The Pyrenean Rally is an unsupported bikepacking challenge that takes riders across the Pyrenees from Girona, Spain, to the Atlantic coast and back. The 2027 edition combines two contrasting sections into one demanding 1,850 km route, with approximately 43,000 metres of climbing and a 12-day cut-off.
The first 900 km cross the Spanish Pyrenees on a mixed-terrain route, with around 50% paved roads, 45% gravel tracks and 5% rocky trails. Based partly on the historic Transpirinaica MTB route, this section includes remote tracks, steep climbs and a short hike-a-bike. Riders then reach the halfway point at Elizondo, where they can swap their gravel tyres for road tyres before tackling the second 950 km.
The return journey follows an entirely paved route through the French Pyrenees, linking legendary mountain passes along quiet secondary roads. With almost continuous climbing, the challenge is as much about managing energy and resupply as it is about physical endurance.
Riders must be fully self-supported, arrange their own accommodation and food, and cannot receive outside assistance. The event also includes a distinctive 6-Hours Alliance: participants agree to stop for an average of at least six hours per day, encouraging a more balanced approach to this demanding ultra-distance ride.
GPS tracks and route files are provided for reference only. Always verify with official event resources before riding.
Based on this event's terrain, difficulty and riding style you might like these ultra events.
At 1850 km with 43000 m of elevation gain, Pyrenean Rally is roughly the distance of 44 marathons back to back, with climbing that adds up to more than 4.9 times the height of Mount Everest.
Pyrenean Rally's terrain calls for a Gravel Bike, ideally running 45-50mm Tubeless tires. On the drivetrain side, a 38-40T (1x) chainring matched to a 10-51T cassette gives enough range for the climbing involved.
We rate Pyrenean Rally as Extreme overall. Riders should be ready for rough, technical terrain for a good stretch of the route, relentlessly mountainous, climbing almost the entire way elevation gain, and mild and generally comfortable conditions.
Pyrenean Rally takes place on June 6, 2027. That puts it in summer, with long daylight hours, though heat can become a real factor.
Pyrenean Rally runs primarily on gravel and road, and we'd recommend 45-50mm Tubeless tires to handle it comfortably.