Pyrenees Multisport
IRON CAMP
Training Camp for Long Distance Athletes
In Association with Russell Cox (Coach Cox ) and Steven Lord (Everyday Training)
Our Iron CAMP is now in its 6th year and has been designed around our experience with Epic Camp over the past years. But our camp is for mortals and is aimed at the Ironman or Half Ironman Athlete as an concentrated week of effort to boost their training schedule for their upcoming season iron distance race. As with the Epic Camp, this multi base camp, is a full on training camp with plenty of time in the saddle as well as the swim and run each day just to make if feel complete. We also have a fun points competition for the Pyrenees Multisport King of the Mountains prize.
The camp starts at our our centre in Luscan in the central Pyrenees. We head off eastwards towards the Ariege over the Route des Cols and loop back to Lucan. Then it is westward and over the giant of the Pyrenees, the Col du Tourmalet. Again we will loop back after an over night stopover in Argelés Gazost. There may also be a chance for a couple of fun activities for those that need a little rest from the bike and a few extra points for the KoM jersey. This camp is all about consitency and using the other campers as motivation to get through an invaluable week of training. Consitency earns more than just points for the prize.
The Camp distances are a guide. It all depends on how you feel and your ability. There will be minimal time limits e.g. running so you either run 5 Km or 30 mins. It is all about consistency and there are bonus points for completing the Camp.
ITINERARY
Day 1 - Airport Transfers
We will pick you up from Toulouse airport in the morning and transfer you back to our centre in Luscan. After building the bikes and a spot of lunch we will head out for a short hilly bike loop to test out the bikes and loosen the legs. - Tour de Luscan 49 km
Day 2 - Luscan to Tarascon-sur-Ariége
Before breakfast we will transport you to the tranquility of the lake for some fabulous open water swimming. There is a 1 Km loop which requires a little navigation to test out those sighting skills. A couple of loops will be enough as todays ride is a long one. We head over the Col de Portet d'Aspet which is a short but challenging climb. Then on to the "Route des Cols" of the Col de la Core, Col de Latrape, Col d'Agnes and the Port de Lers before heading down to the overnight stop in Tarascon. - 145 Km Transition run of 5 Km up to the thermal spa town of Usat-les Bains and back. Then cool those legs off in the freezing cold waters of the river Ariege.
Day 3 - Tarascon-sur-Ariége ro Luscan
Straight after breakfast we will head out of Tarason and over the Col de Port and the very enjoyable descent through the valley to St Girons. Snack break in St Girons and then onto the Portet d'Aspet and the Col des Ares (featured later in the week as a time trial) before reaching base at Luscan - 125 Km
Day 4 - Port de Bales and into Spain
Early bird swim at the lake, we will have enough time to get a few more laps in before breakfast.
We will ride a local loop over the Hors Category climb of the Port de Balés and down into the spa town of Bagnéres de Luchon. A quick fill up with water and up the category 1 climb of the Portilon into Spain. A snack in the Spanish town of Bossost before the pace line ride back to base - 110 Km
You can't do a ride with out a cool down run, so your choice of how far you go. Remember, extra kilometers means more points.
Day 5 - The Giant
Big day today so we will head out on the bike straight after breakfast. After warming up through the valley we will take on the Cat 1 climb of the col de Peyresourde. Heading down to the Col d'Aspin and a quick coffee in the X-Country ski station of Payolle. Then it is the giant of them all, the col du Tourmalet. Time for a coffee on the top in the famous café before the stunning descent and pace line ride into Argelés Gazost. - 142 Km Transition run as soon as you are ready around this pretty little town.
Day 6 - Back to Base, via bike, swim and run.
Not too much climbing today, just a couple of small hills as we leave the famous town of Lourdes. Total ride is around 80 km Before reaching base we will stop off at the lake for a relaxing swim. A couple of laps should do it. Then there is the option to ride back or for a few more points you can run back. It is around 12 km so should not take too long.
Day 7 - Col des Ares Mountain TT
A bit of a lie in today as we will save the energy for the Col des Ares Mountain Time Trial. This 6.7 Km course will be no trouble for you now after the week you have experienced. It is double points for the King of the Mountains so make sure nothing is left at the top. After a quick coffee at the summit café we will retrace our steps and descend the Col des Ares and make our way to the category 1 climb of the Col de Menté. This is a great climb and the descent is fantastic. Back to base for your run..... the final effort of the week. It is then time for bike packing. We will go out to a local restaurant for the awards and final meal.
Day 8 - Airport Transfers
After breakfast we will head out to Toulouse airport in plenty of time to catch the morning flights.
King of the Mountains Competition (KoM)
The KoM competition will be based on selected climbs each day. To make it fare we will get everyone to download their Garmins to Strava which will show the competition segments for the day. This means that the riders do not have to be with each other to ride for points and the results will be read out each evening. Everyone will be added to the Iron CAMP club on Strava so the results can be tracked at a glance. If you do not have a Garmin then go to our Bike Rental page for details of how to rent one for the week. We can also set you up with a free Strava account. The points system will also take into account your consistency in all three disciplines so just being the best rider will not guarantee you a win, there will be points for runs and swims too. Full details will be in the Camp Road Book.
