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    Cycling in the Pyrenees: 13 mountain passes to enjoy the Pyrenees

    Cycling in the Pyrenees / Photo: Nelson Lourenço [CC-Public Domain].
    Cycling in the Pyrenees / Photo: Nelson Lourenço [CC-Public Domain].

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    If you are a lover of cycling and being in contact with nature, cycling is a great way to get in touch with nature. cycling in the Pyrenees is perfect for you. Here you can find several passes that offer different circuits that will suit your tastes and needs as a cyclist.

    For this reason, we would like to provide you with a list of Spanish Pyrenean passes to give you a clearer idea of the options that the Pyrenees offer you in this landscape for mountain biking training.

    Mountain passes for cycling in the Pyrenees

    #1. Bonaigua

    La Bonaigua Pass / Photo: Isol [CC-BY-SA-3.0].
    La Bonaigua Pass / Photo: Isol [CC-BY-SA-3.0].

    This is a mountain pass at an altitude of 2072 metres above sea level and is situated at the foot of the mountain. between Pallars Sobirà and the Aran Valley. The ascent to the highest point of this pass is a bit long and demanding, as it has steep climbs and many bends, so it is advisable to be in good physical condition to do it.

    #2. Puerto del Cantó

    Port del Cantó / Photo: Arnaucc [CC-BY-SA-3.0].
    Port del Cantó / Photo: Arnaucc [CC-BY-SA-3.0].

    This mountain pass is located at km 260 of the N-260 road, between the basins of the Segre and Noguera Pallaresa rivers.

    Normally, in Puerto Cantó we offer 2 cycling routesThe first one goes from Adrall to the top of the pass, 24.8 km long. The second option is a little shorter, going from Sort to the summit and covering only 19.5 km.

    It should also be noted that this pass has been the scene of important stages in the Tour de France and the Tour of Spain. This makes it a must-see for all those who love cycling.

    #3. Coll de Foradada

    Coll de Foradada mountain pass / Photo: Cherubino [CC-BY-SA-3.0].
    Coll de Foradada mountain pass / Photo: Cherubino [CC-BY-SA-3.0].

    This port is located in Aragon, between the regions of Ribagorza and the Sobrarbe. It has an altitude of 1020 metres and the ascent to this pass usually starts from Sobrarbe, going from Samper de Toledo de Lanata and covering 4 km. The descent is on the Ribagorza side at an altitude of only 600 metres and is a little shorter.

    #4. Ibardin

    Col d'Ibardin / Photo: Daniel-VILLAFRUELA [CC-BY-SA-4.0] Wikimedia Commons
    Col d'Ibardin / Photo: Daniel-VILLAFRUELA [CC-BY-SA-4.0] Wikimedia Commons

    It is located on the French-Spanish border in the Pyrenees, between the Nivelle valley and the Bidasoa valley. We will be able to appreciate beautiful peaks, spectacular lakes and large forests.

    #5. Jaizquíbel

    Jaizkibel / Photo: Netraam [CC-BY-SA-4.0] Wikimedia Commons
    Jaizkibel / Photo: Netraam [CC-BY-SA-4.0] Wikimedia Commons

    This mountain pass is located in Gipuzkoa in the Basque Country. It is surrounded on one side by the Cantabrian Sea and on the other by large mountains. The highest point of this mountain pass is the Allerru or S. Enrique which is 543 metres above sea level. The Jaizquíbel mountain rises from the sea itself. 

    #6. Collado Lepoeder

    Collado de Lepoeder / Photo: Vicente Maza Gómez-[CC-BY-SA-3.0] Wikimedia Commons
    Collado de Lepoeder / Photo: Vicente Maza Gómez-[CC-BY-SA-3.0] Wikimedia Commons

    This col is located between Valcarlos and Orbaitzeta, is a historic pass in the Pyrenees. Access to the pass is via a track from the RD 428 road to the Roncesvalles Pass. To do this route it is necessary to bear in mind that in the winter season it is not advisable to cycle here.

    #7. Monrepós Pass

    Monrepos Tunnel / Photo: FDV (Wikimedia Commons)
    Monrepos Tunnel / Photo: FDV (Wikimedia Commons)

    This is a mountain pass located in the province of Huesca, between the localities Arguís and Jabarrella. In most cases, the ascent to this pass starts in Nueno, passing through the Isuela river and several tunnels that lead to the Congosto del Isuela. From there we reach the Arguís reservoir and cross the Rasal road, then border the mountain heading towards Mesón Nuevo and the Manzanera tunnel. After crossing the tunnel, the descent begins on the northern slope.

    #8. Port of Montsor

    Poble de Montsor / Photo: Eddpayne (Wikimedia Commons)
    Poble de Montsor / Photo: Eddpayne (Wikimedia Commons)

    This is a mountain pass located in the municipality of Puebla de Segur, Lleida. This is a great place to practice cycling in the PyreneesThere are several circuits, each one has a different difficulty, so it is recommended to get good advice before doing any of these circuits.

    #9. Otxondo Pass

    Coll d'Otxondo / Photo: Jean Michel Etchecolonea
    Coll d'Otxondo / Photo: Jean Michel Etchecolonea

    This is a small pass at an altitude of only 602 metres, which is situated on the north of Navarre, between Dantxaria and Elizondo. It is also worth mentioning that the Otxondo Pass connects the Baztan Valley with France and is a perfect place for cycling and enjoying the natural wonders it has to offer. This pass can be accessed from the north from Dantxaria, covering approximately 10 km, or from the south, from Elizondo, covering approximately 13 km.

    #10. Pla de Beret

    Pla de Beret / Photo: Jordiferrer-[CC-BY-SA-3.0] Wikimedia Commons
    Pla de Beret / Photo: Jordiferrer-[CC-BY-SA-3.0] Wikimedia Commons

    This mountain pass is located in the Aran Valley. It is also important to point out that this pass has been a regular stage in the Tour of Spain and the Tour de France, which makes it an ideal pass for those who wish to train in cycling and achieve a good level.

    #11. Port of Portalet

    Pic du Midi d'Ossau from the Col du Portalet / Photo: Sistina (Pixabay)
    Pic du Midi d'Ossau from the Col du Portalet / Photo: Sistina (Pixabay)

    It is located on the border and links the valleys of Tena and Ossau. To get to the Portalet D'Aneu you can go from the A-136 road to the N-260 in Biescas. In the winter season the Portalet is closed due to the large amounts of snow that cover it, so it is recommended not to plan visits for this time of year.

    #12. Somport

    Somport Pass / Photo: Gilles Guillamot [CC-BY-SA-3.0] Wikimedia Commons
    Somport Pass / Photo: Gilles Guillamot [CC-BY-SA-3.0] Wikimedia Commons

    This mountain pass is located on the border point between the Aragon Valley (Spain) and the Aspe Valley (France). Cycling enthusiasts in the Pyrenees can take part in the cycling tour. Bearded Vulturewhich is held during the month of June. If you are planning to cycle around this beautiful port, this event can be an excellent option. Apart from this ride, other circuits are offered for cyclists of all levels.

    #13. Port of Belate

    Belate a Saioa / Photo: Joxemai-[CC-BY-SA-4.0] Wikimedia Commons
    Belate a Saioa / Photo: Joxemai-[CC-BY-SA-4.0] Wikimedia Commons

    This mountain pass is located at north of Navarre. The route is 7 km long and has a gradient of 240 m starting from Arraitz. The average gradient is 3.4%.


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