FULL ITINERARY
DAY ONE SAT 22 AUG | WELCOME
Arrive at the start hotel by late morning. Your guides will meet you in the lobby and assist with bike assembly or final hire bike fit. This will be followed by light Welcome Lunch and Tour Briefing, before a leisurely warm-up ride in the afternoon. Perfect to check the bikes on road, stretch the legs after travelling and revel in your new surroundings. Welcome to Spain!
DISTANCE | 30KM | 20MI
ELEVATION | 900M | 2950FT
DAY TWO SUN 23 AUG | HONDARRIBIA TO SAINT-´ETIENNE-DE-BAIGORRY
Today we venture deeper into Basque country over an undulating landscape with 5 different climbs. We actually cross the French | Spanish border three times before arriving in Saint-Étienne-de-Baigorry. This little town forms part of the El Camino de Santiago trail starting in Saint-Jean-pied-de-Port.
DISTANCE | 100KM | 62MI
ELEVATION | 2900M | 9500FT
DAY THREE MON 24 AUG | LOOP TO COL D'OSQUISH
Easier loop ride today through the scenic countryside to Col d'Osquish - what a great name! This climb was first used in the Tour de France in 1910. In line with a 'recovery' day, we'll be treated to a winery tour and cellar wine tastings late afternoon.
DISTANCE | 82KM | 51MI
ELEVATION | 1400M | 4600FT
DAY FOUR TUE 25 AUG | SAINT-ÉTIENNE-DE-BAIGORRY TO CETTE-EYGUN
Biggest day of the tour! We'll head out a bit earlier to avoid the temptation to rush it. Today is all about tempo riding. Our first climb is short and very steep, but the hard work will be over sooner rather than later! The reward is breath-taking views at the summit. The final climb of the day is the Col du Soudet, which leads into the Col Pierre Saint-Martin where Chris Froome took nearly one minute over the main contenders back in the 2015 TDF. The Pierre Saint-Martin isn't included on the route as we figure 3700+M of climbing in one day is enough, but if anyone really feels the need.....
DISTANCE | 120KM | 75MI
ELEVATION | 3700M | 12100FT
DAY FIVE WED 26 AUG | CETTE-EYGUN LOOP
The beautiful Vallee d'Aspe that leads back into Spain is our home for the day. Consider this a rest day as there are still some big cols waiting for you in the days ahead. For those that would like to turn the legs over, we will head out in the afternoon and poke our noses back into Spain for the Col du Somport.
DISTANCE | 40KM | 25MI
ELEVATION | 950M | 3100FT
DAY SIX THU 27 AUG | CETTE-EYGUN TO VISCOS
Today we enter true Tour de France territory with iconic climbs surrounding us on all sides. First up the Col du Marie-Blanque, then onto the mighty Col d'Aubisque and its little brother, the Col du Soulor. Settle in and enjoy the ride. Tomorrow is the highlight climb of the tour!
DISTANCE | 112KM | 69MI
ELEVATION | 3000M | 9850FT
DAY SEVEN FRI 28 AUG | VISCOS TO LA-BARTHE-DE-NESTE
The Col du Tourmalet is without doubt the most mythical climb of the Pryenees, and one of the most famous in cycling. The Tour de France first crossed it in 1910, and since then it has become legendary. But don't let the Tourmalet undermine the significance of the Col d'Aspin which has made its own way into TDF history over the years. The descent into the Aure valley and La Barthe-de-Neste alongside the river is beautiful.
DISTANCE | 85KM | 53MI
ELEVATION | 2000M | 6550FT
DAY EIGHT SAT 29 AUG | LA-BARTHE-DE-NESTE LOOP
Our final day is a feast of Cat 1 TDF classics. After climbing the Col de Peyresourde we about face to descend, and climb the Col de Val-Louron Azet. From there another great downhill into the ski resort town of Saint-Lary Soulan, where we can have a light lunch and consider our options. Return on a slightly downhill 30km route back to our hotel, or tackle the Col du Portet for one last bash before our riding ends. The Col du Portet is a fierce climb and featured for the first time in the TDF in 2018. Finish with a bang? BIG celebrations at dinner tonight!
DISTANCE | 100KM | 62MI
ELEVATION | 2100M | 6900FT
DISTANCE INC PORTET | 135KM | 84MI
ELEVATION INC PORTET | 3350M | 10950FT
DAY NINE SUN 30 AUG | GOODBYE
Group transfer in the morning to Toulouse.
Time to say farewell, until next time!