Raid Pyrénéen
The Raid Pyrénéen is a timed bicycle challenge over a route that traverses the length of the Pyrenees between Hendaye on the Atlantic coast and Cerbère on the Mediterranean, organised by Cyclo Club Béarnais since 1950.
Format
It can be completed in either direction - West to East, which is the most popular, or East to West. Around 300 people complete this "randonnée" each year, between 1 June and 30 September, either entering the event as an individual and riding independently, taking care of their own arrangements, or joining an organised event run by one of the many tour companies, who look after all the arrangements and support the riders - either staying in hotels, or camping.
There are two official versions: a 720 km route to be completed in under 100 hours for randonneurs or a 790 km route to be completed in under 10 days for cycle-tourists. A medal and certificate are awarded on successful completion. Participants enter the event by contacting the CCB and obtaining an official "carnet", which they get stamped at various control points (usually cafés or shops) along the route. There is a modest entry fee, which covers the carnet, the certificate and the medal.
Route
The 10-day route passes over 28 cols:
| Location | Altitude (m) |
|---|---|
| Hendaye (Control) | 0 |
| Col Saint Ignace | 169 |
| Col Pinodeita | 176 |
| Col Budincurutcheta | 1135 |
| Col Bagargui | 1319 |
| Col de Marie-Blanque | 1035 |
| Col d'Aubisque | 1709 |
| Col du Soulor | 1474 |
| Col des Borderes | 1156 |
| Col du Tourmalet | 2115 |
| Col d'Aspin | 1489 |
| Col de Peyresourde | 1569 |
| Col du Portillon | 1293 |
| Col de Menté | 1349 |
| Col de Portet d'Aspet | 1069 |
| Col de la Core | 1395 |
| Col de la Trappe | 1111 |
| Col d'Agnes | 1570 |
| Port de Lers | 1517 |
| Col de Marmares | 1361 |
| Col de Chioula | 1431 |
| Col de Pailheres | 2001 |
| Col de Moulis | 1099 |
| Col de Garabel | 1267 |
| Col de Jau | 1513 |
| Col de Palomere | 1036 |
| Col Xatard | 752 |
| Col Fourtou | 646 |
| Col Llauro | 380 |
The 100-hour route passes over 18 cols, although riders have the option of adding the Marie Blanque if they wish:
| Sequence | Location | Altitude (m) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hendaye (Control) | 0 |
| 2 | Col Saint Ignace | 169 |
| 3 | Col Pinodeita | 176 |
| 4 | Espelette (Control) | 58 |
| 5 | Col d’ Osquich | 500 |
| 6 | Tardets-Sorholus (Control) | 286 |
| 7 | Col de Marie-Blanque **Optional** | 1035 |
| 8 | Col d'Aubisque (Control) | 1709 |
| 9 | Col du Soulor | 1474 |
| 10 | Col du Tourmalet | 2115 |
| 11 | La Mongie (Control) | 1750 |
| 12 | Col d'Aspin | 1489 |
| 13 | Col de Peyresourde | 1569 |
| 14 | Col des Ares | 797 |
| 15 | Col de Portet d'Aspet | 1069 |
| 16 | St Girons (Control) | 392 |
| 17 | Col de Caougnous | 947 |
| 18 | Col de Port | 1249 |
| 19 | Col de Puymorens | 1920 |
| 20 | Col de Lious | 1345 |
| 21 | Col Rigat | 1488 |
| 22 | Col de la Perche | 1570 |
| 23 | Prades (Control) | 354 |
| 24 | Col Saint Pierre | 185 |
| 25 | Col de Ternére | 200 |
| 26 | Cerbère (Control) | 0 |