Haute Ariège Pyrenees Training Weekend

Fully supported performance training; Discover the rugged beauty of the Haute Ariège Pyrenees with GPM10.

The carefully selected routes follow in the tracks of many Tour de France yellow jerseys, whilst taking in some of the most challenging cols and breath-taking scenery in the area. While the main goal is to enjoy the fine cycling Ariège has to offer, the rich history of the area, from the prehistoric cave paintings of Niaux to the cliff-top castle strongholds of the Cathars, should not be overlooked. And of course each day finishes with a well-earned dinner giving you the opportunity to sample the fine local produce. Tarascon sur Ariège, 16km to the south of Foix, the capital city of the Ariège Department, provides the perfect base from which to explore.

Friday - Arrive into Toulouse

Arrive into Toulouse airport in the afternoon where you will be met and driven  to Tarascon: transfer time approx. 90 minutes. Unpack bikes and gather for dinner and a relaxed briefing on the weeeknd ahead.

Saturday - 120km with 2500m of climbing

The first day’s route explores some of the many remote valleys to the southwest of Tarascon. Riding through Niaux, the route takes you over several cols made famous by the Tour de France: Port de Lers (1517m); Col d’Agnes (1570m) and the Col de Latrape (1111m). Finally retuning to Tarascon via the pretty village of Massat and the Col de Port (1249m).

Sunday - 128km with 1900m of climbing

The second day’s route provides a change of scenery by heading along the “Route des Corniches” and eventually emerging at the Col de Marmare (1361m). A left-turn continues an anti-clockwise loop to the northeast of Tarascon, taking in the Col des Sept Frères (1253m) and the Col de la Croix des Morts (898m) before passing under the shadow of the imposing Cathar castle of Montsegur and eventually returning to Tarascon along the banks of the Ariège river. There will be time to shower and pack bikes before transfering back to Tolouse for your return flight home.

Note: Recommended flights are with BA arriving Friday into Toulouse at 17.15 and departing Sunday at 18.05.