Hola,
Anyone got any recommendations for places to stay in the central (French) Pyrenees? Looking for somewhere that is within 50km of the Tourmalet or further west pres de la Col D’Aubisque/ Marie Blanque/ D’Aspin.
Would also be nice if it was located somewhere with a bit of life.
Thanks for any recommendations.
Argeles Gazost is really nice, I stayed and trained there last year. There is a really nice bike trail and places to run. It’s really close to Hautacam and the pool in Lourdes is not far away either.
Perfect place to train. I can tell you with confidence that this is where the absolute top guys go to get quality.
Bagnere du Luchon was a nice little town at the foot of the Col de Peyresourde and Superbaneres. I stayed there a couple nights while I had a cool French guy build me a new wheel. I broke one spoke too many on a wheel that needed to be retired and he really helped me out. Luchon is two passes from the Tourmalet (to the east) via the Peyresourde and Aspin.
Unfortunately, I then fell sick and my attempt to circle around and climb the Peyresourde from the east and then tackle SuperB died halfway up to the ski station. I never made it back to tackle the Tourmalet, Luz Ardiden or the Aubisque.
If you are going soon then I am envious.
Chad
This summer I spent 2 weeks in Bagneres-de-Bigorre. It was within a ride of a lot of the major tour climbs - the Tourmalet, Aspin, Soulor, Aubisque, Marie-Blanque etc. The town itself is good to stay in - there’s plenty of shops, bars and restaurants. I’m definitely going back there again next year and would recommend it to anyone.
Cheers. You weren’t there with Clarke Ellice or Parksie were you?
I was there with Clarke, Parksie wasn’t there though
.
Sorry Clarke wasn’t there that time actually, the rest of the New Zealand guys were though - Docherty, Gemmell etc.
We had him over here for a few weeks after Salford. Ask him about hairy Jenny from Jersey when you next see him.
Haha will do!
I’ve roomed with him a few times, he is a laugh a minute that guy - I’m sure you would have noticed!
Yep, kept everyone amused - not sure if it was by accident or design though - good value. He was staying with friends of mine for a couple of weeks.
I’d actually been thinking about Bagneres. Is there anywhere to swim nearby?
He’ll soon be one of the big boys out there, Hamish and Bevan will be looking over their shoulder come commonwealth qualifying - better keep an eye out!
He’s certainly training up in terms of humour value - between all those guys normal people pale in comparison, if you haven’t got a “real” job what else do you do all day I guess?
Hola,
Anyone got any recommendations for places to stay in the central (French) Pyrenees? Looking for somewhere that is within 50km of the Tourmalet or further west pres de la Col D’Aubisque/ Marie Blanque/ D’Aspin.
Would also be nice if it was located somewhere with a bit of life.
Thanks for any recommendations.
Nice usage of Spanish, French and English in the one email… top points !!!
Have to agree with Tri Zealander for Argeles Gazost, great spot to train and easy access to the Col du Soulor and Aubisque to the directy to the West, the Hautacam rising up from the valley to the East, further south down the valley takes you to Luz St Saveur which is the base of the climb to the Col du Tourmalet from the West side (with the Col d’Aspin further East - the Tourmalet is actually between the Aspin and Aubisque on the map), you can also climb into the ski resort of Cauterets from there and Lourdes is just nearby for swimming or if you want to go to church !!
Tri-training heaven. Don’t know if there’s any lakes to swim in, but I think they’re a little hard to come by in the middle of the Pyrénées.
This whole area is awesome.
Hi there
we are based in the pyrenees - just a little way from Luchon. The reason we moved here was for the famous cols and the training. We have 4 lakes to choose from for open water swimming, which are fine from June through to October and they are clear and warm. In July and August we get to swim in the 50m pool close buy (this is the favorite pool for the Russian Tri Squad who have been here for 2 months already). But all year round we have the Endless Pool tucked away in our garden.
Tourmalet is about 50km away over the Aspet (we were there yesterday), Mente is 12km, Porthillon 25km, Perysourde 30km and we normally can get some great riding in using the van to get over to the Aubisque and MArie Blanc. Runs are absolute bliss with either flat or mountainous trails.
We have a bike workshop and full vehicle support if needed. Sorry for the plug but we are new and intend to open for 2006 - www.pyreneesmultisport.com
If you have any ideas for a break or training holiday then just let us know - we are very flexible. Rightio, off now to drive to Monte Carlo for 1/2 IM Monaco - should be fun.
Ian
This looks awesome. Once you have prices for July - August 2006 please email me.
Thanks
dt
Some friends of mine are opening a tri/bike bed and breakfast. Not sure what they are offering at this point. I believe they are opening soon.
Check it here http://www.pyreneesmultisport.com/cycling-packages.php
I know they just had their endless pool delivered last week.
If you camp:
East of Tourmelet and Aspin we stayed in a campground in Arreau right next to a beautiful river. (bet my friend $100 he wouldn’t swim across that thing - he did - damn Marines!) You can go east from there to climb Perysourde and Portillon into Spain.
West of Tourmelet, look for a beautiful campground in the town of Estang, complete with a sauna, washer and dryer. Further west you can go climb Abisque and Marie Blanque.
I dont know if it meets your requests but Font Romeu its a very good location.
Lots of triathletes over there for sure, top IM and short course european triathletes
good roads, track, trails, a 50 meter pool and a lake…
There’s a pool in Bagneres itself - didn’t go, so I don’t know what it’s like.
Hi there
We have a bike workshop and full vehicle support if needed. Sorry for the plug but we are new and intend to open for 2006 - www.pyreneesmultisport.com
Ian
Ha! I was going to post your info.
Ian and Julie will take GOOD care of everyone! And the young Wrighties will probably ride your legs off.
clm