The Raid Pyreneen, also known as the Raid Pyrenean or the Raid Pyrenees is one of the greatest French cycle routes - a true coast to coast, from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean across one of Europe's finest mountain ranges. You start in the basque country of the Atlantic seaboard with it's mild climate, soft winds and rolling countryside and climb into the heat and splendid landscape of the central Pyrenees with iconic climbs and descents, deep woodlands, rain, sun and wind, before dropping to the Meditteranean coast where France simmers in the heat. The ride is monitored by the Cyclo Club Bearnais and if you complete the route in under 100 hours a medal is yours. You may cycle this route in 5 days but you will probably remember it for a lot longer.

DISTANCE: 447 miles / 720 kms. AVERAGE DAILY CLIMB: 2,500 metres.

ITINERARY, Raid Pyreneen
Day 0		test ride	Fly out to Biarritz, transfer to hotel at Hendaye, assemble and test bikes
Day 1		175km	HENDAYE to ARUDY. Corniche Basque, Col de Ignace (169m), Col de Pinodieta (176m), Esplette, St Jean de Pied de Port, Col d'Osquich (500m), Col de Marie Blanc (1035m) optional
Day 2		115km	ARUDY to ST MARIE DE CAMPAN. Col d'Aubisque (1709m), Col du Soulor (1474m), Argeles Gazost, Gorge de Luz, Col du Tourmalet (2115m)
Day 3		168km	ST MARIE DE CAMPAN to MASSAT. Col de Aspin (1489m), Arreau, Col de Peyresourde (1569m), Bagnere de Luchon, Col des Ares (797m), Col de Buret (602m), Col de Portet d'Aspet (1069m), St Girons
Day 4		166km	MASSAT to PRADES. Col de Port (1250m), Tarascon, Ax Les Thermes, Col de Puymorens (1920m), Bourg Madame, Col de Llous (1345m), Col de la Perche (1579m), Fort Louis (1613m), Villefranche de Conflent
Day 5		91km	PRADES to CERBERE. Thuir, St Cyprien, Collioure, Port Vendres, Banyuls sur Mare