Ken Bunker - Pyrenean Traverse Sept '06

James & David Tyrrell - Self Guided Cycling Sept '06

"Many thanks again for a great week in the Pyrenees" - James

We recently had Gordo & Monica Byrn staying with us for their summer training camp for preparation for Ironman Canada - Gordo raced in the Duathlon Val d'Aran which is local to the centre.

"Here in the south of France, we’ve been staying with Pyrenees Multisport and I highly recommend them if you are thinking about a cycling trip to Europe. If you do come here then Ian will be able to chat you through the “house records” for both mountain and flat riding – I took distance and total climbing titles from a group of Kiwi lads (sorry fellas).

Another benchmark that you can take a shot at is the “Pyrenees Triple T” – Tourmalet Time Trial – the current benchmark is held by Ian’s son, Lewis, who dropped my brother-in-law the other day. As I had the “full sit down” half way up, my last time wasn’t eligible. The route starts at the last roundabout leaving Lourdes and finishes at the top of the climb (about 45K total distance and 6,000 feet of vertical). If you are with Ian and Lewis then… be ready to get seriously motorpaced at the start (the I-Train) and save a little bit for the last 3K – that’s where Lewis likes to make his move!" - Gordo July '06

Scott Moilna visited us in June as part of the Epic Camp that he organizes with Gordo and John.

"I’d like to say a few words about Ian Wright and his wife Julie who live here in the Pyrenees. They’ve bought a chalet in Luscan near St. Gaudens with plenty of rooms for guest accommodation and their place is right in the heart of the Pyrenees. Gordo and Monica have stayed with them already just prior to the camp and will be going back there again prior to going over to Penticton in August. Ian’s along as support crew for us and we would be in quite a bit of strife without his help and guidance on this trip. They run a business called Pyrenees Multisport and know the entire area very well having ridden most of it. For example Ian let me know that many of the little scenic roads that I picked out on the map prior to our camp are nothing more than tiny pot-holed jeep tracks! He has a super 10-seater van and has some sweet Look carbon bikes he rents out. In short they have all a person needs to have a brilliant trip based on riding in this area. Traveling with just your bike shoes and clothes is a huge plus these days especially with the rigid weight restrictions on flights. So if you are ever considering coming over here to ride or train then you’ll do well to consider getting in touch with Ian and Julie first at: PyreneesMultisport.com"

Scott, June '06

Jeff Shilt visited us as part of the Epic Camp

"Dinner that evening was an incredible treat. Ian, Julie and Lewis from Pyrenees Multisport treated us to a BBQ that night at their chateau. Incredible people and place. If anyone is ever looking for a place to ride from in France, they have it all. We are very fortunate to have them on board for this trip.  Thanks a ton for all of your help at Epic Camp. You were tremendous and I couldn't have made it without your help to Font Romeu...completing that ride meant a lot."  Jeff Shilt - June '06

Matt & Damion run the only Triathlon specific shop in Birmingham.

Carey came to train for the Etape du Tour '06.  He came back again for a second weekend and completed the challenge a very happy chap.

Damion, Matt and Carey came for a self self guided weekend and they packed in quite allot

"Mini Epic Weekend Pyrenees Greeting’s all, thought I might share our weekend with anyone who is interested. Matt and I are both 10 hr IM’s, Carey is a city slicker who has a slot in the etap. With only 6 months cycling in his legs and carrying an extra unwanted 20 kg’s is in for a whole lot of pain!! Matt, Carey and I flew out of London Thursday arvo arriving in Pau with enough time for a quick spin. (I managed to get lost in a small village of 70 people, the locals put me back on track with a bit of sign language and amusement) Breakfast was called at 8am by our hosts Ian and Julie from Pyrenees multisports, both ironman athletes and excellent hosts. (recommended). Matt and I were up at 7 am for a play in the endless pool. Ian took us on a 5 hr ride to include a trip over a col into Spain, followed buy a quick coffee break, then back into France and over the col de mente, tough climb, even tougher for Carey, respect for the big fella!!! Then we rolled back to our base for a total of 130 km’s, and 2500 vertical. Nice day out. Sunday we flagged the swim as we new we were in for a long one, day 5 of this year’s epic in reverse. Pyrenees multisport is located 30 km’s down the valley from Luchon. We rolled out the door at 9am, cruised up to Luchon, then it was the start of col de Peyresourde (1569m) nice climb with good views of the climb to come. Good if you’re on your game, not so good if you are having a bad day! Speaking of, Carey was cooked by the top and headed home with a good idea what’s in store on the etap. Matt and I rolled on to col de Aspin, a bit shorter than the Peyresorde but about the same gradient, at the bottom of Aspin we stopped for supplies (chocolate & coke). Then we rolled down the valley to the big daddy the Tourmalet. With 4 hours in our legs this was going to hurt, thank god we were running a 27 rear cassette. If you like climbing you will love this with fantastic views from the top. From the top we had a long ride back to our base, which we hammered out in 2.5 hrs. Stats: Ride time 8 hrs, Distance 190 km’s, vertical 3.800m. Peyresorde 880m ascent 58 mins, Aspin 739m ascent 50 mins, Tourmalet 1211m ascent 1hr 15. Sunday was a easy ride up to Luchon for a quick coffee and back, before we had to catch our flight back to the Uk."

WZK Tri Team from the Netherlands came down for a fun training weekend in April '06