan side. The stage could lead straight to Camprodon, but the route heads to a very nice and demanding loop, climbing a couple of short but very steep mountains. Absolutely wonderful area for cycling in tiny solitaire roads. Stage 4 Camprodon-Puigcerdà. Camprodon is a nice mountain village. This stage starts with the climb to the pretty known Vallter 2000. This climb,
A few weeks ago we introduced a nice cycling trip in the Catalan Pyrenees. But climbing the eastern Pyrenees has many other options. Now, let me show you another version of a cycling trip in the eastern Pyrenees. In this trip we include some very nice climbs, quite known in the cycling world. It is
Let me introduce you all to a great cycling trip in the Catalan Pyrenees. The idea comes from a local club in a little french village near the coast named Bompas. It includes the eastern part of the Pyrenees, getting to the Mediterranean sea. In fact, the trip includes an amazing coastal road in the Spanish-french border, and then a stunning climb to the Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery overviewing the coast. It is 676 km long and includes all 3 Catalan-speaking countries: Spain, France, and Andorra. The route includes many important climbs in the area such as Coll d'Ares, La Quillane, Puymorens, Envalira, Collada de Toses, or Monestir de Sant Pere de Rodes. The highest point is Coll d'Envalira, at 2407 mts height, in fact, the highest pass in the whole Pyrenees range of mountains. The total elevation of the trip is over 9700 mts. Possible start at Ripoll, we climb Coll d’Ares then to Prats de Mollo, towards Pertús, La Jonquera to Roses and then heading north to France until Collioure and Bompàs (home of the club who suggested the tour). Then to Rivesaltes, Sournia, Prades, Sant Miquel de Cuixa, Sant Marti del Canigo, Vilafranca de Conflent. Climb to Coll de la Quillane. Mont Louis, Llac de las Bouillouses. then you have to climb to Puymorens and Port d’Envalira. Descent to Andorra and back to Catalonia then Collada de Toses and back to Ripoll. Nevertheless, there is also some additional climb that should be mentioned and included if you have time enough on a trip like this. Let me suggest one of my favorite climbs in the whole Pyrenees, which is Port de Pailheres. When to do the trip This trip is possible in summer, and also late spring or early autumn. It is also possible to do
Let me introduce you all to a great cycling trip in the Catalan Pyrenees. The idea comes from a local club in a little french village near the coast named Bompas. It includes the eastern part of the Pyrenees, getting to the Mediterranean sea. In fact, the trip includes an amazing coastal road in the
If you ever cycled the classical Transpyrenees, maybe you will be interested in the Spanish Transpyrenees. In this coast to coast cycling trip on the south side of the Pyrenees, there are three main advantages over the northern French side: better weather always on the southern Spanish side, milder gradients of the mountains, often no-so-steep as the french climbs, better quality of hotels and food in Spain compared to the French side (and better pricing at the same time!) Spanish Transpyrenees trip in 8 stages Stage 1 Hondarribia-Sant Jean de Pied de Port 108 km (1956 m elevation) with Aritxulegi, Agiña, and Izpegi. Even if there are three climbs in this stage, the starting stage is a doable warm-up stage. Fantastic Izpegi, as you all probably know. Stage 2 Sant Jean de Pied de Port - Isaba 87Km (2600 m elevation) with Burdinkurutxeta, Bagargi, and Port de Larrau. This stage is mainly on French territory, but at the top of Larrau is the border with Spain. Very interesting and demanding stage including the unpronounceable Burdinkurutxeta (which means iron cross in the Basque language), with very steep sections. Then the beautiful Bagargui (connected to the close-up Chalets de Iraty). In that part, the road goes through the fabulous Bosque de Iraty. After the steep descent the third climb of the day is Port de Larrau, one of the steepest in all of the Pyrenees. This climb was the battleground on Tour de France 1996 in a stage that ended in Pamplona. Stage 3 Isaba-Sabiñánigo 129 km (2257 m elevation) with Pierre St Martin (HC), Puerto de Somport (1C) This is a very interesting stage as both climbs included are not usual at all in any Transpyrenees coast to coast trip. At the top of both climbs it is the french-Spanish border.
If you ever cycled the classical Transpyrenees, maybe you will be interested in the Spanish Transpyrenees. In this coast to coast cycling trip on the south side of the Pyrenees, there are three main advantages over the northern French side: better weather always on the southern Spanish side, milder gradients of the mountains, often no-so-steep
La Bonaigua is one of those classical mountain passes in Catalonia and cycling Port de la Bonaigua is a must for any cycloclimber. It is one of the few roads over 2000 mts in the Catalan Pyrenees. In fact this is one of the first roads to be closed to traffic when winter snowfalls. Nevertheless, being a ski resort on top these roads is usually accessible to traffic all year long. On the north side there is also a very popular ski resort at Baqueira Beret (which has been stage ending at some Grand Tours so far). Because of the strategic situation of la Bonaigua, connecting Vall d'Aran with Pallars Sobirà region, the road to La Bonaigua has always been the natural pass and locals have claimed often for a tunnel. With almost 20 km length, and reaching 2072 mts height, it is one of the king mountains the Pyrenées. Long and demanding climb The climb itself is very long and steady from both sides, and the road is wide and usually in pretty good condition. The road was improved and slightly modified in 2009. On the south side there is still a nice rideable stretch of the old road. This is called "Bosc del Gerdar" (see picture) and it is a very nice bendy route without any traffic into a deep forest (bosc in Catalan language). Also, just starting the climb from Esterri d'Aneu, it is possible to get the old road leading to València d'Aneu, much more beautiful than the steeper straight route of the new road. Totally worth to cycle both roads when climbing but obviously much better (and faster!) taking the new roads when descending. La Bonaigua was included several times in La Vuelta route. Especially remarkable is the Vuelta a España 2013, in which Bonaigua
La Bonaigua is one of those classical mountain passes in Catalonia and cycling Port de la Bonaigua is a must for any cycloclimber. It is one of the few roads over 2000 mts in the Catalan Pyrenees. In fact this is one of the first roads to be closed to traffic when winter snowfalls. Nevertheless,
Camino de Santiago is an amazing trip that you can do in so many ways: walking, on a mountain bike (gravel bike), on a road bike... There are also many different Caminos, depending on your starting point and the different ways you can follow. The trip we suggest is a road bike trip following the classical french Camino, starting at Saint Jean de Pied de Port in France, and getting to Spain through Puerto de Ibañeta. Some trips start at Roncesvalles, already in Navarra (Spain) avoiding the climb to Ibañeta. There is also the Northern Camino (along the coast), the Via de la Plata, or the Portuguese Camino (see map above). The Camino de Santiago road cycling trip we suggest here includes stages about 100 km long, and the end is at the Atlantic Ocean in Finisterre (the end of the earth in Galician language), instead of Santiago de Compostela. Obviously it is very easy to shorten the trip in one stage and arriving at Santiago de Compostela in just 7 stages and 790 km. The trip gets all the highlights of Camino de Santiago as Roncesvalles, Puente la Reina, Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Burgos, León, Ponferrada or Monasterio de San Julián de Samos. The villages, the cathedrals, the paths, the hostels, the restaurants... Such an amazing experience the Camino is! The stages: Stage 1) Saint Jean de Pied de Port-Estella 120 km, 2300 mts elevation including Ibañeta Stage 2 Estella-Santo Domingo de la Calzada 100 km, 1500 mts elevation Stage 3) Santo Domingo de la Calzada-Fromista 138 km, 1800 mts elevation including Puerto de la Pedraja. Stage 4) Fromista-León 112 km, 700 mts elevation Stage 5) León-Ponferrada 107 km, 1400 mts elevation including Foncebadon-Cruz de Hierro Stage 6) Ponferrada-Sarria 100 km, 1300 mts elevation including O Cebreiro Stage
Camino de Santiago is an amazing trip that you can do in so many ways: walking, on a mountain bike (gravel bike), on a road bike… There are also many different Caminos, depending on your starting point and the different ways you can follow. The trip we suggest is a road bike trip following the
Pirinexus cycling route is a marked cycling route around Catalonia which includes gravel paths and small roads. No need to say that Catalonia has become one of the best places for cycling. For both road cycling and gravel cycling. The total distance of this Pirinexus route is 360 km, then it is possible to do it in just 1 day (tough ride, indeed!), or 2 days, also 3 stages (pretty doable for experienced bikers), etc. The route is mainly easy even if it crosses the Pyrenees (border Spain-France). The highest point is Coll d'Ares, at 1513 mts, but from the Spanish side it is much milder than from the French side. If done from the north side, Coll d'Ares, starting at Arles Sur Tech, it is a remarkable climb 32 km long with a total elevation of 1250 mts. In general, this Pirinexus cycling route is much easier if done clockwise Girona, suggested starting point. A good starting point could be Girona, as it is one of the most important cycling destinations in the world. Mainly for road cycling, but also for gravel cycling. Then, from Girona, the main towns to go through are Olot, Camprodon, (Coll d'Ares), Prats de Molló, Arles Sur Tech, Le Boulou, La Jonquera, Perelada, L'Escala, Palamós, Sant Feliu de Guixols and finally again to Girona. One of the most important cycling infrastructures in Catalonia is the Greenways, the so-called" Vies Verdes", former railways converted into bike paths. This Pirinexus route goes along some of the main Greenways. Especially remarkable is the way from Sant Feliu de Guixols (at the coast) to Olot, getting through Girona. But all the Pirinexus cycle route gets to perfect paths for cycling, so it is a great experience in which you can discover Catalonia, southern France, and have a taste
Pirinexus cycling route is a marked cycling route around Catalonia which includes gravel paths and small roads. No need to say that Catalonia has become one of the best places for cycling. For both road cycling and gravel cycling. The total distance of this Pirinexus route is 360 km, then it is possible to do
Next July Montefusco Cycling is organizing the Transpyrenees cycling trip. It is composed of 9 cycling stages, 10 nights, 800 km, with 15 HC or 1st category climbs included. Our tour is for the keen cyclists, but do not worry, we are thinking a demanding but doable tour with stages no longer than 100km and normally 1 or 2 climbs (except the queen stage!) Hondarribia-St Jean du pied de port 88 km St Jean du Pied de Port - Bielle 99 km Bielle-Luz St Sauveur 72 Km Luz St Sauveur-Bagneres de Luchon 96 km Bagneres de Luchon-Valencia d'Aneu 77 km Valencia d'Aneu-La Seu d'Urgell 85 km La Seu d'Urgell-Ribes de Freser 90 km Ribes de Freser-Girona 99 km Girona-Tossa de Mar 83 km The most famous climbs included in the trip are: Marie Blanque, Aubisque, Tourmalet, Aspin, Peyresourde, Portillon, Bonaigua, Cantó, Collada de Toses, etc. The meeting point is in Hondarribia the day before the start. Hondarribia is a perfect place to have a welcome meeting and a pintxos dinner (a classic in Basque Country!) This Transpyrenees cycling self-guided trip includes guidebook (maps, GPS tracks), fully dedicated supporting van, transporting luggage, bringing drink and food (light lunch at the main climb of the day including bars, fruit, sandwiches, etc.) and mechanical support. 10 hotel nights including dinner and breakfast (hotels 3-4 stars), transportation from Tossa de Mar to Barcelona on the last day.
Next July Montefusco Cycling is organizing the Transpyrenees cycling trip. It is composed of 9 cycling stages, 10 nights, 800 km, with 15 HC or 1st category climbs included. Our tour is for the keen cyclists, but do not worry, we are thinking a demanding but doable tour with stages no longer than 100km and
Catalonia is an amazing destination for road cycling. Possibly one of the best destinations in the world. In Catalonia it is possible to cycle all year long. Even in the coldest winter days we can ride safely, as the roads are in very good condition and the weather is still fine. Ours is a mild winter! No need to say that spring and autumn are perfect seasons to cycle here, but also summer is still good! We organize road cycling trips around Catalonia, in which we include some of the best roads around! All in all with polite and helpful drivers respecting the cyclists, even if there is scarce traffic on the routes we chose. The experience is not just about cycling, as food and rest are also part of the trip, and we choose very good hotels and we made sure that food is also great. In 6 stages we will show you the best roads and places in Catalonia: Montserrat, Montseny or Costa Brava. This not, definitely an easy tour, as there are some very demanding and steep mountains included. Of course, we also include the very popular Girona region, which is possibly the most popular cycling destination in the world! Sample tour 1) Barcelona -Montserrat 117 km (including Montserrat) 2) Montserrat-Montseny 120 km (with Coll d'Estenalles) 3) Montseny-Montseny 101 km (climbing to Turo de l'Home) 4) Montseny-Olot 96 km (with 2 climbs as Condreu and Bracons) 5) Olot-Figueres 107 km (getting the scenic and steep Mare de Deu del Mont) 6) Figueres-L'Escala 101 km (including Sant Pere de Rodes) The trip includes: Fully dedicated supporting van with food (light lunch including fruit, sandwiches, bars...) and drink. luggage transportation from hotel to hotel 7 hotel nights (at 3 and 4 stars) including breakfast and dinner, Transportation L'Escala-Barcelona the
Catalonia is an amazing destination for road cycling. Possibly one of the best destinations in the world. In Catalonia it is possible to cycle all year long. Even in the coldest winter days we can ride safely, as the roads are in very good condition and the weather is still fine. Ours is a mild
