Meet the rest of the team and a Charity Challenge representative at the airport for the long-awaited flight to Bordeaux. On arrival it’s a 30-minute transfer to the city centre where you will have a chance to explore before the first dinner and a a pre-ride briefing. Overnight hotel.
And we’re off! Begin by riding out of the city through its famous vineyards. The scenery soon changes as we head into vast pine forests that cover this area of France. As the route becomes more undulating, ride through farmland to our overnight stop in the village of Roquefort, famed for its delicious cheese. Recharge overnight in a hotel before the push on southwards tomorrow.
Spend the day heading south towards the Pyrenees through undulating farmland and vineyards to the town of Marciac, famous for its jazz and bustling main square. There are plenty of scenic coffee stops along the way as we pass through a host of picture perfect villages. Overnight hotel.
There’s less riding today, in anticipation of the challenging few days in the Pyrenees to come. Tonight’s base is in the town of Argeles at the foot of the Pyrenees, from where we can see the mountainous hurdles that lie ahead. If you’re brave, you may even want to consider the mighty Hautacam climb – a road made famous by many Tour de France hilltop finishes. Overnight hotel.
Today is the highlight of the event, drawing riders east along the spine of the Pyrenees. We take in the Col du Tourmalet and the Col D’Aspin before dropping in to Bagneres-de-Luchon for a rest. At 2,115m, Col du Tourmalet is the highest point of the ride, offering incredible vistas. Bagneres-de-Luchon is a spa town and the perfect place to recover for more mountains tomorrow. Overnight hotel.
Venture out of France into Spain via the Col de Portillon. Once over the borderm the scenery changes and after scaling the mighty Port de la Bonaigua we descend towards Sort through the Spanish countryside. Sort is famous for outdoor sports and when you get there you will see why. A fantastic location for our first evening in Spain. Overnight hotel.
Head off on the final big climb of the trip and then – give or take a few shorter rises – it’s flat or downhill to Barcelona. The rugged Spanish country side provides the perfect backdrop as we head to the castle town of Cardona. Its hilltop fortress can be seen from miles away, as we approach from the west. Overnight hotel.
From Cardona the route is flat and fast, providing plenty of time to celebrate and enjoy the attractions of Barcelona, one of Europe’s most exciting cities. Whether you vist Las Ramblas, hang out in a tapas bar or lounge on the beach, there will be plenty of free time before dinner and our awards ceremony. A brilliant end to a brilliant ride. Overnight hotel.
Before heading home, there’s some free time to explore the city and partake in some last minute souvenir shopping. Eventually, however, it’s time to head to the airport for the flight home to London.
BELIEVE >> ACHIEVE >> INSPIRE
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