GIRONA & ANDORRA
SPANISH TREASURES
Warm up in the cycling Mecca of Girona, ride to the Pyrenees climbs of the Tour de France in Andorra, Simon's new home region.
START/FINISH
GIRONA - ANDORRA
DURATION
8 DAYS - 7 NIGHTS
AVG.DISTANCE
90 KM
AVG.ELEVATION
1'500 MT
DIFFICULTY
HIGHLIGHTS
Girona and Andorra, what a great Combination!
Find out yourself why many Pros spend their time in this beautiful region in Spain:
great roads, bike friendly drivers, mixed terrain,great weather all year long and fabulous food and Wine!
We'll start easy in Girona, with some rolling and hilly rides and finish on the Pyrenees, climbing legendary cols used by pros for their intense training for the grand Tours.
Regions visited: Catalogna and Pyrenees
Famous Locations: Girona, Barcelona, Andorra
YOUR RIDE
WHO WOULD ENJOY THIS EXPERIENCE?
The experience is built for all riders able to ride for 3-5 hours. This is not a race or high intensity riding, but rather a true cycling adventure across one of the most picturesque countries in the world.
​
We will ride as a group on the rolling terrain and as individuals or small groups on the short climbs, so that everyone will enjoy the ride. On top of each major climb we will regroup to celebrate and refill our bottles, and then enjoy the descent together. As a team, we’ll support each other during the ride and make sure everyone finishes safe and happy!
​
All cyclists interested in exploring a new region and learning about local culture while amidst magnificent scenery will enjoy this incredible experience!
THE TOUR INCLUDES
-
A fantastic tour itinerary designed by Andrea
-
All hotel accommodations in beautiful hotels, generally 4-star, in twin-double room
-
All breakfasts, 1 lunch, and all dinners except one
-
2 professional guides on tour (one fully qualified mechanic)
-
Van support throughout the tour
-
All in-tour transfers
-
Snacks and food supplements including electrolytes, gels, and energy bars by OTE Sport
-
Garmin 810-820 loan unit with maps for duration of tour
-
1 top quality cycling kit made by DAMA (jersey, bis, socks)
-
Free use of a POC helmet
-
Detailed printed tour information booklet
-
Extra activities besides cycling: luxury picnic at a farm, BBQ with the pros, family dinner, and more!
-
Small group of max 12 riders.
MORE ABOUT THE TERRAIN
We have selected some of the best routes, offering a mix of all terrains, but the terrain will be mainly Hilly in Girona and mountains in Andorra.
The start from Girona is perfect, as the gradients are friendly. Then route becomes hilly with some big climbing towards the end when approaching Andorra.
The climbs in Andorra can be challenging, as the gradient can reach 10-13% for short distances.
The roads are well-paved and safe, with drivers showing incredible respect for cyclists!
ON REQUEST, NOT INCLUDED
-
Single room
-
High-end rental bike
-
Massage at hotel
-
Personal airport transfer
-
Alcoholic drinks
-
Guide Tips
TOUR ITINERARY
Day One - Girona warm-up ride
Main Route: 40km, 25mi | Total Ascent: 800m, 2625ft
This is a short ride to test the bikes and some elevation gain to test the legs. Then a stroll in historically and significant Girona, which has a well preserved historical city centre.
The cathedral, the old fortifications and the Jewish heritage are the main sights of the city.
Day Two - Girona loop
Main Route: 70km, 43mi | Total Ascent: 1200m, 3900ft
The ride of today will be more intense. After a flat section to Banyoles we’ll have some ups and downs to Olot. After lunch, it’s much easier with only one short climb. If you love outdoor activities Banyoles is your place. With its little lake it attracts numerous race events every year, including triathlons, mtb races, trail-running, etc. Thanks also to the great geography of this area, and the town of Olot which lies inside the volcanic natural park of La Garrotxa.
Day Three - Girona loop
Main Route: 90km, 55mi | Total Ascent: 1000m, 3280ft
Today’s loop is at times rolling and at others flat. It will take us to the Costa Brava, via a climb, we encounter spectacular sceneries, charming villages like Peratallada and Begur which make this stretch of the Mediterranean coast very attractive. Greeks had settled a colony in Empuries twenty-six centuries ago.
Day Four - Girona to Ripoll
Main Route: 90km, 55mi | Total Ascent: 1500m, 4900ft
Finally the first real climbs commence. The first part of the ride is undulating and we’ll cross the lush volcanic natural park of ‘La Garrotxa’, with its more than fifty dormant craters. There’s a mandatory stop in Olot, the main village in the area before we ride towards Ripoll, with a major long climb, but nothing too serious.
Day Five - Ripoll loop to La Garrotza
Main Route: 110km, 68mi | Total Ascent: 1800m, 5900ft
Our first loop on the mountains will take us to the gorgeous Volcanic region of la Garrotza. Several climbs on our way will give us a taste of the Pyrenees..are you ready?
​
Day Six - Ripoll to Andorra
Main Route: 90km, 55mi | Total Ascent: 1900m, 6230ft
Today we ride to Andorra, our final destination and home for the next 4 days. A long valley road will introduce us to the one of the smallest state of Europe. A nice easy ride before the big climbs of the next days!
​
Day Seven - Andorra Rest day
optional short ride of 40km
After 6 big days of cycling, its' time to take some rest and enjoy what Andorra has to offer: Shopping, Spa, Hiking...just do nothing!
​
Day Eight – Andorra loop to Col de la Gallina
Main Route: 90km, 55mi | Total Ascent: 1800m, 5900ft
The Principality of Andorra, a microstate landlocked between France and Spain is visited by many skiers throughout the winter months and is also a major attraction due to its many duty-free shops. After a warm up to Andorra we’ll climb the Coll de la Gallina, a challenging climb with 15-18% stretches and often featured in the Vuelta A Espana and Tour de France.
Day Nine - Andorra loop to Col D'Ordino
Main Route: 90km, 55mi | Total Ascent: 1800m, 5900ft
Another challenging day ahead with the climb up to Col D'Ordino, used as Mountain finish during the Tour de France and La Vuelta Espana. The climb has some 15% sections and it's steep almost all the way up....Good luck!
​
Day Ten - Andorra
Goodbye!
TOUR MAP
