Ax les Thermes is not probably the first cycling destination that comes to your mind. But if you like the climbs, and you are looking into the Pyrenees, it should be one of your first options to choose. My favorite rides from Ax les Thermes The Pradel-Pailheres loop. Amazing, one of the best loops you can do in all of Europe. The solitaire, narrow and steep Col de Pradel is the first climb you should do. Descent to Usson and Mijanes, and then you climb one of the best climbs in all of the Pyrenees, without a doubt: Col de Pailheres. It has it all: hard, narrow road, superscenic, and gets 2000 mts height. A true must for every cycling lover. Plateau de Beille. For many years it has been stage ending in the Tour de France. Dead end climb, it is a steep climb that was used in the Tour de France in years 1998, 2002, 2004, 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2024. Rute des Corniches. Beautiful road overlooking the main flattish road from Ax les Thermes to Tarascon sur Ariege. Especially recommended when cycling direction Ax les Thermes. The highlight of the road is the arrival to Col de Chioula. From the top of Chioula you can descend straight to Ax les Thermes. But you can also descend to Espezel and Axat, leading to the Mediterranean sea. Other possible rides around Ax les Thermes Other possible rides from Ax les Thermes are the climb to Ax 3 Domains or also known as Plateau de Bonascre. It was used in the Tour de France in the Armstrong years (I remember a stage win by Carlos Sastre, celebrating with a pacifier on his mouth for his new born baby. Another possibility from Ax les Thermes is climbing the mighty
Ax les Thermes is not probably the first cycling destination that comes to your mind. But if you like the climbs, and you are looking into the Pyrenees, it should be one of your first options to choose. My favorite rides from Ax les Thermes The Pradel-Pailheres loop. Amazing, one of the best loops you
The Pyrenees is the natural border between France and Spain. There are a lot of asphalted passes in the Pyrenees, some in the french side, some in the spanish side, but only some of them are exactly with the border at the top, having one side from France and one side from Spain. Let's have a look at the Pyrenees border passes. Usually the french side is longer, steeper and colder, being on the north face. Worth to know this information when planning a cycling tour in the Pyrenees. Let's have a quick list of all of them, starting from east to west, from the Catalan Pyrenees to the Basque Pyrenees. Coll de Banyuls (355 M) This is the easternmost proper mountain pass in the Pyrenees linking the coastal french Banyuls sur Mer with the little known village in Girona called Espolla. Very steep french side, longer, milder and nicer the catalan side. Col de Pertus (290 mts). This is a historical pass, the lowest point to cross the Pyrenees. The main road is filled with cars and traffic, totally avoidable. Nevertheless in the Pirinexus route goes through this easy pass avoiding the road on a gravel path. Costoja (830 mts) Little unknown pass in Girona province, even if it is a wide nice road. The starting point in Spain is the village called Tapis, and on the french side there is a village close to the top called Costoja, (Coustouge in french). Coll de Manrella (637 m) Even smaller and less known pass than the previous Costoja. There is a monument dedicated to the people who exiliated to France through this tiny pass after the Civil war in Spain. Solitaire road, in fact there is about 1 km gravel path on the french side. Coll d'Ares (1513 mts). Possibly the most known border pass
The Pyrenees is the natural border between France and Spain. There are a lot of asphalted passes in the Pyrenees, some in the french side, some in the spanish side, but only some of them are exactly with the border at the top, having one side from France and one side from Spain. Let’s have a
Le Grand Depart 2026 is in Barcelona. Watching it live is an unforgettable event. At Montefusco Cycling we will make it possible on stage 2 (Tarragona-Barcelona), but also on stage 3 Granollers-Les Angles. The stage Granollers-Les Angles will start with a gentle climb to Sant Feliu de Codines, very close to Granollers. It will be heading to France. On the way, the cyclists will climb the very long (25 km) Collada de Toses, a very popular, scenic climb, not very steep. In our plan, we will climb the steep Coll de la Creueta (see picture), and then will find the cyclists at the top of Collada de Toses. Our loop will be starting at Campdevanol and will be about 75 km long. After Collada de Toses we will descend to Ribes de Freser and then Campdevanol, opposite direction to the cyclists did. You can book online here: Book online now
Le Grand Depart 2026 is in Barcelona. Watching it live is an unforgettable event. At Montefusco Cycling we will make it possible on stage 2 (Tarragona-Barcelona), but also on stage 3 Granollers-Les Angles. The stage Granollers-Les Angles will start with a gentle climb to Sant Feliu de Codines, very close to Granollers. It will be
If you come and visit Barcelona and you're a cyclist, maybe you didn't notice how close Barcelona is to the Pyrenees, and how easy it is climbing a big mountain in a daytrip. One of our favorite daytrips and guided tours is that one climbing to Coll de la Creueta, one of the big climbs in the catalan Pyrenees. La Creueta has it all: beauty, panoramic views, nice asphalt, very scarce traffic, and also the goal of reaching almost 2000 mts. One of our favorite climbs in all of the Pyrenees. Coll de la Creueta connects to Cerdanya region, which capital is Puigcerdà, a classic destination for catalan skiers in winter. In fact, Coll de la Creueta climbs to the most known ski station in Catalonia, La Molina. A big station not-so-far from Barcelona. It has been stage ending in Volta a Catalunya professional race for many years. We are organizing a stage on July 24th, starting at Campdevanol, climbing Coll de la Creueta and then heading to La Molina. Final descent, amazing in La Collada de Toses, a great 25 km descent in a wide road, not too steep, heading to Ribes de Freser and then Campdevanol again. A guided tour, in which you will get one of the most beautiful climbs in the Pyrenees in a daytrip from Barcelona. Will you join? Send a message here.
If you come and visit Barcelona and you’re a cyclist, maybe you didn’t notice how close Barcelona is to the Pyrenees, and how easy it is climbing a big mountain in a daytrip. One of our favorite daytrips and guided tours is that one climbing to Coll de la Creueta, one of the big climbs
It is always a hard job to choose the best climbs in a mountain range. Especially a very big one as the Pyrenees, with over 600 km of mountains, being the border between France and Spain. There are many different criteria to keep in mind to make a list like this one. I chose 2 main criteria: landscape beauty and steepness. I also had in mind other points such as traffic conditions. These are my favorite climbs in the Pyrenees: Port de Bales: This solitaire pass was asphalted recently and first included in Tour de France year 2007. Often into the rain and mist, if you get to the top in a clear sunny day you will have one of your best experiences upon a bike. And also challenging: on the Mauleon side they are 20 km and over 1200 mts elevation. Port de Pailheres: This climb has been included several times in Tour de France since 2003. Not one of the historical passes, but no doubt one of the most beautiful. The right side to climb is from Mijanes. There are a couple of very nice loops including Pailheres: With Col de Chioula and Col de Pradel. Both about 80 km and 3000 mts elevation the whole loop. Col du Tourmalet: The king of all the climbs in the Pyrenees. Possibly the most famous in the Pyrenees. Not the steepest, not the longest, but full of cycling history, first climbed in Tour de France 1910. The Geant at the top, the souvenir shop, the restaurant with the bikes hanging from the ceiling... A must for every cyclist to get up there! Col d'Aubisque. The second most important climb in the Pyrenees. Only being neighbors with Tourmalet makes it a little less important. The Laruns side (Gourette ski station) is the
It is always a hard job to choose the best climbs in a mountain range. Especially a very big one as the Pyrenees, with over 600 km of mountains, being the border between France and Spain. There are many different criteria to keep in mind to make a list like this one. I chose 2
The first stage of La Vuelta 2023 in Barcelona will take place on Saturday August 26th. It is a team time trial in the streets of Barcelona. Flat route, high speed and big show expected! The start will be close to the sea (Barceloneta beach) and the route will pass some of the most known streets in Barcelona. The second stage of La Vuelta 2023 (on the sunday August 27th) will be Mataró-Barcelona with 180 km and some interesting climbs such as Sant Bartomeu (also known for locals as Orrius), the second category Estenalles and finally Castell de Montjuic, a climb very close to the finish line (see elevation profile). The stage is rated as ¨medium mountain", but it is very likely to have a sprint finish, as the main climbs are at the start of the stage. The third stage will be Suria-Arinsal on Monday August 28th. Suria is a village in Barcelona province, but out of the big city. The ending in Andorra will be interesting as usual, with 2 big climbs as Coll d'Ordino (one of the most beautiful climbs in Andorra) and the arrival to Arinsal. It is the first time that the Vuelta will arrive to Arinsal ski station. Volta a Catalunya was the only professional race to get to Arinsal on 2005 and 2007. Interested in climbing those big mountains and/or watching La Vuelta 2023 cycling race live? Contact us and we will make it happen!
The first stage of La Vuelta 2023 in Barcelona will take place on Saturday August 26th. It is a team time trial in the streets of Barcelona. Flat route, high speed and big show expected! The start will be close to the sea (Barceloneta beach) and the route will pass some of the most known
If you love cycling you probably love climbing. And for sure you will be curious to know the best cycling climbs in the world. Recently, the "Cyclist" English online magazine released a list of top 100 cycling climbs, which made me very curious. It is a very good job and also challenging to get just 100 out of all the climbs you can find in the cycling world. Some obvious mistakes (Zoncolan or Madonna del Ghisallo are missing). It is worth having a look at the complete list, here. Worth mentioning the unbeatable top 3: 1) Stelvio, 2) Ventoux 3) Galibier. Also interesting to mention the number of climbs in the most important mountain ranges: we have 6 climbs in the Dolomites, we have 13 in the Pyrenees and 33 climbs in the Alps (including french, Italian, Swiss, and Austrian alps). Bizarre destinations as Taiwan are also included. My favorite list though is the 1000 climbs included in Challenge BIG. (Brevet International du Grimpeur). This is a much longer list, 1000 climbs all over the world!! They are not in a certain order, but it is "just" a "to-do" list. I am a member of this challenge since 1996. It is an amazing reference to visit whenever you plan a trip. The choice is top quality with 3 main criteria: Hardness, touristic and mediatic (being included in professional races). It is a must to visit this site! (In fact, it is a challenge to get during your whole life.) https://www.bigcycling.eu/en/home/index/intro/ The Hardest climbs Lately, I read another listing of the top 10 climbs: https://pjammcycling.com/zone/80.World-Top-10-Hardest-Cycling-Climbs This article shows (in the opinion of the journalist) the hardest climbs in the world, let me advance the top three: 1) Mauna Kea (Hawaii USA) 2) Al Jaadah Pass (Saudi Arabia) 3) Babusar Pass (Pakistan).
If you love cycling you probably love climbing. And for sure you will be curious to know the best cycling climbs in the world. Recently, the “Cyclist” English online magazine released a list of top 100 cycling climbs, which made me very curious. It is a very good job and also challenging to get just
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,
Girona is one of the most important cycling destinations all over the world. A very significant cycling climb around Girona is Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery. The variety of routes is also a very good reason to come to Girona for cycling. Flat tiny roads, together with scenic routes and also steep climbs, so close the Pyrenees are. Sant Pere de Rodes has 2 sides to climb from. One from Vilajuiga and the second one from the sea, from Port de la Selva. Especially recommended Port de la Selva side, as the views over the Mediterranean sea are amazing, and the climb is a little steeper than Vilajuiga side. On top of that, this side has been recently asphalted, then the road is in perfect conditions for the road bikes! No need to say that one of the main appeals of this climb (whichever the side) is the impressive monastery on top. This Monastery refers to Romanic Catalan art and was built in the XI century. Some interesting loop including Sant Pere de Rodes There are several very interesting loops in which to include Monestir de Sant Pere de Rodes. Maybe the most interesting is starting in Perelada (a nice wine destination by the way), and getting France via Coll de Banyuls. Then return to Spain on the very nice coastal road to Llançà and Port de la Selva. Once there climbing Sant Pere de Rodes and finally descent to Vilajuiga and back to Perelada. It is also worth mentioning that this area close to France is sometimes hit by fast winds (the so-called Tramuntana). It could make really hard even to get up on a bike. Be careful if the Tramuntana is blowing! Cycling in Sant Pere de Rodes and the climb to the Monastery is a big challenge
Girona is one of the most important cycling destinations all over the world. A very significant cycling climb around Girona is Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery. The variety of routes is also a very good reason to come to Girona for cycling. Flat tiny roads, together with scenic routes and also steep climbs, so close
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
