Cycling

Cycling in Ariege

Cycling in Ariege is very popular, with the Tour de France often decided in the spectacular mountain stages of the Pyrenees. For those who want to enjoy an easier ride, the Ariège has much to offer as most of the interesting places to visit lie along the river valleys, where the slopes are gentle. Mountain-biking, or VTT (vélo tout-terrain), is also very popular here and many tracks have been created and adapted for all levels. Cycling is a great way to enjoy the area.

Annual cycling events in Ariège

May

The Ronde de l’Isard
This is a five day race open to riders between 19 and 22 years old at a level of Elite 2 national standard. The race consists of a prologue, one individual time trial, one afternoon stage and 3 full-day stages.

June

Cyclosportive l’Ariégeoise
Every June the Ariège Organisation Cycliste organises a non-competitive race starting in Tarascon that features routes for different levels of ability.
For more information, visit the web site (in French and Spanish): www.cyclosport-ariegeoise.com

July

Tour de France 2014
Stage 16 : the peloton will pass through Ariège via Pamiers and St Girons and the road leading to the col de Portet d’Aspet on 22 July 2014. We are only a 20 minute drive from St Girons!

Late September or early October

Mémorial Fabio Casartelli
In 1995 St. Girons was the starting point for one of the stages of the Tour de France. Less than two hours later, at the col du Portet d’Aspet, the Italian rider Fabio Casartelli was fatally injured in a fall.

Since 1997 the cycling association of the has Couserans organised each summer or autuman a cycling event in his memory. The entrance fees go to a fund established by the Casartelli family in aid of professional cyclists injured in falls.

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