GFNY tackles Tourmalet

July 15, 2021

GFNY Global Endurance Sports Series expands its French portfolio with GFNY Lourdes Tourmalet on June 12, 2022

NEW YORK CITY, Jul 15, 2021 – GFNY Lourdes Tourmalet is the latest addition, making this race the fourth in France on the GFNY calendar. Scheduled for June 12, 2022, riders get to race the iconic Col du Tourmalet (2115m) in the Pyrenees. It’s the most used mountain pass by the Tour de France since it was used the first time in 1910 – and again just today Thursday in this year’s race.

The pilgrimage town of Lourdes will be the host town and provide expo, start and finish to the riders. Lourdes is nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees and world famous for its spiritual pilgrimages.

The course starts from the historical town hall in Lourdes, but the setting quickly changes from urban roads to mountain views. Riders will use the minor and gradual incline along the first 25 km to warm up before tackling the intimidating Col du Tourmalet. From Luz Saint Sauveur, the road climbs for 18.3 km with an altitude gain of 1400m (average gradient 7.6%, maximum gradient 9.5%) to the top of the 2115m col.

After a fast descent off Col du Tourmalet and crossing Bagnères-de-Bigorre, riders will race the last third of the course across the Pyreneean foothills on quiet roads over the smaller yet demanding Col de Saoucède and Cote de Germs. The race ends back in Lourdes where it started.

“It’s a dream for us to add a GFNY in the amazing Pyrenees – and over Col du Tourmalet no less,” says GFNY CEO Uli Fluhme. “This is made possible by the tremendous support of the town of Lourdes which is the ideal base not only for the race but also for the one week camp before the race. The combination of the town with its attractions and amenities with the quiet and wild Pyrenees mountain is ideal to spend a week or two of vacation, whether just for cycling or to combine cycling with other activities.”

Website: lourdes.gfny.com