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FRANCE / SPAIN · ULTRA

TRANS PYRENEES
TRAINING PLAN.

Trans Pyrenees is one of the hardest self-supported ultras in Europe — 1,500km from Biarritz to Barcelona (or reverse) across every major pass in the Pyrenees, with 35,000m of climbing. 6-9 day finishes. October weather unpredictable.

1500 km·35,000 m climbing·6-9 days·October

PICK YOUR WINDOW

HOW LONG TILL YOUR TRANS PYRENEES?

Count back from your event date. Pick the weeks-out plan that matches your window. Each one is a week-by-week framework built around the demands of this specific course.

EVENT INTEL

WHAT THE TRANS PYRENEES ACTUALLY DEMANDS

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

  • ✓35,000m climbing — that's 4× Everest across the event
  • ✓Every HC and Cat 1 Pyrenean pass featured — Tourmalet, Aubisque, Aspin, Peyresourde, Porto
  • ✓October weather: snow on passes, freezing rain, wind
  • ✓Self-supported — you carry, you sleep where you can
  • ✓Mandatory tracker, daily check-in times

COMMON MISTAKES

  • ✗Treating it like Badlands (Mediterranean) — the Pyrenees are colder, wetter, mountainous
  • ✗Underspecing kit — October above 1,800m needs winter gear
  • ✗Sleep deprivation affecting descending safety on day 4+

PACING

Trans Pyrenees is a climbing-dominated ultra. Pace on the climbs — not the flats. Target sub-threshold on every pass, regardless of time pressure. Sleep 5-7 hours/day for sustainable progress. Check weather nightly and pick tomorrow's start time accordingly.

FUELLING

No aid stations. Resupply at open shops, cafés, petrol stations. 80-100g carbs/hour on the bike, with real food stops at cafés every 4-5 hours. Hot drinks at altitude pass points matter more than people expect. Carry extra gels for nighttime emergencies.

KIT

Full bikepacking kit. Dynamo hub for lights + devices. 32-35mm tyres with reinforcement. Waterproof jacket, waterproof gloves, waterproof socks. Bivvy + sleeping bag rated to 0°C. Emergency mylar blanket. Spare battery pack.

FAQ

TRANS PYRENEES TRAINING, ANSWERED.

How long should I train for the Trans Pyrenees?

For the Trans Pyrenees (1500km with 35,000m of climbing), most riders benefit from at least 12-16 weeks of structured preparation. If you've been riding consistently, 8 weeks of focused work can still be enough to transform your result. Pick the weeks-out plan that matches your window.

What's the typical finish time for the Trans Pyrenees?

Most amateur finishers complete the Trans Pyrenees in 6-9 days. The spread is driven by climbing fitness more than flat speed — the course has 35,000m of vertical, and pacing the climbs is what separates a strong finish from a suffering one.

When does the Trans Pyrenees take place?

The Trans Pyrenees typically runs in October. That sets the training window: count back from your event date and pick the weeks-out plan that matches.

What's the biggest mistake riders make at the Trans Pyrenees?

Treating it like Badlands (Mediterranean) — the Pyrenees are colder, wetter, mountainous

How should I pace the Trans Pyrenees?

Trans Pyrenees is a climbing-dominated ultra. Pace on the climbs — not the flats. Target sub-threshold on every pass, regardless of time pressure. Sleep 5-7 hours/day for sustainable progress. Check weather nightly and pick tomorrow's start time accordingly.

WANT THIS BUILT AROUND YOUR FTP?

READY FOR A PLAN MADE FOR YOU?

The framework above gets you in the right territory. Roadman coaching builds it around your FTP, your life, and your weeks remaining.

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