Rapha Randonnée Pyrénéenne - September
15 September — 22 September 2012
The Rapha Randonnée Pyrénéenne is based on a classic route from Atlantic to Mediterranean coasts, taking in some legendary climbs along the way. 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 also include many unchartered roads and climbs on offer.
- Distance: 775km
- Elevation: 15385m
Key Climbs:
Marie Blanque, Aubisque, Tourmalet, Aspin, Peyresourde, Col de Portet d’Aspet, Col de Port.
Day One: Biarritz to Oloron Ste Marie - 130km - 2500m
Day Two: Oloron Ste Marie to St Savin - 125km - 3000m
Day Three: St Savin to Luchon - 110km - 3250m
Day Four: Luchon to St Girons - 95km - 2000m
Day Five: St Girons to Gincla - 168km - 3790m
Day Six: Gincla to Collioure - 145km - 1900m
Click on the Itinerary tab for more details
Read Rob Penn's account of the Randonnée Pyrénéenne
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
Specially prepared Rapha Randonnée Guide Book
What’s Not?
Flights
Travel Insurance
Drinks with evening meals
Incidental Expenses
Tips / gratuities
The Knowledge
- Group Size: 12 riders max.
- Airport: Biarritz (in) / Barcelona (out)
- Accommodation: 7 nights at hotels selected by La Fuga
- Price: £2800 (single occupancy)
Rapha Randonnée Pyrénéenne - September
15 September — 22 September 2012
DAY 1: BIARRITZ - OLORON STE MARIE
* Distance: 130km
* Elevation: 2500m
* Key Climbs: Col des Plombieres, Col d'Ipharlatze, Col d’Osquich
The first day takes us from Biarritz’s Grand Plage into the Pyrénéen foothills via the undulations of the Route des Cimes. The climbs of the Col d'Ipharlatze 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.
La Fuga says:
“It will be a bit of a shame to leave breezy Biarritz behind this morning, but the sacrifice will be rewarded as we head out of town along the Route Imperiale des Cimes, an undulating rollercoaster of a road taking us from the Atlantic coast to the foothills of the Basque country. While this first day lacks in big climbs, it is more then just a warm-up!”
DAY 2: OLORON STE MARIE - ST SAVIN
* Distance: 125km
* Elevation: 3000m
* Key Climbs: Col de Marie Blanque, Col d'Aubisque
From Oloron, the second day of riding sees the start of the real climbing with five cols, including Tour legends Marie Blanque, Aubisque and 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.
La Fuga says:
“The Marie-Blanque and Aubisque / Soulor climbs are a classic Tour combination. The Aubisque ascent from Eaux-Bonnes is my personal favourite in the Pyrénées, climbing gradually out of the Val Valentin to the ski resort of Gourette and the final kilometres offering panoramic views towards the Pic de Ger.”
DAY 3: ST SAVIN - LUCHON
* Distance: 110km
* Elevation: 3250m
* 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.
La Fuga says:
“Tourmalet, Tourmalet, Tourmalet! Plenty has been written but nothing can prepare for you the legend. The Col d’Aspin and Col de Peyresourde aren’t bad either, but it's the Tourmalet that defines the Pyrénées. Another epic day worthy of a Grand Tour.”
DAY 4: LUCHON - ST GIRONS
* Distance: 95km
* Elevation: 2000m
* Key Climbs: Col du Portillon, Col de Menté, Col de Portet d'Aspet
Today’s stage will be a poignant journey for followers of professional cycling. After a brief incursion into Spain via the Col de Portillon, the route climbs out of the Val d’Aran via the well graded Col de Menté and heads for the infamous Col de Portet d’Aspet. A pleasant but unremarkable climb, were it not for the tragic events in the 1995 Tour de France, when reigning Olympic road race champion, the Italian Fabio Casartelli, misjudged a tightening left hand bend with grave consequences. In the time before compulsory helmet usage, Fabio’s head injuries were serious enough for him to slip into unconsciousness from which he never recovered. The point of the tragic accident is now marked by a small, flower adorned plaque, whilst a few metres further uphill, a more striking marble sculpture is an emotional reminder of the frailties of the racing cyclist.
The remainder of the route rolls through lush woodland and tranquil Pyrénéen villages before descending into the market town of St Girons, our repose for the night.
La Fuga says:
“I find every visit to the Portet d’Aspet incredibly emotional. As a former racer myself, it constantly reminds me of the fragility of life and how much I risked every time I descended at top speed and on the edge of control in pursuit of victory. The riding today is great, the high mountains of yesterday replaced by rolling, wooded ascents offering some welcome protection from the sun.”
DAY 5: ST GIRONS - GINCLA
* Distance: 168km
* Elevation: 3760m
* Key Climbs: Col de Port, Port de Pailheres
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. 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.
La Fuga says:
“The Col de Pailheres (what do you mean you’ve never heard of it?) is actually the second highest point on the route and a tough challenge today, especially with two climbs already in the bank. Watch out for cows as you approach the summit, it’s not unusual for your path to the top to be blocked by moody looking Gascon cattle!”
DAY 6: GINCLA - COLLIOURE
* Distance: 145km
* Elevation: 1900m
* Key Climbs: Col d'Aussieres, Col Palomere
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, but this ride is mainly about descending as we wind out way down to the azure Mediterranean on the horizon.
La Fuga says:
“Our final day waves goodbye to the high mountain passes for good. Instead we’re treated to almost traffic-free riding as we cross off the last few cols and then head to the coast to soak our toes in the Med!”
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