The Tour de France is on the move. Following on from the incredible stages in the Alps, we’re even more excited to see how the Tour continues to unfold in the Pyrenees and what will come of the captivating contest between Geraint Thomas and Chris Froome. We didn’t see any major surprises in the first Pyrenees stage with the leading pair still neck and neck in the GC, sitting just in front of Dumoulin. However, with 4 more days of riding to go before heading into Paris, there’s plenty of potential for more drama and upsets in the 2018 Tour de France.
Last weeks Alpe d’Huez stage will take some beating in the final week. If you missed it, we recommend catching up on how Love Velo reacted to the final moments of Stage 12. As one of our most popular cycling holiday destinations, we were excited to see Alpe d’Huez play host to a spectacular stage finish, further cementing the brilliance of the climb. With this in mind, we’re now even more invested in the Tour as they move onto the Pyrenees, an equally popular cycling holiday destination in France. We’re looking forward to the buzz and excitement that will surround the famous mountain range over the next few days and hope that the iconic region receives as much praise as Alpe d’Huez did previously.
The famous Dutch Corner on Alpe d’Huez last week
The Pyrenees is one of the most notable cycling destinations in the world. Made famous by the Tour, the mountain range presents a number of climbs that all seasoned riders will have listed on their bucket list. The Col du Tourmalet is the most well known of the Pyrenees ascents. Sitting at 2115m and boasting an average gradient of 7.4%, the climb will feature on the Tour for the 86th time during Stage 19. This Stage, from Lourdes to Laruns, has the potential to be one of the most exciting in this years Tour de France as the riders are faced with their last major opportunity to influence the GC standings.
On our Pyrenees Cycling Holiday, you will be provided with the perfect all inclusive package, allowing you to take on these iconic climbs and follow in the path of Thomas, Froome, Sagan and others. Our favourite place to stay in the area is Argeles-Gazost. Here you have great access to the climbs or, if you’d prefer flatter riding, there are stunning routes through Lac d’Estaing and the surrounding area. Where you ride is completely up to you. Just let us know what kind of holiday you’re looking for in France and we’ll provide you with the best routes and bespoke recommendations of the area. What makes us so unique is our ability to completely tailor make your cycling holiday. Whether you’re a group of eight, a mix of seasoned and new riders or you’re travelling on your own we can organise the best Pyrenees cycling holiday for you.
Switchbacks and incredible views as far as the eye can see. The Pyrenees is a cyclists paradise.
When is the best time to travel to the Pyrenees?
If you’ve been inspired by the Tour and want to spend a few nights in the beautiful Pyrenees then we can help make your holiday as easy and hassle free as possible. Due to the constantly changing weather on the mountains, it is tough to predict how the climate will change throughout the year. However, here’s a rough guide as to what you can expect:
Spring – Late Spring, in April and May, is an increasingly popular time to cycle in the Pyrenees. As the brisk winter eases off, the warmer months enter, providing perfect conditions for cyclists. The roads are still relatively quiet before the summer crowds arrive, making it ideal for all types of riders.
Summer – Summers in the Pyrenees (June to August) can be very warm with 29 degrees expected to be the average temperature for the final week of the Tour. With the correct safety precautions, riding here can be very enjoyable in the summer. We recommend heading out early to beat the harsh mid day sun and, with beautiful accommodation and picturesque towns surrounding the area, you won’t be short of things to do off the bike as well as on it.
Autumn – Likewise to Spring, Autumn (in particular September) is a great time to ride in the Pyrenees. The weather remains warm and the large crowds would have left. If possible, look to travel around this time (or in Spring) as you will find your holiday is likely to be cheaper and you will have more freedom to enjoy the beauty and richness of the area.
Winter – Due to the towering peaks in the Pyrenees, ascending them in the winter is tough. The summit of the Col du Tourmalet, for example, will almost certainly be covered in snow. Riding in this season is not advised as you can experience significantly better conditions throughout the rest of the year.
We’d love to hear from you if you’re looking for a cycling holiday in the Pyrenees! Give us a call on 0207 157 1519 or email [email protected] and enquire about our packages. With airport transfers, bike hire, accommodation, meals, routes and more included, you can be confident that by booking with us you will be heading on the best Pyrenees cycling holiday out there.
