The first day takes you from France and into the Val d'Aran, the most north western tip of Catalonia. The route traverses the verdant fertile lands of the French foothills, crossing two valleys while passing through small rural villages surrounded by imposing mountains. Heading south on a mix of paths and singletracks, you traverse through beech and oak forests, climbing higher through the mountains. The climate and scenery gradually changes as you progress, re-entering civilisation when you arrive at the small historical settlement of Bossost in Spain for your first nights stay.

Statistics: Distance 50km, starting altitude 495m, highest point 1,002m, amount of climbing 1,300m.

Highlights: Largely passing through an undiscovered area of the Pyrenees. The impressive rock wall and peaks of Pic du Gar. Architecture and rural life as you pass through the heart of the village of Boutx. Enjoying Bossost with its back streets, artisan shops and tapas bars.

Leaving Bossost where you will return to later, you join several way marked mtb trails to climb to the mountain pass of Varrados surrounded by mountain peaks. Here the landscape is wilder with a mix of colourful rocks rich in iron and sun-bleached grass and, on the descent, clumps of pine cling to the mountainsides. On the return leg you traverse mountainsides via marked mtb singletracks that are bound to bring a smile to your face as they weave in and out, descending for some 20km.

Statistics: Distance 70km, start/ finish altitude 700m, highest point 2,050m, 1,890m of climbing, 77% off-road/ 23% sealed surface, 10 ancient mountain villages.

Highlights: Panoramic views of the granite peaks of Maladeta and Aneto, the highest peak in the central Pyrenees at 3,414m. Looking upon Saut deth Pish from a stone balcony, a large and impressive natural waterfall. Wild landscapes and mountain views. Marked mtb singletrack descent that intimately takes you through a succession of beautiful mountain villages: Bagergue, Unha, Gessa, Arties and Garos with exceptional Romanesque architecture. Seeing one of the last remaining native Pyrenean bears, that lives en- route.

The profile of this final stage features two large mountain passes, the first one climbs into France and traverses the frontier mountains revealing majestic panoramic views of the Luchonnaise mountain range. What goes up, must come down - fast flowing singletracks descend on an open mountainside surrounded by granite peaks looming above.

The scenery quickly changes with your altitude, entering pine forests on a trail laced with switch-backs falling into Luchon. Positioned in the middle of the stage, Luchon offers many treats in its cafes and artisan shops before tackling the final mountain. More mountain views are on offer with 360 degree views as you meander the length of the ridge line that leads to a grand descent home, some 1,200m below.

Statistics: Distance 80km, start and finish altitude 700m/495m, highest point 1,870m, 2,510m of climbing, final descent of 1,250 vertical metres, 90% off-road.

Highlights: Views of the Luchonnaise mountain range. Visiting Luchon, dubbed as the Queen of the Pyrenees (recently signposted as the King), the spa town of Luchon has a history for entertaining royalty and european aristocrats. Enjoy the comforts of its cafe culture while admiring the rich victorian architecture. Riding the ridge line for 7km at 1,800m altitude. Visiting villages in the remotest regions of the mountains where time has stood still.