Sportives in the Pyrenees

As the 'spiritual home' of the mountain stages of the Tour de France, it's no suprise that some of France's most popular, challenging and well-organised cyclosportives take place in the Pyrenees.

L'Ariegeoise, La Hubert Arbes (based around Lourdes) and La Barousse Bales all draw good entry fields each year as local and international riders pit themselves against some of the most legendary and iconic climbs that cycling has to offer. Achieving your target of a gold, silver or bronze standard over cols like the Aubisque, Peyresourde, Tourmalet or Port de Bales will be something you'll savour for years to come.

As the Pyrenean Cyclosportive dates and logistics for 2010 are announced we'll keep this page regularly updated with details .

Most popular with our visitors in 2008/9 and starting & finishing just 2 miles from us in Bertren, La Barousse Balès Sportive is being held on Sun 8th August, 2010. It offers both 105km and 152km challenges (2100m / 2900m of climbs) with the long course ascending both the Port de Bales and Peyresourde. Entry fee is around 27 euros inclusive of an excellent post-event meal.

La Luchonnaise is, unfortunately, a casualty this year, with the organisers shifting focus to a 'Mountain Time Trial' on the climb to Superbagneres instead. The TT dates aren't confirmed yet, but mid-August is favourite.

Offering three different courses from 96km up to 175km, La Pyrénéenne is a much under-rated sportive. Climbing the Tourmalet (along with the Aspin and Hourquette d'Ancizan on the long course); this one tends to run on the middle weekend in June, so expect a date around the 13th of the month in 2010.

The UCI Golden Bike-accredited L'Ariegeoise is the Pyrenees most heavily subscribed sportive, with 3500 riders in 2009. Expected to be scheduled for June 26th, 2009 this one offered courses of 111km or 144km in 2009 and featured the climbs of Port de Lers and Col d'Agnes amongst several stiff challenges.

Run by ex-Bernard Hinault domestique and Lourdes bike shop owner, Hubert Arbes, La Hubert Arbes sportive is one of the Pyrenees toughest on the calendar, climbing the Tourmalet and the Soulor for a total of nearly 4000m on its longer route of 169km. This year's start date is a little in doubt as Hubert (like the rest of us) resolves some logistics issues, but the 3rd/4th July is probably favourite and entry is priced at around 25 euros.

We'll provide our usual levels of support and hospitality to anyone keen to ride these events.

If you’d like to know more about including a sportive in your trip to the Pyrenees, drop us a line (including a contact phone number) at pyractif@gmail.com