Cyclist's Guide to the Pyrenees

Peter Cossins, an award-winning author, has released a new series of guides to riding in the Western Europe's high mountains. The first in the series, "The Roads, Cols, and Passes of the Pyrenees," is due for publication in June 2020 and will provide detailed information on the best road cycling routes on both the French and Spanish sides of the 600km-long Pyrenean chain, as well as in Andorra. The routes will range from 50-kilometer loops passing some of France's Cathar Castles to 200-kilometer Tour de France-like epics over several passes, and will include illustrious Tour ascents such as the Col du Tourmalet, the Col d'Aubisque, and the Plateau de Beille. The book is aimed at anyone who wants to ride in the Pyrenees, from newcomers to road riding who want to take their first tentative steps in the high mountains to very experienced cyclists who want to push themselves and explore new terrain.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 14 May 2021
Publisher: Great Northern Books Ltd

When seeking to embark on thrilling mountain rides in the footsteps of professional racers by conquering the iconic passes of the Tour de France, a wealth of resources is available to guide you. Books and websites meticulously detail these renowned ascents, providing comprehensive information such as their location, length, and every subtle gradient change. However, the challenge lies in finding a route that seamlessly connects these passes, offering insights into their terrain, difficulty, and optimal approaches. To address this, award-winning author Peter Cossins has unveiled a new series of guides tailored specifically for cyclists venturing into the high mountains of Western Europe. Drawing inspiration from Alfred Wainwright's renowned walking guides to the Lake District, these guides are poised to become the ultimate bible for cyclists exploring Europe's most breathtaking landscapes. The first installment in this series, titled "The Roads, Cols, and Passes of the Pyrenees," is set to be published by Great Northern Books in June 2020. Spanning a staggering 12,000 kilometers and featuring 120 meticulously curated routes, this comprehensive guide will showcase the finest road cycling routes on both the French and Spanish sides of the 600-kilometer-long Pyrenean chain, as well as in Andorra. The routes themselves range from short 50-kilometer loops that pass by some of France's most extraordinary Cathar Castles, perched atop nearly impenetrable pinnacles, to epic 200-kilometer Tour de France-like adventures that conquer multiple passes. This guide will not only highlight illustrious Tour ascents like the Col du Tourmalet, the Col d'Aubisque, and the Plateau de Beille, but also shed light on other lesser-known climbs and regions that warrant exploration on two wheels. By highlighting points of historical significance and providing the best roads to access them, Cossins aims to enhance the riding experience, ensuring that every moment spent in the saddle is filled with joy and excitement. Whether you are a seasoned cyclist seeking new challenges or a beginner looking to dip your toes into the world of mountain biking, "The Roads, Cols, and Passes of the Pyrenees" is an indispensable resource that will take your riding to new heights and unlock the secrets of this awe-inspiring region. So, grab your bike, embrace the spirit of adventure, and prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey through the mountains of Western Europe, following in the wheeltracks of professional racers and discovering the beauty and grandeur that await you.

Weight: 610g
Dimension: 159 x 214 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912101245