GRANFONDO

The Marmotte Granfondo Pyrénées starts at dawn in the heart of the village of Argelès-Gazost. Once the bell rings, all the tension evaporates with the first pedal strokes to the cheers of the fans. After a short loop of warm-up kilometres, the first difficulty of the day appears, the first ascent of the Col du Tourmalet, a legendary climb and a Mecca of the Tour de France. The first ascent is long and fairly steady.

Once at the summit, you’ll have your first chance to refuel before taking a rest on the long descent.

Once you’ve reached the foot of the pass, the two most ‘affordable’ passes of the day follow: Hourquette d’Ancizan and Col d’Aspin.

The second ascent of the Col du Tourmalet will be your next hurdle (this time on the eastern side), but keep your pedal to the metal as the ascent of Hautacam may well hold a few surprises in store for you on your way to becoming a Finisher of this legendary Marmotte Pyrénées.