Rapha Randonnée Pyrénéenne - September

13 September — 20 September 2010

Radonnee Appenini

Based on a classic route from the Atlantic to Mediterranean coasts, this course takes in beautiful roads and legendary cols as well as more mysterious climbs and diversions.

The Rapha Randonnée Pyrénéenne is based on a classic route from Atlantic to Mediterranean coasts, taking in some legendary climbs along the way. However, using the classic Pyrenean raid as a basis and taking insightsn from Graeme Fife's Great Road Climbs of the Pyrennees Rapha have tailored the route to encompass the more unchartered roads and climbs on offer.

Starting from the Atlantic seaside resort of Biarritz and finishing in the beautiful fishing town of Collioure on France’s Mediterranean coast, Rapha have carefully crafted a challenging and awe inspiring route.

Key Climbs:
Marie Blanque, Aubisque, Tourmalet, Aspin, Peyresourde, Col de Portet d’Aspet, Col de Port.

  • Distance: 775km
  • Elevation: 15385m
  • Price: £2,500


Day 1: Biarritz - Oloron-St Marie

  • Distance: 125km
  • Elevation: 1550m
  • Key Climbs: Col des Plombières, Col d'Osquich

The first day serves as a warm up, taking us from Biarritz’s Grand Plage into the Pyrénéen foothills via the undulations of the Route des Cimes. After lunch the climbs of the Col des Plombières and Col d’Osquich set the tone for the days to come. The first night is spent in Oloron St Marie situated at the confluence of the Gave d'Aspe and Gave d'Ossau rivers, a charming town where, on a summer’s eve, the scent of chocolate fills the air.

Day 2: Oloron-St Marie – St Savin

  • Distance: 115km
  • Elevation: 2615m
  • Key Climbs: Col de Marie Blanque, Col d' Aubisque

From Oloron, the second day of riding sees the start of the real climbing with the five cols including Tour legends Marie Blanque, Aubisque and the Soulor. After a gruelling day in the saddle, our repose for the night is a former coach inn, located in the village of Saint Savin, situated at the foot of the next day’s main obstacle – the Col du Tourmalet. A memorable dinner is promised, courtesy of renowned French chef and patron of the hotel, Jean Pierre Saint-Martin.

Day 3: St Savin – Luchon

  • Distance: 110km
  • Elevation: 3050m
  • Key Climbs: Col du Tourmalet, Col de Peyresourde

Day three reads like a classic Tour stage; Tourmalet – Aspin – Peyresourde, and takes us over the highest point of the Randonnée. The night will be spent in the historic spa town of Bagnères-du-Luchon, a town with Roman origins famous for its 48 thermal springs. Our hotel is situated on the fashionable Allées d'Étigny, an avenue planted with lime trees.

Day 4: Luchon – St Girons

  • Distance: 130km
  • Elevation: 2910m
  • Key Climbs: Col de Portet d'Aspet, Col du Portillon

From Luchon, the Randonnée makes a brief incursion to Spain as we tackle the Col du Portillon before visiting the Casartelli memorial on the infamous Col de Portet d’Aspet. The final challenges of the day are the climbs of Col de la Core and Col de Catchaudegue before a rapid descent into Saint Girons.

Day 5: St Girons – Gincla

  • Distance: 165km
  • Elevation: 3760m
  • Key Climbs: Port de Pailheres, Col de Port

Day Five is the queen stage of the Randonnée both in terms of distance and climbing and a route unique to the Rapha Randonées. Riding out of Saint Girons via the Gorges de Ribaoute and climbs of the Col des Caougnous and Col de Port we reach Tarascon. From here the route follows a stunning, undulating parcours along the Route des Corniches, past the famous Trimouns talc mine before a rapid descent into Ax-les-Thermes. From there, the Port de Pailheres (at 2001m it is the second highest point of the Randonnée) stands as the final obstacle to our night stop at Gincla, a charming village in the shadow of the Montagne de Cabrixa.

Day 6: Gincla – Collioure

  • Distance: 130km
  • Elevation: 1500m
  • Key Climbs: Col Palomere, Col d'Aussieres

Having survived day five, the final day of riding takes us out of the mountains to our final destination of Collioure, a former fishing village and favourite subject for artists such as Picasso and Matisse. Five cols varying in difficulty provide the last challenges of the journey as the azure Mediterranean appears on the horizon.

What’s Included?

Seven nights accommodation (Single occupancy double room)
All breakfasts and evening meals at the hotels and restaurants
Airport transfers
Lunches on riding days
Experienced guide and dedicated support car on each ride
Complimentary energy drink, bars and gels
Appearances from special VIP guests
Specially prepared Rapha Randonnée Guide Book

What’s Not?

Flights
Travel Insurance
Alcoholic Drinks
Incidental Expenses
Tips / gratuities

Radonnee Alpine

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