Created after Jordi Cantal completed the 340km Pirinexus route alone in 18 hours during summer 2014. What began as a personal challenge evolved into an organized event that has become 'one of the most authentic, beautiful, tough and prestigious gravel races in Europe.' By Jordi Cantal.
[01]
Course Overview
Trans-Pyrenean ultra-gravel through volcanic zones, medieval villages, and Costa Brava coast - Spain's answer to the 200-mile question
211 mi
Distance
11,150 ft
Elevation
Girona, Catalonia, Spain
Location
September 18-20, 2026
Date
Field Size
$500
Entry Cost
Facts & History
[03]
The Course
Photo: YouTube / Xevi Piu
Photo: YouTube / Xevi PiuThe Pirinexus is half smooth greenway cruise, half bike-destroying nightmare. You'll roll 55 kilometers on the silky Via Verde del Carrilet thinking this is easy, then spend the next 70 kilometers climbing volcanic hills and technical gravel that'll have you questioning your tire choice. The route crosses into France where the road literally disappears into rocky descents that punish anything under 40mm tires.
Signature challenge: Col d'Ares is the course executioner—a 17.9-kilometer climb to the French border that peaks at 1,513 meters. It's not just the elevation; it's arriving there after 80 miles of volcanic punishment, knowing that technical descents await on the other side. Most riders call it quits here, and the ones who don't spend the descent walking their bikes down rocky trails that shouldn't exist on a cycling route.
35
MILE
La Garrotxa Volcanic Reckoning
The greenway party ends and reality hits. Seventy kilometers through volcanic terrain with 900 meters of climbing, starting with Coll de Coubet—a 9km grind that gives no respite.
80
MILE
Col d'Ares Death March
The 17.9km border crossing at 1,513 meters where dreams die. This is where most DNFs happen and the mental breaking point that separates finishers from the field.
110
MILE
French Descent Carnage
After grinding to the border, the road disappears into technical rocky descents. Riders on narrow tires walk while suspension bikes roll past laughing.
160
MILE
Costa Brava False Hope
The coast looks like relief but delivers rolling agricultural roads and hidden climbs. Your legs are already cooked and there's still 50 miles of punishment ahead.
[04]
From the Field
RACER
Racer Reviews
Raced Pirinexus 360? Be the first to rate it.
[07]
Training
September 18, 2026 PIRINEXUS 360
[08]
Train for Pirinexus 360
RACE DEMAND PROFILE
Durability
10
Climbing
8
VO2 Power
7
Threshold
5
Technical
6
Heat
0
Altitude
4
Race Specificity
10
FREE
GET THE PIRINEXUS 360 PREP KIT
12-week training timeline, race-day checklists, packing list, and personalized fueling calculator — unlocked instantly.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
[10]
Tire Picks
40mmTECHNICAL
1
Schwalbe G-One Bite
excellent wet grip
2
Maxxis Reaver
Technical all-rounder. EXO+ casing shrugs off rocks and roots.
3
Pirelli Cinturato Gravel S
excellent wet grip
FRONT/REAR SPLIT Vittoria Terreno Dry 40mm / Schwalbe G-One Bite 40mmFaster front for reduced rolling resistance on straights, grippier rear for traction on loose climbs and corners
NEWS
Latest Coverage
[—]
Similar Races
[—]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the climate like at Pirinexus 360?
June 2019 riders enjoyed 'very pleasant temperatures, without too much heat' during the day. However, Tom Owen's early spring attempt saw water bottles and breakfast bananas freeze overnight. The night finish portion adds cold exposure risk after 12+ hours of exertion. Similar climate challenges to SBT GRVL. "An ice-cold wind was blowing and the view was fantastic [at Col d'Ares]. On the very long descent it slowly got warmer and warmer."[13]
How are the logistics for Pirinexus 360?
Girona is the cycling capital of Europe with excellent infrastructure. Barcelona El Prat (118 km) offers international flights; Girona airport closer but limited. Sea Otter Europe festival brings 68,000+ visitors creating accommodation pressure - one rider reports they 'couldn't sleep more than 4 hours the night before the race' due to festival atmosphere.[4]
How adventurous is Pirinexus 360?
The route crosses volcanic zones, Pyrenean passes, medieval villages, and Costa Brava coastline in a single push. Riders describe crossing diverse terrain types within the time limit, from gravel climbs through French borders to coastal approaches. The night finish through single-track creates a memorable conclusion to an epic journey.[13]
How prestigious is Pirinexus 360?
Part of UCI Gravel World Series and integrated with Sea Otter Europe festival. Seven editions have established its reputation among European ultra-endurance cyclists. The event attracts 'cyclists from various areas of Europe' and provides exclusive Bioracer jerseys designed specifically for the challenge.[13]
Should I race Pirinexus 360?
You need 200+ mile legs and 40mm+ tires minimum—the technical border descent after Col d'Ares will put narrower rubber on foot. This isn't a watts contest; it's navigation, bike handling, and knowing when to push through the Pyrenean climbs versus when to survive them. Show up undertrained and that 18-hour cutoff becomes very real very fast.
[11]
Sources & Citations
Research sources used to build this race profile. Always verify details with official race sources before making travel or registration decisions.
- Route Maps RideWithGPS: Pirinexus360 2 Stopsridewithgps.com/routes/52671146
- Other Sources Therawstorieswww.therawstories.com/the-pirinexus-360/
- Other Sources Bike-Cafebike-cafe.fr/2017/06/the-pirinexus-360-challenge-cataluny...
- Other Sources Bikepackingbikepacking.com/news/bikepacking-pirinexus-bike-trail-gir...
- Other Sources Graveluniongravelunion.cc/article/ride-report-the-pirinexus-challenge
- Other Sources Pyreneespyrenees.cc/pirinexus-gravel-tour
- Other Sources Tracktheracetracktherace.com/en/sports-events/mtb/the-pirinexus-chall...
- Media & Press Velovelo.outsideonline.com/gravel/gravel-culture/bikepacking-...
- Other Sources Birotowww.biroto.eu/en/cycle-route/europe/pirinexus/rt00001776
- Other Sources Eatsleepcyclewww.eatsleepcycle.com/bikepacking-the-pirinexus/
- Other Sources Eatsleepcyclewww.eatsleepcycle.com/pirinexus-360-cycling-catalunya/
- Other Sources Freewheelingfrancewww.freewheelingfrance.com/bike-routes-in-france/pirinexu...
- Media & Press Gravel Cyclistwww.gravelcyclist.com/training-rides/the-pirinexus-challe...
- Other Sources Therawstorieswww.therawstories.com/the-pirinexus-360/
- Other Sources Viesverdeswww.viesverdes.cat/en/noticies_actualitat/arriba-la-5a-ed...
- Other Sources Viesverdeswww.viesverdes.cat/en/noticies_actualitat/the-pirinexus-3...
- Other Sources Viesverdeswww.viesverdes.cat/en/pirinexus/