Pyrenees Pursuit w Cadel Evans

This morning, the Mummu team will meet you at Toulouse airport before transferring 1.5 hours to our accommodation at  Hotel Luchon Spa Gasquet in Bagnèeres-de-Luchon, perfectly located right in the heart of the highest peaks of the Pyrenees.

On arrival, take some time to check-in and settle before meeting the Mummu staff in our allocated bike room who will give a welcome brief before assisting with assembling and setting up bikes ahead of our first big effort this afternoon!

Once dialled and ready to rock, grab a spot of lunch downtown before kitting up for roll-out.

To really set the scene for this trip, we’re diving straight into some vertical metres, climbing almost direct from the hotel up to Superbagnères, the ski resort that sits above Bagnères-de-Luchon, offering stunning panoramic views of the valley of Luchon. The Mummu ride guides will lead the way out to the base of the climb and from there you will be free to push your legs as hard as you so desire! Or perhaps ease into a big few days in the mountains by taking it steady. Your call!

The total distance to the summit is 18.5km with a 6.3% average gradient and climbing 1,170m in elevation. Nothing like getting straight into the swing of things and the perfect opportunity to wake the legs up to get a taste of what’s to come…

Enjoy a cold drink and a snack at the summit while admiring the view, then settle in for the rewarding descent back down the mountain to the hotel. *Keep in mind that the Mummu support vehicle will be on the road with you at all times, on all rides offering mechanical assistance, ride nutrition, water and electrolytes where needed.

This evening there will be a group welcome dinner to get to know the crew, carb up and raise our glasses to the epic adventures ahead.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast this morning as today will be a big day in the saddle!

Once kitted up and ready to hit the road, the Mummu guides will lead the way out to your first test of the day up the iconic Pyrenees climb, the Col de Peyresourde. A frequent feature in the Tour de France since 1910 and one that the pros will be dancing up in just a few days time. At 13.8km in distance with an average gradient of 6.9%, we hope your legs are warmed up and raring to go come the base. You will climb 949m up to the summit and will once again have the freedom to let rip, chase Strava records and be challenged by our fit team of ride guides. Or – take it nice and steady to save some gas for another solid climb to come.

At the summit we will reenergise and regroup while taking in some fuel before enjoying the beautiful flowy descent down the other side of the mountain.

Your next hurdle will come soon enough as we fly into the base of the Col de Val Louron-Azet. Another challenging Pyrenees climb that climbs 1,580m over 7.4km and 8.3%. If your weren’t in the hurt box on the Peyresourde, by now you’ll surely be feeling the burn. Stay focused and try to distract yourself by taking in the surreal scenery as you push the pedals up to the summit, completing the last big challenge of today’s ride. Enjoy the elation atop as you tick off yet another big Pyrenees col!

En route back, we will make a stop off for a casual lunch at leisure and some time to kick back and enjoy the mesmerising waters of Lake Loudenvielle before making our way back to the hotel.

On arrival back to Bagnères-de-Luchon, the evening will be yours free to enjoy dinner in your own time and take your pick from its fantastic selection of local bars and restaurants. If you need help with recommendations, be sure to quiz our team of local experts!

After a big breakie this morning and a coffee or two, it will be time to kit up again for another day of conquering cols!

Today you will be riding over an incredibly scenic route with the target of the day being the lakes of ‘Lac d’Orédon’ and ‘Lac de Cap-de-Long’. After 45km, the Mummu guides will lead the way to the base of the ascent that goes on to travel 22km, climbing 1,339m up to a sky-high 2,174m! The climb starts out through a gorge offering stunning views and scenery and a gentle gradient. After 19km of hopefully floating your way up its picturesque slopes, you will arrive at the first of the lakes, Lac d’Orédon. Take in the surreal surrounds and perhaps a necessary breather as from there the road will really kick up for the final 3km over switchback roads up to Lac de Cap-de-Long, averaging between 10-12%. Typical of the Pyrenees to throw some steep ramps in just when you think the hard work is nearly over! Grind it out as the magical scenery of the Néouvielle nature reserve that surrounds Lac de Cap-de-Long will make up for any suffering endured. The option will then be there to continue pushing the pedals up to the final lake – Lac d’Aumar…if have anything left in the tank, that is!

Following a much deserved break and recoup at the lake, we will make our way back to the hotel, making a pitstop en route to grab a spot of lunch at leisure.

This evening will be yours free to relax and unwind after another solid day on the bike, or get out and about exploring down town.

Excitement levels should be at an all-time high this morning as today we’re joining the circus that is, the Tour de France!

What better way to join in on the fun than for an epic Pyrenees mountain stage that includes 3 tough HC climbs, concluding up the Pla d’Adet at the Saint Lary Soulan ski resort.

After a solid breakfast we will begin the day’s ride adventure en route to the Stage 14 course and our first hurdle of the day – the second for the pros, the Hourquette d’Ancizan, an 8.2km climb that averages 5%. Lengthy, however nice and steady and a breeze compared to what you’ve already conquered! Enjoy the ‘warm-up’ and the swift descent to follow. There’ll be no rest for the wicked as you roll right onto the base of the Pla d’Adet that drags up for 10.6km with an unforgiving average gradient of 7.9%. A little tougher on the pins, however we have a feeling you won’t be minding the pain today as you’re spurred on from base to summit by passionate Le Tour fans. Embrace the atmosphere and channel your inner pro as you dance your way up like they will in just a few hours time!

On arrival to the top there will be opportunity to change before settling in for an afternoon well spent at VIP Izoard finish line hospitality where you will be treated to unlimited beverages and delicious French canapés while watching the action unfold over big screen entertainment. Soon enough, the crowds will start to really leer up as the leaders approach the summit, giving their absolute all to take the win. Prepare to be wowed as you see the best on the day make his winning move, arms shooting into the air!

After the stage, we will transfer back to the Bagnères-de-Luchon. To round out a truly epic 4 days on the pedals, there will be a group farewell dinner. Time to enjoy some great food and French vino + cheers to some big hours on the bike and bucket list cols ticked.

Following breakfast and checkout this morning we will transfer to the Stage 15 start in Loudenvielle.

Here, you will be spending the morning at the Official Tour de France Departure Village – a unique experience we have the honour of delivering as a TDF Tour Operator. The Departure Village is a buzzing hospitality zone that surrounds the official podium where the riders sign on for the stage, packed with atmosphere, entertainment and an array of local treats and beverages to choose from while soaking it all up. Neighbouring the village is the team paddock where the pros busily prepare at their team buses ahead of sign on.

We will have you right there in the thick of it to lap up the Departure Village festivities, and if we’re lucky – catch the stars in action as they prepare.

After watching the excitement of a Tour de France stage start, we will transfer you to Toulouse airport before saying our goodbyes. We trust that you’ve had a fantastic week and hope you’ll be back for more climbing soon!

*Lunch packs will be provided today.