Day 1 - Cerbere to Ax-les-Thermes - 208 km; climbing 3,045 metres

The Raid Pyrenean has begun and you have 100 hours to reach the Atlantic coast at Hendaye. We head along the Mediterranean coast to St. Cyprien, then turn inland to the Medieval town of Villefranche, taking in the Col Ternere and the Col St Pierre (really only a couple of bumps in the road), before we start the 30km climb up Mont Louis to the Col de la Perche. There's a long descent to Bourg Madame, next to the Spanish border, before we start the long climb to the Puymorens. Once you finally reach the top, you know it's downhill all the way to the bustling ski-town of Ax-les-Thermes, where a good dinner and a hot shower will be waiting for you at the Terminus. 

Out of Ax-les-Thermes and along the main road to Tarascon, where we turn West and go over the Col de Port and the Col de Caougnous. We continue down into Massat, along the valley to St. Girons and on up the Col de Portet d'Aspet. Then down past the monument to Fabio Casartelli. Three more modest cols (Col de Buret, Col de Bech and Col des Ares), and then it's downhill all the way into the pretty spa town of Bagneres-de-Luchon. If you want to go shopping, this is a great place to buy souvenirs and prezzies for the family. We stay at the Bellevue, where Dominique makes us very welcome.

We leave Luchon and head straight up the Peyresourde.  This is a short day in terms of mileage, but you have three hors category climbs. After the Peyresourde we head down the mountain and then straight up the Col d'Aspin - the nicest direction to climb it. Down again to St. Marie le Campan and here's the biggie - the 17 km climb to the top of the Tourmalet, which seems to go on forever. Time to stop at the top for a very welcome coffee, and perhaps some chips and then we have the long descent to Luz St Saveur and on to Argeles-Gazost. Here's the descent on video. We stay at the Au Primerose Hotel, where Philippe and his team have a great deal of experience looking after cyclists.

First stop the Soulor and then on up to the Aubisque. This is a fairly long day. Whatever you do, make sure you get your carnet stamped at the café at the top! We include the optional Marie Blanque, as it's a much nicer route than going through Arudy, and not really much harder. Down the mountain and along the valley, getting your carnet stamped again at Tardetts, and then on to the quaint Basque town of St. Jean Pied de Port.  

We're on the last leg now, 50 miles to go.  A few fairly minor cols (Col d'Osquich, Col Pinodeita and Col St Ignace) and the mountains are behind us. The route is a little confusing, so you need to keep your wits about you, but before long you'll see the sea. What a welcome sight!

Ride along the coast for a few miles and then you're in Hendaye, where we'll be waiting to buy you a beer. Time to chill and relax and then we head into town for a great celebration dinner. You've done it!