Our rider’s safety and experience are at the core of the Haute Route philosophy, and this comes down to the details of every course we create. That is why the descent and particularly dangerous sections of our courses are not timed. Take the time to regroup with friends, team members or simply enjoy your surroundings during non-timed sections of the race.

THE BIG THREE

88km / 2900m+

In an Haute Route first, the 2023 edition of the Haute Route Pyrenees will begin in the famous ski resort, Andorra. Situated between France and Spain in the beautiful Pyrenees, this unique town is a rider’s paradise and one of Europe’s hidden gems for cycling. The race will begin at the Parc Central in the heart of Andorra la Vella. When it comes to this stage there are no shortages of climbs and descent, with 3 mythical ports where some of the worlds most important stage tests have passed. To begin, riders will enter the Envalira tunnel leading them to the historic town of Pas de la Casa, the highest city in Europe at 2080m. The first Port and the highest in the Pyrenees is the Port d’Envalira. Located close to the center of the capital and covering almost the entire Orient Valley, the Port d’Envalira featured in Stage 8 of the Tour of Spain 2012. Followed by the Coll d’Ordino – connecting the Eastern and Northern valleys. As you make the ascent from Canillo, enjoy the spectacular views of the valleys ahead. Finally, riders will take on the second highest port in the country, the Port de Cabús. At 2302m, this will be the most challenging ascent for many, but we assure you the views are worth the climb. Listed as one of the most beautiful Ports in Andorra, it´s no wonder we chose this majestic location as the finish line for the first stage of the Haute Route Pyrenees 2023.

AIMING HIGH

167km / 3300m+

On day two, get set for the longest stage of the race heading out from Spain all the way into France covering 167km in total. The start line will be located at Andorra La Vella and riders will head into Spain where the first climb of the day awaits – the Port del Cantó – a long, but steady port and at an altitude of 1721m located at the border of the municipalities of Soriguera. Next, is the big climb of the day, Port de la Bonaigua, known as the highest road pass in Catalonia, one of the most celebrated cycling climbs in the region and best known as the home to the largest ski resort in Spain. It has been featured in both the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España and is also one of the gateways into the French Pyrenees. Riders will cross over to Vielha to head to the final climb of the day Col Du Portillon. Vielha is especially known for its excellent views and serene, quiet roads, don’t forget to look out for the great views over the Varicauba forest and the Maladeta and El Aneto massif. The second stage will end at the top of the Col du Portillon at 1293m high, located on the border between France and Spain it connects Bagnères-de-Luchon in France with Bossòst in the Val d’Aran, Spain. Riders will finish the day by descending into Luchon, a charming spa town in the Haute-Garonne.

WRITE YOUR OWN HISTORY

100km / 2600m+

The third stage is a loop around Bagnères-de-Luchon where 113 years of Tour de France history has been made. So it is time to write your own history! The first pass of the day, the Col des Ares, used 42 times by the Grande Boucle, is a gentle start with its low average percentage (3.4%) and constant gradient over 8.4 kilometres. Once the warm-up is over, things get serious on the Col de Menté. Although the first few kilometres of the climb are fairly easy, don´t use up all your energy, the climb is getting tougher. After passing through Ger-de-Boux, 6 kilometres from the summit, the slope steepens considerably and the profile of the climb changes with a lot of charming switchbacks. The final climb of the day is the Col de Peyresourde, the ascent is one of the oldest climbs in the Tour de France, first featured in 1910. Again don´t use up all your energy at the very start, this is one you will want to take your time with, and you will be rewarded at the end where the road opens up to reveal the Pyrenees in all its finest.

THE QUEEN STAGE

108km / 3300m+

The penultimate stage of the Haute Route Pyrenees 2023 is all about the legends. Since it first featured in the Tour de France in 1910, the Col du Tourmalet has earned a sacred status as one of the most important climbs in cycling history. That’s why it had to feature in the 2023 edition of the Haute Route Pyrenees. Setting out from Loudenvielle, the peloton will take on the stunning ascent to Col d’Aspin before heading into the legendary climb to Col du Tourmalet. Reaching the summit at 2115m, riders will have the chance to admire the spectacular view and grab a photo with the iconic statue of Octave Lapize before a long and challenging but equally beautiful climb to Hautacam where the finish line for the day will await.

THE LEGEND

106km / 2500m+

Climbing into the high mountains of the Pyrenees, the 106km ride from Argelès-Gazost to Pau will be one to remember. The first col of the stage will be the wild and iconic Col de Spandelles, which made its Tour de France debut in 2022. Next, is the classic duo - weaving past the famous horses and cattle that call the col home and heading into the breath-taking traverse to Col du Soulor, closely followed by the legendary Col d’Aubisque, this ride is the Pyrenees dream. As you climb through the incredible Cirque du Litor, take a moment to appreciate the stunning vistas ahead. From here, riders will enjoy a plethora of rollercoaster roads crossing into the Jurançon vineyards. Finally, rhis incredible 5-day adventure will come to an end in the stunning city of Pau.