Exploring the Cycling Paradise: Pas de la Casa in Andorra's Encamp Parish

Exploring the Cycling Paradise of Andorra

The picturesque parish of Encamp, nestled in the heart of Andorra, is set to kick off the cycling season with the second edition of the Gran Fondo Encamp-Pas de la Casa. This year, the event will take place from May 26th to 28th, offering new features and aiming to attract a large number of cyclists.

Andorra, a small country in the Pyrenees, takes pride in its passion for cycling, and the village of Encamp, situated at an altitude of 1,250 meters, and Pas de la Casa, at 2,080 meters, are two key destinations for cyclists. Both villages, part of the same parish, are separated by 25 kilometers and are home to challenging mountain passes, including Port d'Envalira, Balira, and Cortals d'Encamp.

Building on the success of the 2022 edition, this year's organizers have designed a three-day program to revive the Andorra Bike Race after a four-year hiatus. The race will feature three stages, including mountain biking, gravel, and e-bike categories. The goal is to create a cycling-friendly environment and put Encamp on the map as a premier cycling destination.

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Andorra Bike Race - May 27th

The Andorra Bike Race, starting and finishing in Plaça del Solà in Encamp, offers two routes: Full and Half. The Full route covers 40 kilometers with 1,700 meters of elevation gain, while the Half route spans 28 kilometers with 850 meters of elevation gain. The routes will be revealed during the briefing on Friday afternoon, challenging participants to use their navigation skills with GPS.

Participants can choose to race individually or in pairs, and the competition is open to both traditional mountain bikes and e-bikes, with gravel bikes also allowed. Notable athletes, including rally co-driver Nasser Al-Attiyah, two-time Dakar winner Sam Sunderland, and former motorcycle racer Carlos Checa, will be among the participants eager to experience this thrilling event.

Gran Fondo Encamp-Pas de la Casa - May 28th

The highlight of the weekend is the Gran Fondo Encamp-Pas de la Casa, part of the Gran Fondo World Tour. This challenging race offers three routes that pass through the Encamp parish. For those seeking an introductory experience, the 31-kilometer route includes the ascent of Collada de Encamp and 1,070 meters of elevation gain. Gravel bikes are also permitted on this route.

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For a more demanding level of difficulty, cyclists can choose the 48-kilometer route with 1,670 meters of elevation gain. This route includes iconic mountain passes featured in the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España, such as Collada de Beixalís and Cortals d'Encamp, with gradients of up to 17-18%.

For experienced riders looking for a real challenge, the 103-kilometer route awaits, with a grueling 3,290 meters of elevation gain. This route adds Coll de la Gallina at 2,400 meters and Port del Canto to the mix. Although it is a cyclosportive event, professional riders will also be participating, although their names are yet to be revealed.

A Weekend to Remember

The Gran Fondo Encamp-Pas de la Casa promises not only thrilling races but also a chance to discover the beauty of Andorra. Participants and spectators alike can indulge in the delights of the principality, including its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and delectable cuisine. With such an impressive lineup of races and iconic mountain passes, Andorra is sure to captivate cyclists and create unforgettable memories.

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