Organisers of the Haute Route Pyrenees 2015 have unveiled what they believe is the most challenging and prestigious route yet.

Already regarded as one of the world’s highest and toughest sportives, the event – which takes place from Saturday August 15 to Friday August 21 will see 500 amateurs tackle 19,900m over seven stages.

Traversing west to east for the first time in the event’s three-year history, the route covers 812km in total and rolls out of the Anglet Basque Coast before finishing in Toulouse.

Among the climbs tackled during the week will be the Col du Tourmalet, Hautacam, Col de Peyresourde and Pla d’Adet.

The event, which will be followed by the Haute Route Alps and Haute Route Dolomites, boasts pro-level race support.

And for the first time, this year’s three events will feature compact editions too.

And director Jean-Francois Alcan said: “By holding the race on a west-to-east course we’ve been able to include the ascent of climbs steeped in cycling history including the famous cols of Tourmalet, Peyresourde, Aubisque, Aspin, Soulor and Hautacam.

“The peloton will have the opportunity to discover lesser known but equally as challenging cols, including the long and sharp ascent of the Port de Balès.

“With four top-finish arrivals in La Pierre Saint-Martin, Superbagnères, Hautacam and Pla d’Adet, the Haute Route Pyrenees is as demanding as its Alps and Dolomites Swiss Alps counterparts.”

The rote also includes a 12km individual time trial, from Saint-Lary Soulan to the Pla d’Adet.

For more information visit: http://www.hauteroute.org/

Haute Route Pyrenees 2015

Saturday August 15: Anglet to La Pierre Saint-Martin, 137km
Sunday August 16: Pau to Pau, 160km
Monday August 17: Pau to Hautacam, 104km
Tuesday August 18: Vallee de Lavedan to Saint-Lary Soulan, 123km
Wednesday August 19: Saint-Lary Soulan to Pla d’Adet, 12km ITT
Thursday August 20: Saint-Lary Soulan to Superbagneres, 122km
Friday August 21: Bagneres-de-Luchon to Toulouse, 154km