Larra Larrau

Larra Larrau

With more than 30 years of history behind it, Larra Larrau is one of the most veteran and respected cyclosportive events in the Navarrese Pyrenees. It starts in Isaba, in the Roncal valley, and owes its name and fame to the Larrau pass, the climb that crosses the border into France and has tested generations of cyclists for decades.

A route with three distances

The event offers three options to suit different levels:

• 146K: the full route, tackling the complete set of climbs for the day, including the Piedra de San Martín at kilometer 12
• 100K: a shorter version that keeps the most demanding part of the route
• 60K: the most accessible distance, designed for those new to mountain cyclosportives

The decisive stretch of the long distances combines the Issarbe climb, with over 1,000 meters of accumulated elevation gain, and the Larrau pass itself, which closes out the route with almost 1,000 more meters of climbing over its final ramps.

The legend of the Larrau pass

Few climbs in the western Pyrenees have the reputation of Larrau: irregular ramps, double-digit gradients and a high-mountain setting that can change mood quickly. Conquering it, especially on the 146-kilometer route, is the reason many cyclosportive riders come back to this event year after year. Before tackling it, it’s worth checking how to calculate your bike’s gear ratio so you know whether your current cassette gives you enough range for the final ramps.

Isaba and the Roncal valley beyond the ride

The Roncal valley is one of the best-preserved corners of the Navarrese Pyrenees, with stone villages, mountain cuisine and Roncal cheese as its trademark. Using the event weekend to explore Isaba, Roncal or Burgui, and the surrounding nature of the Irati forest, rounds out the experience beyond the bike. Discover more events in the region in Navarre.