Starting at the Mediterranean Sea — cradle of many civilizations — the opening stage of TRANSPYR BACKROADS 2025 begins gently, with a relatively modest elevation gain. However, the route trends consistently upward, climbing from sea level to nearly 1,000 meters by the end of the day in the heart of the Pyrenees.

Designed to ease riders into the adventure, this first stage avoids excessive complexity. It serves as a warm-up for what lies ahead — because from the very next day, the stages will begin to challenge both physical and mental endurance as riders dive deeper into the mountain range.

The stage is a scenic transition from the flat and gently rolling landscapes of Alt Empordà and La Garrotxa into the first true foothills of the Pyrenees. Leaving the coast and the Mediterranean culture behind, the route follows mostly rolling terrain. Although there is a constant upward trend, the real climbing doesn’t begin until around kilometer 70, where the road steadily rises to over 1,100 meters before descending slightly into Camprodon — a charming and emblematic village in the Girona Pyrenees.

Wherever possible, the route favors quiet, lesser-traveled roads. The main challenge of the day is the continuous climb from sea level, which gives the feeling of being always uphill, combined with the likely heat and humidity typical of this region.

Riders are strongly advised not to push too hard in the early, flatter sections, as the temptation to ride fast can lead to unnecessary energy expenditure — energy that will be crucial for the demanding final third of the stage, where most of the elevation gain is concentrated.

Finally, caution is essential throughout the day, as this is a holiday route, often shared with cars, motorcycles, and other cyclists. The roads alternate between wide and fast, and very narrow and slow, but all can be busy on this day.

In this second stage, which crosses what could be considered the first line of the Pyrenean mountains or the pre-Pyrenees, the first major challenge must be tackled: a short but very steep climb, marked by seemingly insurmountable ramps and totaling around 1,000 meters of elevation gain, with the summit reaching over 1,700 meters.

The distance and elevation gain in this stage already resemble the standard for the rest of the Pyrenean crossing, with a daily average of around 130 kilometers and 2,600 meters of climbing.

After a favorable start from Camprodon, where approximately 250 meters of elevation are lost —watch out for the possible early-morning chill— a winding road leads into the first climb, helping riders warm up and get into rhythm before facing the main mountain pass.

Following this tough ascent, a couple more cols remain. They are less demanding on their own, but accumulated fatigue in the latter part of the stage can make them feel much harder.

As a reward for the effort, a long descent with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains closes the stage, gradually heading northward to reach La Seu d’Urgell, the host city at the end of this second stage.

Possible Queen Stage of TRANSPYR BACKROADS 2025, this day could exceed 3,000 meters of cumulative positive elevation gain. The route combines both well-known and lesser-used mountain passes, as well as roads of varying widths and surfaces. Notably, it features a high-altitude finish — a first in TRANSPYR BACKROADS history.

Always staying above 600 meters of altitude as it transitions westward, the stage begins with a long climb: very steep at first, then becoming more gradual. The ascent tops out at over 1,700 meters before descending into the Pallars region. From there, the route connects with a lesser-known but equally captivating area, thanks to both the road’s unique layout and the surrounding natural landscape.

Later, a wide road with a good surface leads northwest toward the final segment of the day. Before reaching the end, riders must still conquer a small but scenic and unfamiliar pass. After a final descent into Alta Ribagorça and passing through the village of Pont de Suert, the stage concludes with a challenging climb to the beautiful Pla de l’Ermita in Taüll — a stunning endpoint to this demanding and complete stage.

This stage is defined by a route heading south, seeking out secondary, lesser-known, and mostly quiet roads to cross the mountain ranges separating the start and finish locations. Unusually, the stage features more descending than climbing in terms of cumulative elevation.

An important detail is the early morning start at over 1,600 meters above sea level, followed by a long descent — something to keep in mind when choosing appropriate cycling clothing.

Set in a largely arid and sparsely populated landscape, the route truly lives up to the “backroads” name of this cycling adventure, favoring remote, rarely used, and sometimes even forgotten roads.

While the climbs themselves are not particularly demanding in terms of gradient or elevation gain, riders should be extremely cautious about the potential heat and the feeling of suffocation that may arise in the second half of the stage. The route runs mostly along exposed roads, with little to no shade, intensifying the effects of the dry surroundings.

A picturesque final stretch through a few small, traditional villages of the Sobrarbe region sets the tone for the arrival in Aínsa — the end-of-stage town nestled in the heart of the Aragonese Pyrenees.

The second stage predominantly features small inland roads, and this time the route shifts noticeably further north than the previous stage, remaining almost entirely above 750 meters in altitude.

While the total elevation gain and maximum altitude are not particularly high, the profile — resembling an endless sequence of rolling mountain ridges — can be extremely punishing and will truly test the riders’ endurance. The effort, however, is rewarded with a distinctly Pyrenean atmosphere and charming, picturesque landscapes.

After leaving Aínsa, the route heads north along a main road before turning west, weaving through a network of small roads that link the remote villages of northern Sobrarbe, nearly brushing the edge of Ordesa National Park.

Following a long descent, the second major climb of the day leads into the Alto Gállego region. From there, the route turns south and, tracing the path of the Gállego River, continues through a mix of small, quiet parallel roads — avoiding main roads as much as possible — until finally reaching Jaca.

Probably the longest stage of TRANSPYR BACKROADS 2025, this day is not, however, the one with the highest cumulative elevation gain. It would be considered a mid-mountain stage in a Grand Tour — a day where the terrain constantly undulates between roughly 800 and 1,300 meters of altitude. While there are no extreme gradients or high peaks, the true challenge lies in the relentless, never-ending rolling terrain that offers little to no respite.

This stage also marks a significant geographical and climatic shift, as the route transitions into the Navarrese Pyrenees, entering a greener, more humid, and Atlantic-like environment, with open meadows and dense deciduous forests.

Departing from Jaca, the first section takes riders along small roads through a relatively arid landscape. Soon, two small mountain passes must be tackled before following the Veral River upstream — where the dramatic change in scenery becomes evident. The landscape shifts from the drier Aragonese Pyrenees to the lush forests of Navarre. A beautiful, narrow road runs through a beech forest, gradually turning north and then west as it enters the Navarre region.

At this point, half the stage still lies ahead, all of it set against the backdrop of Navarre’s distinctive natural and cultural environment. Riders will wind through several charming villages, known for their traditional farmhouses and narrow streets. The beauty of these surroundings may help distract from the persistent rolling terrain, which continues until the finish in the picturesque town of Burguete, a classic stop for pilgrims near neighboring Roncesvalles.

An emotional final leg of TRANSPYR BACKROADS 2025, with the thought of the Atlantic Ocean looming ever larger in everyone’s mind.

With nearly 1,000 meters more descent than ascent, this stage offers not only stunning scenery but also the reward of a landscape that gradually opens up toward the ocean. From around the halfway point, and if weather permits, glimpses of the Atlantic may appear in the distance — a powerful visual reminder of the journey’s end.

Though no stage in TRANSPYR BACKROADS should be underestimated, this final one offers relatively moderate elevation gain, a predominance of downhills, and less technical climbs — the ideal setup to fully enjoy the final stretch of this extraordinary cycling adventure. That said, the weather here is more unpredictable, with a higher chance of rain than in other parts of the Pyrenees.

Leaving Burguete, the route descends briefly before climbing gently on small roads through wide-open areas, where cattle often roam freely. A long descent follows, taking riders into France, where two low mountain passes are tackled. The first tops out at 670 meters and leads to a beautiful descent; the second, slightly lower, peaks at just 600 meters.

The stage then winds through the French Basque Pyrenees, passing through emblematic villages and verdant landscapes dotted with scattered hamlets and traditional stone houses. These surroundings accompany the peloton all the way to the Bidasoa River, which marks the entry into the Basque Country.

Finally, the journey concludes in Irun, delivering an unforgettable and emotional moment — the symbolic crossing from one end of the Pyrenees to the other, from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic.