Girona tourmalet ‘24 tour wrap
It’s been a few weeks now since we conquered the Col du Tourmalet - an epic climb in perfect conditions to finish our Tour from Girona and the Costa Brava. A beautiful journey taking us through Catalunya and the Spanish and French Pyrenees.
Our group of 21 met for welcome drinks on our hotel rooftop in Girona, overlooking the old town - a perfect setting for our Tour Welcome Briefing. The following morning we set off, the local’s favourite climb to Els Angels our first of the Tour. Surprisingly cool conditions ideal for climbing - most took it easy and enjoyed the beautiful climb and views - but there was no stopping Richard (who attacked!) … something we’d get used to for the rest of the Tour!
Tamariu hotel - perfect
During the afternoon the group got a good sense of how a WOR tour works - coffee in a medieval village followed by an incredible lunch in Pals (famous for rice) and a spot of shoe shopping (how many pairs of shoes did you buy on Tour, Leanne..? ;-) . Rolling coastal riding to our first hotel -one of the best - afternoon tea and drinks overlooking the Med - the gorgeous white washed fishing village of Tamariu on the Costa Brava. Afternoon swims, seafood on the promenade just perfect (the “steep pinch” all but forgotten) - and a bit of banter about a 1km early morning swim…. did it happen or not? Well, what happens on Tour….
Torroella de Montgri cafe stop
We made it - Day 2 arrival
Leanne, John, Chris (and Stanley!!) in Figures
Roofi’s new bike and Stanley (and his backpack)
The coastal and rural cycling continued through the Alt Emporda - medieval villages, l’Escala anchovies, the historical site of Empuries, the beachside resort of Roses and up and over to Cadaques, located on the Cap de Creus Peninsula. A picturesque village set on the water - history, art and architecture - so beautiful it is easy to understand why Salvador Dali and his wife Gala spent their summers there. We enjoyed a group meal of Paella at an enchanted restaurant in the old town, a loop ride to Cap de Creus, more swimming, shopping and delicious meals. A perfect place for a 2 night stop.
Cadaques - ready to roll out to the Cap de Creus
We conquered the climb to Monestir de Saint Pere de Rodes - our first sustained, steep, climb, worth it for the absolutely spectacular views of the Med. The crew were busy - a pickup near the French border and a trip to Figures hospital kept them busy - but all ended well with a complete health tick for one and a few lessons in GPS navigation for another couple of riders… The afternoon was another climb part way or all the way to another Girona region favourite - Mare del Deu del Mont - congrats to the riders who ticked off the full climb - including Stanley (unbeknown to Lisa) and so began the catchphrase - Where’s Stanley? Dinner sublime under the Pont Fortificat in medieval Besalu.
Looking back at Port de la Selva
Hola Peter S
Besalu and Jane
Rocacorba - tick!
Jane, Paul and Peter V overlooking Roses on the Costa Brava
A day of choices - the famous climb to Rocacorba or a ride to the perched village of Castelfollit de la Rocca and picnic (thanks Mal and Alfie!) on the Col de Santigosa? Both options a huge success and our beautiful Casa Rural restored farmhouse and pool a welcome relief after a warm day.
G&Ts - honestly Spain do them best!
Dodging animals on the descent to Besalu
Poppy fields as we descended towards Seu
L’Escala anchovies and cava - yum!
The climbing became more mountainous - the Spanish Pyrenees - personally I loved the ride to Col de la Creueta and La Molina ski resort - wild mountain roads opening up with views over the mountains. Paul and I found a steady pace and found our ‘climbing’ speed very similar.
Kath and Jane in Besalu
Relaxing in Luchon
Lisa showing us how to climb
Richard - attacking again!
John and Leanne - the dream team!
The elegant La Seu d’Urgell, just south of Andorra our overnight stop for 2 nights. A wine degustation dinner superb - matched wines, local ingredients showcasing local food. G&Ts all around to celebrate with rest day tomorrow - time for a Disco? Only Lola knows …
Well and truly in the Pyrenees - the subsequent days took us over beautiful climbs of the Port del Canto to the River Noguera Pallaresa and the mighty Port de la Bonaigua - another favourite surrounded by Pyrenean giants with a sweeping descent through the ski resorts of Baqueira. Time to farewell Spain and bonjour France as we crossed the Col du Portillon to the resort town of Bagneres de Luchon.
Alison on the Bonaigua
Paul on the Port del Canto - superb lookout
WOR rest stop - 10km too early but… perfect!
Peter S, I believe he dropped Richard on this final pinch to the hotel in Valencia d’A.
Peter V Descending the Bonaigua in style
Bagneres de Luchon - with the gorgeous Allees de Etigny with the challenging climb to Superbagneres a highlight. A meandering road through forest opening up above the tree line - unfortunately shrouded in mist for us but glimpses through clouds to surrounding mountains. Many spent the late morning and afternoon enjoying the market, doing washing (bien sur!) and taking a siesta. A non-group meal where we mostly all ended up together at a Luchon favourite for pasta and pizza to fuel us for the climbs ahead…
Francois - back on the bike! Chapeau
Col d’Apsin
The next day proved a real test - rain, clouds, mist and 2 epic climbs of the Tour de France - the Col du Peyresourde and Col d’Aspin. The Peyresourde eerie as we cycled in to the clouds - the crêpes at the top - are they the best in France?! Quite a few took a lift down to Arreau to avoid descending in the cold and wet before tackling the Aspin. More heavy rain as we reached the Col and the support Crew of Mal and Russel proved their skills at getting the riders warm and off the mountain quickly. Who cycled down? Well amongst others it was the QLDers of course!!! Grit and determination. Although I was a bit worried for Paul when he turned up in “The Refuge” pale and blue - warmed up with chocalat-chaud, a fire and someones leftover omelette jambon fromage et frites.
Superbagneres shrouded in cloud
Roofi - crossing the border to France!
Andrew, Michelle and Roofi enjoying Peyresourde Crepes!
The final day - the final climb - 16.9km at 7.5%, taking us to 2115m altitude. Incredible cycling, perfect conditions and amazing views of snow-capped peaks. Dodging cows and horses as we ascended to the Col. An incredible end to an incredible 13 day journey. A final speech night filled with lots of stories, laughs and passion.
Mal on the final km of the Tourmalet
Lisa making the Tourmalet look easy!
Peter S - Col du Tourmalet!!
Andrew
Thanks to all those who joined us - many new friends made, laughs, camaraderie and support amongst the group and the crew. We cycled 800km and 15,000m of elevation across 2 countries - a trip we will never forget! Well done in particular to riders new to touring like this (Michelle - best on debut!) and the elder riders of the group - I hope to be doing this when I’m in my 70s - chapeau to you both.
Thanks to the Crew - Alfie, Liz, Mal, Russel and Roofi - we couldn’t have done it without you. Big thanks to Russel for the last minute call-up, Alfie for getting through it with a fractured shoulder and keeping our bikes rolling, Roofi for that van baggage trick (phew!!!) and jump starting the car, Liz for her sports-science an nutrition tips (eat, eat, eat - or are you just trying to fatten us up?!) and Mal for a perfect debut as WOR Crew. Thanks also to Pepe for looking after my boys Max and Leo and flying across the world with them to meet me at the end.
Check out more photos and stories about this Tour on our Facebook page, Instagram Page and Girona-Tourmalet Instagram story.
Keen to join Girona to the Tourmalet in 2025? We are firming up dates for a mid-June start - send us an email if you are keen to join as those on our EOI list will have booking priority when we open registrations in a month or so.
