L’Ariegeoise
L’Ariegeoise, a sportive in the French Pyrenees, is one of six events in the UCI Golden Bike series, along with the Tour of Flanders, Wiggle Dragon Ride, Quebrantahuesos, Lapinarello Cycling Marathon and Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge.
The sportive, one of the largest and most established in France, will celebrate its 20th anniversary in June. Three routes are on offer – 165km, 103km and 74km – and the longest packs in more than 3,500m of climbing on some of the best ascents in the heart of the Pyrenees.
The mountainous route finishes with the punishing climb to the ski resort of Plateau de Beille, a 15.8km ascent which rises to 1,790m at an average gradient of 7.9 per cent.
Plateau de Beille has hosted a stage finish of the Tour de France five times and most recently in 2011. Belgian climber Jelle Vanendert won on that day – will it be you taking on the climb on Saturday June 28?
Date: Saturday June 28
Routes: 165km, 103km, 74km
Price: €42
Website: L’Ariegeoise
