While the rest of the team continued their busy racing schedule, Stu and Rob ventured off to the Pyrenees last week with their friends for their annual trip to climb some mountains. The week consisted of 4 days of cycling, so the plan was to try and tick off as many Col’s as possible.

The weather forecast for Day 1 was always looking dubious, but despite this the group still donned the arm warmers and gilets to brave the conditions. Things were going well with far better weather than forecasted up until mid-afternoon, then the heavens opened. The rain, combined with the low temperatures high up in the mountains made for an extremely cold finish to the first day, but from then on the conditions got better and better, with temperatures in the late 20’s by the end of the week.

Over the 4 days, 260 miles were covered, 34,000ft climbed and 11 Col’s climbed: Tourmalet, Aspin, Soulor, Aubisque, Hautacam, Tramassel, Luz Ardiden, Borderes, Spandelles, Troumouse & Barrage des Gloriettes.

For anyone planning a first trip to the Pyrenees, Argeles-Gazost is the perfect location to base yourself. Within easy reach of so many great climbs, you could easily spend longer than 4 days there and still not complete them all. The Pyrenees themselves are also breathtaking - challenging ascents, but the rewards at the end make it all worthwhile when you are faced with some of the most incredible scenery and landscapes you could ever wish to see.