Girona to the Tourmalet – the third time in 3 years – it has firmly cemented itself as a classic on the WOR tour itinerary for good reason – the perfect balance of coastal and mountain cycling, a mix of Catalan and French cultures and cuisine and culminating in the famous and classic Cols of the Pyrenees! It’s no wonder we just can’t stop running this tour…

Our group of 22 met on our gorgeous hotel rooftop on a balmy evening in early June – welcome drinks (what was in that delicious cocktail?) and the Tour Briefing overlooking Girona old town – an incredible destination where many of the group had spent a few days pre-Tour doing warm up rides, eating the incredible local cuisine (and perhaps the best coffee outside of Melbourne) and soaking in the atmosphere of the Bari Gotic.

Day 1 started with the classic locals climb to Els Angels – superb conditions with views to the Med and Pyrenees. We descended to the beautiful medieval villages of the Emporda region, with arroz de Pals a fabulous first lunch – sniffed out by Tour Gourmandes David and Frank. Ian set a cracking pace on Day 1 – and surprised even his friends on his navigational skills with old-school maps and no GPS and would often be tete de la course! With rolling coastal riding along the Costa Brava superb, the first ‘steep pinch’ to Tamariu – our gorgeous hotel awaiting with afternoon tea on the terrace, a few G&Ts, Spritz and swims in the idyllic bay with seafood for dinner.

The second annual WOR Tamariu swim classic took place before breakfast – I don’t like to boast but I took out the win for the second consecutive year – while Matilda took out the points for her spectacular entry dive.

Only way out of Tamariu? The steep pinch…!! Some more ‘pinchy’ coastal riding (I think Brenton may have created a new nick-name for me), coffee by the beach except for Liz and Peter who found a flatter alternative… (they would go on to traverse the Pyrenees self supported later in the month!).

Lunch – the best anchovies in the world? Achois d’Escala! A highlight of the day the descent to Cadaques – a whitewashed fishing village home to artists over the years, in particular Salvador Dali. Dinner Lebanese food and paella in an enchanting setting.

Cadaques a perfect location for rest/loop day - swimming, shopping, meandering the old town, Casa Musee Salvador Dali and a ride to the Cap de Creus – the rocky windswept peninsula an inspiration for many of Dali’s artworks, some of a group adding a beautiful walk to their ride to take in the wild landscape and gain a great appreciation for the indigenous plants and rock forms.

Our first tough climb took us to the Monestir de Sant Pere de Rodes – a trip down memory lane for Geoffrey, re-creating a photo of himself as a young boy. Figueres for lunch and onward to climb Mar del deu del Mont – part way or all the way for some strong climbers of the group (chapeau). Dinner at a beautiful restaurant overlooking Besalú’s Pont Fortificat with some of the best food (a memory for me the Bacalhau à Bràs - eggs and cod – a Catalan specialty) and wine of the Tour.

Short v Long – part of the group conquered the Rocacorba – kudos to Janice, Amy, Mal, Ian, Nick, Leanna and Matilda while the short group enjoy a picnic lunch on the Col de Santigosa with our first views of the snow capped Pyrenees. A restored farm house delightful accommodation – thanks to Cliffo for your help!

A favourite climb of the Tour (and one I know Ed had been looking forward to) is the Col de la Creueta – a lesser known climb of the Spanish Pyrenees but so incredibly beautiful to ride – passing through farmland, villages, pine forest, rock tunnels and opening up above the treeline with expansive views of the mountains – the top somewhat reminiscent of Hotham with the snow poles and mountain scenery. We had a few drops of rain (the only of the Tour) with a long descent to the mountain town of Seu d’Urgell. Frank and Dave somehow managed another feast for lunch – tripe and steak with a bottle of vino tinto.

Seu d’Urgell for 2 nights enabled the group to rest, visit Andorra (by bike or bus) and indulge in a delightful group meal at a family run restaurant that closed just for our group for the night – a degustation of local wines paired to each course. Outstanding and such beautiful hospitality.

Pepe and my two young boys (Max and Leo) took on support duties on the Port del Cantó (1721m), setting up 2 rest stops along the way with snacks, water and dinosaur chocolate biscuits, of course! Big thanks to Alfie for dragging me along the valley that afternoon with a hot headwind. The mountain chalet hotel and pool a welcome relief - I don’t think I was the first cyclist to jump straight in in my lycra!

The Port de la Bonaigua (2072m) is a big, bold and striking climb in the Pyrenees – surrounded by snow capped peaks and waterfalls, cows at the top and a superb hair-pinning descent through the Baqueria ski region. Lots of photos along the way as we enjoyed the majestic scenery.

Adieu Catalunya, Spain and Bonjour France – we crossed the Col du Portillon – with the border at the top and always a buzz to cross countries by cycling a Col in Europe – kudos to Cliffo for this one and thanks for Janice’s support.

Frank - getting better with age like a fine wine!

Bagneres de Luchon – certainly the heart of the Pyrenees for cyclists – surrounded by many famous climbs of the Tour de France and already dressed up ready for the Tour that would pass through a few weeks later. The tree lined Allees d’Etigny iconic, lined with cafes and shops. Janice impressed me with her knowledge of French fromage as we enjoyed a classic WOR afternoon tea (with the old style eski full of beers) at our hotel.

Another 2 night stop welcome – with many of the group riding the spectacular Superbagneres in the morning and Nick continuing his ‘extras’ with the tough climb to the Port de Bales. A surprise birthday in the evening for one of our crew (thanks for the Prosecco, Ged and Ed!).

A classic WOR double – the Peyresourde/Aspin on our penultimate day, always a favourite. We cycled the Col du Peyresourde – always one of my favourite climbs for the stunning hairpins and windy road at the top – with about 1000 cyclists completing a MS Charity Ride – their blaring music and cheer-squad somewhat destroying the peaceful atmosphere of the mountains. Despite that, the queue wasn’t too long for the famous Crêpes at the top – de rigueur for any cyclist. I managed to eat 4 and shared a few more plates with the group (and Max and Leo who I think ate the most!).

Liz on the iconic Col d’Aspin - the road and trees unmistakable

Picturesque Arreau for snacks followed by another beautiful Pyrenean classic – the Col d’Aspin – my legs weary with the climbing I found myself stopping a few times (to admire the view, of course!). I found Ed, Mark, Ged, Geoffrey and Brenton in Payoll at a restaurant/bar in the afternoon sun, unsurprisingly enjoying a few beers after the climb and devoured a few bowls of pommes frites with Amy before we rolled in to Campan for the penultimate night and another selection of Janice’s fromage. I enjoyed a genepi liquor in the evening with Dave, Frank and Ian – surrounded by mountains and the setting sun, thinking of what was to come tomorrow…

Coke, orangina, chips… and beer! Perfect fuel after the Peyresourde-Aspin Double!

The final day, the final ride - the Col du Tourmalet – and what an epic end to our Tour! A highlight stage in the Tour de France since it first appeared in the race in 1910 – stunning scenery and tough – 17km at 7.4% with plenty of sections above 9%. My legs still weary, both myself and John were thankful for each-others and Leanne’s support in the final 6km – stopping to take photos and enjoy the atmosphere of cyclists, cows, snow-capped mountains as we reached the top with high-fives and celebrations and photos with the Col sign. Thanks to Alfie, Janice and Cliffo who were there to cheer us in and take some wonderful photos and videos of the group.

Leanne, myself and John on the Col du Tourmalet - thanks for the support!

After a superb descent and cycle path along the valley with a few well needed ice creams (and big thanks to Mal for rescuing Ged and getting him rolling again) we celebrated together in Lourdes – speech night a perfect way to reminisce and recognize what we’d all achieved over the past 2 weeks. It had been wonderful to share this journey with many past WOR customers, groups of friends, those new to WOR and a few notable mentions – Leanne and Matilda – the first ever mother-daughter duo for WOR (#womenscycling), two riders who made a strong return from recent significant injuries (Roger and Nick), and a number of riders 70yo+ - showing that age is no barrier and fitness at this age is something to strive for in the future.

Thanks to our crew – Alfie for keeping our bikes rolling and adding a few extra gears to mine (I’m not getting any younger or fitter!), Mal for his bonus mechanical support and taking one for the team in Seu (although I think he may have enjoyed a peaceful night to himself), Janice on her debut Crew role for WOR – showing prowess in the cycling and fromage department.

If you’d like to join us on our Girona Tourmalet tour sometime in the future – get in touch and fill out our 2026 Tour EOI Form!!

Girona to the tourmalet 2025 - tour wrap

Tours
About
Shop
News
Contact
TERMS & CONDITIONS
FAQ

Girona to the tourmalet 2025 - tour wrap

Bordeaux to alpe d’huez - a magical journey across france

ToursAboutShopNewsContactTERMS & CONDITIONSFAQ

Tours
About
Shop
News
Contact
TERMS & CONDITIONS
FAQ