On the road the course includes climbs of established classics like Tourmalet, Aubisque, Peyresourde and the Port de Balès, but adds a new challenge in the form of the Col du Portillon, a classic in professional racing. Also new is what promises to be a superb Individual Time Trial from Bagnères-de-Luchon to the ski station at Superbagnères.

Benjamin Chandelier, Event Director of the Haute Route Series, said the 2017 Pyrenees course had been designed to give riders from all over the world the best experience possible both on and off the bike. “We have listened to our customers and simplified the logistics but the racing – and the climbing - is still going to be what they have come to expect from an Haute Route event,” he said.

Jean-François Alcan, the Haute Route Pyrenees Race Director, reckons the fifth edition of the Haute Route Pyrenees will be a true test for some of the world’s most committed amateur riders but also a course that will suit riders looking to enjoy an unforgettable week in one of Europe’s most iconic and beautiful cycling regions.

“Our riders will travel a total of 910 kilometres and climb 19,300 metres during seven days,” he said. “As always the Col du Tourmalet is the centerpiece and, at 2,117 metres above sea level, the highest point, but there are plenty of other big climbs to really showcase the Pyrenees at their best.

“This is the first time on the Haute Route that we have run an Individual Time Trial from Bagnères-de-Luchon to Superbagnères, but it is an established classic and it is sure to ask some tough questions of every rider who takes it on,” he added.

In keeping with the Haute Route’s unique proposition, riders on the 2017 Haute Route Pyrenees will benefit from the Haute Route’s usual professional level of rider support on each of the seven timed and ranked stages. This includes fully authorised stages, mechanical and safety support on the road, massages and a rider’s meal after racing and full logistical support meaning that the focus is always on the riding.

Click here to learn more about each stage.

Stage 1: Anglet – Oloron Sainte-Marie (174km, 3,400M+)
Cols: Bagargui 1,327m / Soudet 1,542m

Stage 2: Pau – Pau (157km, 2,800M+)
Cols: Marie-Blanque 1,035m  / Aubisque 1,709m / Soulor 1,474m

Stage 3: Pau – Tarbes (152km, 3,100M+)
Cols: Spandelles 1,378m / Tourmalet 2,117m

Stage 4: Tarbes – Col du Portillon (123km, 3,900M+)
Cols: Aspin 1,489m / Azet 1,580m / Peyresourde 1,569m / Portillon 1,293m

Stage 5: ITT Bagnères-de-Luchon – Superbagnères (18km, 1,170M+)
Col: Superbagnères 1,860m  

Stage 6: Bagnères-de-Luchon – Hospice de France (130km, 3,600M+)
Cols: Port de Balès 1,755m / Ares 797m / Menté 1,349m / Hospice de France 1,379m

Stage 7: Bagnères-de-Luchon – Toulouse (156km, 1,300M+)
Col: Menté 1,349m   

Check out the fly-through video of the 2017 Haute Route Pyrenees here.

Hundreds of riders have already signed up for the 2017 Haute Route Pyrenees (August 13-19), Haute Route Alps (August 21-27) or Haute Route Dolomites (September 2-8) - join them on the startline by clicking here to sign up and remember the current price structure changes at midnight CET on December 6.

Don’t forget that registrations for the inaugural Mavic Haute Route Rockies are also open. Taking place from June 24th to 30th 2017 in Colorado, the final registration phase is already in effect as places are selling rapidly.

The inaugural Haute Route Ventoux, a new three-day racing event based in the town of Bedoin and featuring three climbs of Mt Ventoux, will be staged from 6-8 October. The second registration phase will close at midnight CET on December 22. Register here.