2024 EPIC 3 Nations
with Rob Taylor

After breakfast, orientation meeting, and bike build-up, you’ll head out for your first ride. Our warm-up ride takes you over the Moianès, giving you a taste of riding in Catalonia. The scenery is breathtaking, and you’ll encounter very little traffic throughout the entire ride. Sant Miquel del Fai, a picturesque monastery nestled inside a cliff, is a must-visit.

Shorter ride option: 40km, 641m elevation gain.

Your first big climb of the trip, Turó de l’Home, which means The Mountain of Man in Catalan, is a challenging ascent located in the Montseny Natural Park. It boasts a greater elevation gain than any other road climb in Catalonia, and the varying gradients in the second half of the climb make it a tough challenge.

From the summit enjoy breathtaking views of the Mediterranean coastline and on clear days you can even catch a glimpse of Barcelona.

Shorter ride option: 88km, 2,544m elevation gain.

After a short transfer, you’ll start the ride in the town of Sant Corneli. You’re about to explore a whole new region with minimal traffic and three categorised climbs on the agenda.

The Coll de Pradell is considered one of the most challenging climbs in the Catalan Pyrenees, and after many years of demands from local riders for the climb to be included in a top local race, the climb will make its pro-tour debut in this year’s Volta a Catalunya stage race.

Shorter ride option: 69km, 1,772m elevation gain.

A stunning loop over the French Cerdanya awaits you on today’s ride. You’ll be riding through one of the most beautiful mountains in the Pyrenees, Puigmal. The road has recently been re-paved, and it almost reaches the top of this majestic mountain. You’ll also ride through the unique Spanish exclave of Llivia, a small community completely surrounded by France.

Shorter ride option: 77km, 1,296 elevation gain.

Tonight we’ve arranged dinner in a local restaurant, where you can indulge in the local specialties of Puigcerda, such as tapas and Catalan wine – and don’t miss the opportunity to taste the local “trinxat”, a must-try dish.

Today, you have a three-nation ride – a truly epic adventure – with two HC climbs: the Col de Pailhères, an iconic climb in the French Pyrenees that has been used several times in the Tour de France, and our second and final climb of the day, the Port d’Envalira, a long ascent into Andorra.

Shorter ride option: 52km, 1,433 elevation gain.

Your hotel for the next 3 nights is the magnificent Hotel Hermitage, one of the top hotels in Andorra which also boasts the top spa in the country.

Even the pros need a rest day, so let’s have a bit of a gentle ride today. Most of the ride is along the valley floor with just two climbs to stretch the legs.

Tonight we’ve booked dinner at Borda, a typical Andorran restaurant.

Today’s ride is inspired by one of Europe’s most challenging gran fondos, La Purito, which was created by ex-professional rider Joaquim Rodriguez. The route you’ll be taking is similar to the one that featured in the 2015 Vuelta a España and is considered to be one of the toughest stages in the history of La Vuelta. So, make sure you’re prepared and bring your climbing legs with you!

Shorter ride option: 72km, 2,209 elevation gain.

In today’s agenda, we have two HC climbs: Port del Cantó and Port de la Bonaigua. The Port de la Bonaigua has been featured multiple times in the Tour de France and its scenery and multiple switchbacks resemble climbs in the French Alps.

Shorter ride option: 99km, 2,058 elevation gain.

Today will be a great surprise for everyone. You are embarking on a short but truly scenic ride, featuring two beautiful climbs nestled within the high peaks of the Val d’Aran between France and Spain.

To round off a fantastic day, you’ll have dinner at a delightful local restaurant located in the heart of downtown Vielha.

Queen stage today! The highlight of the ride is without a doubt the Port de Balès which many riders consider to be the most spectacular climb in the Pyrenees. Let us know after the ride! And we have a bonus climb ready if you’re still looking for more elevation after the Balès!

Shorter ride option: 49km, 1,331m elevation gain.

We’ll start off the day with a transfer to L’Albi, the gateway to the Priorat, and before jumping on the bike you’ll enjoy a typical Catalan breakfast at a local bakery. The Priorat is one of those hidden Spanish gems, stunning mountain landscapes, vineyards, medieval villages and zero traffic make this a true paradise for road cyclists.

Since we’re in the Priorat we’ve planned a wine-tasting experience in the evening before dinner.

The perfect way to end this epic trip: no major climbs, but the total elevation doesn’t lie. Be ready for a really challenging and spectacular ride in the Priorat mountains.

Shorter ride option: 60km, 1,486m elevation gain.

Unfortunately, your epic 3-nations journey has come to an end.

Our private shuttle will drop you off at Barcelona airport.