FULL ITINERARY
DAY ONE SAT 4 AUG | WELCOME AND TRANSFER TO RIBES
Arrive in Barcelona ready to join the group transfer at 11:00am to Ribes de Freser, a two hour drive with lunch en-route. On arrival in Ribes, bike fit for those who have hired bikes and assistance with assembly of bikes for those who have have brought their own, followed by short warm-up ride. Welcome dinner and Tour introduction in the evening.
WARM UP RIDE | 30KM | 19MI
ELEVATION 470M | 1540FT
DAY TWO SUN 5 AUG | RIBES DE FRESER TO LA SEU D'URGELL
A stunning 30km gradual climb to the famous Spanish ski resort, La Molina. This ascent is often used in the Vuelta, and we ride parallel to the Pyrenees in the wild Serra del Cadi. A great ride to get into your rhythm ready for the challenges ahead.
DISTANCE | 85KM | 53MI
ELEVATION | 1200M | 3900FT
DAY THREE MON 6 AUG | LA SEU D'URGELL LOOP TO ANDORRA
One of the more recent inclusions in the Vuelta, we ride the Coll d'Ordino, in the principality of Andorra. For those that would like a little more, we can easily accommodate you. Remember, there is a long day tomorrow.
DISTANCE | 85KM | 53MI
ELEVATION | 1400M | 4600FT | MAX 18%
Optional extras:
Extensions along the way include La Rabassa, included in the 2017 Vuelta, 17km ascent, average 6.3%, max 11% | Collada de la Gallina, a Vuelta Cat 1 climb, 11km ascent, average 8.5% | Loop to Arcavell, 7km ascent, 570m elevation.
DAY FOUR TUE 7 AUG | LA SEU D'URGELL TO VIELHA
Long, challenging ride close to the French border in the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees. The area around Vielha is isolated, beautiful and attracts outdoor, extreme adventurers. That's you! Two long classic Vuelta climbs - the Coll de Canto (26km) and Puerto de la Bonaigua (23km).
DISTANCE | 127KM | 80MI
ELEVATION | 2400M | 7900FT
DAY FIVE WED 8 AUG | VIELHA LOOP TO COL DU PORTILLON
Fantastic loop ride into France for our first ascent of the Col du Portillon, a favourite in the Tour de France line-up.
DISTANCE | 94KM | 58MI
ELEVATION | 1600M | 5200FT
DAY SIX THU 9 AUG | VIELHA TO ARREAU
Possibly one of the most scenic rides of the tour. Today we tackle the Col du Portillon from the other side. The Col du Portillon has featured in the Tour de France some 18 or so times. It's then onto another grand tour icon, the Col de Peyresourde.
DISTANCE | 68KM | 42MI
ELEVATION | 1600M | 5200FT
Optional extras:
Extensions include loop to Col d'Azet, 40km, 1000m elevation | Out and back to Col de Peyresourde climbing the side you descended this morning, 50km, 1400m elevation.
DAY SEVEN FRI 10 AUG | ARREAU LOOP TO COL DU TOURMALET
The final challenge to the mythical Col du Tourmalet, via the Col d'Aspin and back by way of the Hourquette d'Ancizan, a recent additiion to the TDF. Epic day and celebratory dinner to finish the tour.
DISTANCE | 91KM | 57MI
ELEVATION | 2900M | 9500FT
Optional extra:
TDF 2014 addition, La Pla d'Adet, 40km, 1000m elevation.
DAY EIGHT SAT 11 AUG | GOODBYE
Group transfer to Toulouse, a drive of 1.5 hours.
Time to say farewell, until next time!