Pedals de Foc

In June, Foc' it moves! 🤪

If you haven’t yet chosen between adventure vacations discoveries and sporty, don’t rack your brains 🧠. Hop on your bike at the start of summer and set out to conquer Northern Catalonia! The legendary race Pedals de Foc is organizing a new edition in mid-June, and mountain biking takes center stage for over 200 km 🏆. If you crave thrills, endurance, or fairy-tale landscapes, the race of legends awaits you in Vielha, in the Val d'Aran region Val d'Aran to kick off summer in style (or in a grand saddle 🚲).

For the occasion, 2 routes are offered: the "PDF Nonstop Or" 🥇 and the "PDF Nonstop Argent" 🥈. The first is the event’s flagship challenge: an Ultra-marathon on a MTB. That’s right. You’ll need to complete a loop of 211 km with a gain of 6 148 mD+ in less than 20h 🕗. And you’re not allowed to start on an electric bike—the effort and sweat are the weekend’s guiding words 🥵. You’ll wander through the heart of the Pyrenees, at the France-Andorra-Spain border 🇪🇸. The forests, the underbrush and the partially asphalted trails will be the main backdrop of your journey 🦌. Plus, if you grow fond of the event and decide to return every year, you can earn the title of "Pedal of Legend". Pretty cool, right? You’ll gain access to an exclusive jersey, discounts, and you’ll officially become part of the "Salon des Légendes" 🦸‍♂️. The second route is the "PDF Nonstop Argent" of 80 km with a climb of 1 860 mD+ 📈, which will give your thighs more rest, but you won’t be short of pedal strokes ❌. By picking up your bib, you’re in for several hours of scenic and athletic discoveries 👀. However, don’t get swept away by the view—these races are timed and there are time limits ⌛️.

But a good overseas trip should leave your legs as full as your stomach 🍽️. Fortunately for your appetite, the Southwest of France is famous for hearty, indulgent dishes 🤤. Moving from the Òlha Aranesa, to the Civet de Sanglieruntil the Crepes locales 🥞, you’ll satisfy your taste buds with authentic savory and sweet. After a full belly, take the time to explore the surroundings ⛰️. The Val d'Aran, located in the Lleida province, is a true natural paradise 🍃. Small mountain villages sit beside vast forested expanses 🪵 where you can easily go for a hike for long hours 🥾 (imagining you still have a bit of energy left 🪫). And if you find the area sublime, don’t hesitate to come back in July. The Hoka Val d'Aran by UTMB takes place there every year and attracts runners from all horizons 🏁. The perfect opportunity to diversify your training and combine trail running and MTB 🚵.

So, if your ride has been sleeping in the shed for weeks, grab the pressure washer and grease the crankset 🧴. Pedals de Foc, it’s the perfect event to challenge yourself again and plan a vacation at the start of summer ☀️.