Maps and Profiles

The sportive is situated in the south of the Pyrénées, close to the famous town 'Lourdes'. It starts in Argelès Gazost and finishes in Luz Ardiden.

One of the toughest Cycle-Sportives in Europe

Marmotte Granfondo Pyrénées is a one day sportive, which has already established a reputation as one of the  toughest in France and in Europe. If you know his big sister, the Look Marmotte Granfondo Alps (174 km, 5000 altimetres), you could have a surprise as the smaller one is certainly not easier; actually, it could well be the opposite, although the altitudes are lower in the Pyrénées. 

You will cover 165 km & 5500+ metres climbing over 5 major passes; Col du Tourmalet from both sides, Hourquette d'Ancizan, Col d'Aspin, Luz Ardiden. This is going to be a hard day and you need to be well prepared for it. But it's worthwhile. The scenery over these mountains and through the valleys is enchanting and will sometimes allow you to forget the effort; just one look around and you realise you are not alone as you see your thousands of fellow cyclists.

 Profile

The Climbs

• Col du Tourmalet from Luz St Sauveur : 2115 metres, 18km, 7.4% average, 12% max
• La Hourquette d'Ancizan : 1564 metres 22km, 4% average, 12% max
• Col d'Aspin: 1489 metres, 12km, 6.5% average, 9.5% max
• Col du Tourmalet from Ste Marie de Campan : 2115 metres, 17km, 7.4% average, 10% max
• Luz Ardiden: 1720 metres, 13km, 7% average, 12% max

Col du Tourmalet : 2115 metres, 18km, 7.4% average, 10.2% max

La Hourquette d'Ancizan : 1564 metres 22km, 4% average, 12% max

Col d'Aspin: 1489 metres, 12km, 6.5% average, 9.5% max

Col du Tourmalet : 2115 metres, 17km, 7.4% average, 10% max

Luz Ardiden: 1720 metres, 14.7 km, 6.9% average, 10% max

Itinerary

Friday Arrival in Tarbes Lourdes Airport

Flight to Tarbes Lourdes Airport and transfer with private coach to our Hotel in Luz St Sauveur.  The bus will leave Lourdes at the arrival of the Dublin flight at 13:25.  Should you arrive from a different airport please try to arrive in a time bracket of 1 h after the Dublin flight. There will be time to build the bikes in the afternoon and, may be, do a little exploration ride.

Saturday

Time to explore the area and get ready for the big day.

Sunday: the BIG DAY

The start at 7:30 is in Argelès Gazost, 19 km from our hotel, mainly downhill. During the Sportive, you can manage your own ride (feeding stations available ; details will be provided) or you can stay with the SportActive coach pacing the group up the first climb. The first back-up car for support will be on top of Tourmalet. You can have a small bag with private items in each car.  The second back up car will be at the top of Aspin and then at the arrival in Luz Ardiden.
At arrival, a warm meal is served to the riders: featuring a starter, pasta, cheese, dessert, drink.

Two options to get back to our hotel in Luz St Sauveur: you ride down the mountain (19 km);  SportActive vehicles will take riders back to the hotel.

Monday: Flight home

Transfer to Tarbes Lourdes Airport with private bus.  Travel safe, see you next year!

Finish times for medals

MEN
     Age       Gold      Silver
C (18-29):   07:55      09:25
D (30-39):   08:15      09:50
E (40-49):   08:40      10:20
F (50-59):   09:05      10:45
G1(60-66): 09:30     11:20

WOMAN 
Age               Gold      Silver
A (18-34)      09:30     11:20
AB (35-49)    09:45    11:35
B (50&+)       09:55    11:55

Check out your time & Look Granfondo Marmotte Pyrénées Website

Official site for La Marmotte
To find your results 

 Click the link to go into the Marmotte Granfondo Pyrénées photogallery and see the pictures we took on the 26th Aug. 2018, during the third edition of the sportive,  and a few more pictures showing you the Pyrénées.