CENT COLS PYRENEES – 1st SECTION (54 COLS)
CENT COLS EN PYRENEES Randonnée Permanente
The Cent Cols Club is a very small privileged group of cyclists who have completed the requirements of the “Randonnée Permanente” organised by the Club des Cent Cols. We have put together the ultimate tour that follows the recommended official route taking in all 100 climbs over 10 stages. This is the 1st section of the Cent Cols route taking in the the western loop and under the rules of the Club des Cent Cols you can return to ride the other loop to complete the Randonnée Permanente and achieve membership of the club receiving the official brevet (Medal & Bragging rights).
As well as the major headline climbs of the Puerto de la Bonagaigu (2,072m), Port d’Envilara (2,407m), Port de Paupers (2,001m) there are many other cols that are off the beaten track taking in car free routes both in France, Andorra and Spain. It is basically the Ultimate Cycle Tour of the Pyrenees.
ITINERARY
Arrival – Toulouse
Our airport transfers from Toulouse are included in the package for this tour. We will pick you up on Saturday morning from the airport. It is then a short 1 hour transfer back to our base in Luscan where you can build up your bikes and relax before the welcome meal in the evening.
Stage 1 – Luscan to Seu D’Urgell (Spain)
We start this epic tour with a trip up to Luchon (famous for stage starts and finishes of the Tour de France) before we head over in to Spain via the Col de Portilon. Then it is up and over the first of the 2000m plus climbs, the Puerto de la Bonaigua and on down the valley to the town of Sort. One last major climb on this warm day before our hotel stop in the Spanish town of Seu d’Urgell.
Distance: 185.5 Km Ascent: 3,398m
Stage 2 – Seu D’Urgell to Prades
It is a three country day today, starting with a gentle warm up through Spain and over the border into the Principality of Andorra. This is where we start the climbing to the highest paved pass in the Pyrenees, the Port D’Envalira. We then head down and quickly over the border into France before heading over the Col de Puymorens. We criss cross the valley taking in many smaller climbs always on a downward spiral to our destination for today, the town of Prades.
Distance: 198 Km Ascent: 3,652m
Stage 3 – Prades to Ax-Les-Thermes
This is the longest day of the tour. Plenty of kilometers to get through as well as climbs with 18 cols on the list. The first big climb of the day is straight out of the door and you will have seen it from your pool side room, the Col de Palomere. The descent knocks a bunch of cols out before we head back inland and onto another 2000m plus climb, the Col de Pailheres. This will be the tester for the day but don’t worry, the hotel is at the base of the descent in the thermal town of Ax-Les-Thermes
Distance: 215 Km Ascent: 3,736m
Stage 4 – Ax-Les-Thermes to Seix
Another 100 mile day today with a similar amount of climbing as yesterday. We wind our way around the mountain and up the valley to the capital of this region, Foix. We take on a series of climbs ascending gradually to the Col de Portel and then descend sharply down to Massat before roller coasting straight back up to take on the Col de Latrappe before the tiny village of Seix a welcome site with the hotel perched on the river. Soothing sounds to send you off to sleep.
Distance: 155 Km Ascent: 2,782m
Stage 5 – Seix to Luscan
A shorter day today which will be warmly received, I am sure. There is not warm up before we hit Col de la Core but it winds up through skinny tree covered roads and is very quiet. The Col de Portet D’Aspet is up next and the dangerously steep descent past the memorial to Fabio Casateli (be careful). The Col de Menté is next but the café at the top is well worth a refueling stop. The final climb of the day the Col des Ares which seems to be on the Tour de France every other year but you can stop at the café if you need to. Our centre in Luscan is awaiting you and the finish line of the 1st Section of the Cent Cols. We will head out to a local restaurant to celebrate.
Distance: 126 Km Ascent: 2,013m
Departure
After breakfast we will head back to the airport in Toulouse.
TOUR MAP
TOUR SUMMARY
- Price:
– 1st Section – €1650 per person - Single Supplement
– 1st Section – €385 - Tour Dates
– 1st Section 24th to 30th August 2024 - Start Location – Toulouse Airport – Saturday (see travel details)
- End Location – Toulouse Airport – Friday (see travel details)
- Total Tour Distance:
-1st Section 890 Km (552 Miles) - Total Climbing Distance:
– 1st Section 20,034 m (65,728 ft) - 5 days of riding
- Accommodation – 2** & 3*** hotels
Tour Difficulty – (further details)
– 5 cogs – 1st Section
PACKAGE INCLUDES
- Accommodation 2** & 3** Hotels 4 nights
- 2 nights at our centre in Luscan
- breakfasts for 6 days
- evening meals for 5 days (last night restaurant)
- Picnic sandwich lunch on riding days
- Exclusive Cent Cols Cycling Jersey
- Official Carnet de Route
- Daily route cards & GPS Files
- Vehicle support throughout (Hot & Cold drinks, Snacks)
- Hotel luggage transfers
- Airport Transfers to Toulouse
- Brevet on Completion
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Final meal
- Flights
- Holiday insurance
BIKE RENTAL
- Rose Carbon Team GF4
- Shimano 105 Compact Crankset
BOOK THIS EVENT
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