Sportive

Haute Route Pyrenees 2017 route confirmed

Simpler logistics and a mountain time trial included for seven-day event

Haute Route Pyrenees organisers OC Sport have delivered what they believe are the simplest logistics yet after announcing the route for the 2017 event, taking place from August 13 to August 19.

Just four race villages feature over the seven days of fully-timed and ranked racing but the route still packs in iconic climbs such as the Tourmalet, Aubisque, Peyresourde and Port de Bales.

New climbs include the Col du Portillon, while there is also set to be an individual time trial from Bagneres-de-Luchon to the ski station at Superbagneres.

The route for the Haute Route Pyrenees 2017 has been confirmed (pic – OC Sport)

Haute Route Series event director Benjamin Chandelier says simplifying the logistics will not come at a detriment to the racing,

And race director Jean-Francois Alcan believes the event – which will be the fifth running of the Haute Route Pyrenees – will be a big test of riders’ ability.

“Our riders will travel a total of 910 kilometres and climb 19,300 metres during seven days,” he said. “As always the Col du Tourmalet is the centerpiece and, at 2,117 metres above sea level, the highest point, but there are plenty of other big climbs to really showcase the Pyrenees at their best.

“This is the first time on the Haute Route that we have run an Individual Time Trial from Bagnères-de-Luchon to Superbagnères, but it is an established classic and it is sure to ask some tough questions of every rider who takes it on,”

As ever, Haute Route riders will be fully backed by a professional level of rider support on each day, including mechanical and safety support on the road, massages and post-race meals.

The Haute Route Pyrenees is followed by the Haute Route Alps (August 21-27) and Haute Route Dolomites (September 2-8).

A time trial to Superbagneres is among the highlights of the 2017 route (pic – OC Sport)

For more information or to enter, visit http://www.hauteroute.org

Haute Route Pyrenees 2017: stage-by-stage

Sunday August 13 – stage one – Anglet to Oloron Sainte-Marie (174km)
Monday August 14 – stage two – Pau to Pau (157km)
Tuesday August 15 – stage three – Pau to Tarbes (152km)
Wednesday August 16 – stage four – Tarbes to Col du Portillon (123km)
Thursday August 17 – stage five – Bagneres-de-Luchon to Superbagneres (18km, mountain time trial)
Friday August 18 – stage six – Bagneres-de-Luchon to Hospice de France (130km)
Saturday August 19 – stage seven – Bagneres-de-Luchon to Toulouse (156km)