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26-05-2023 | Pieter Frolichs

Quebrantahuesos will happen, but route changes are possible

Quebrantahuesos is among the most popular gran fondos in Europe. Every year the 10000 spots are sold out. A draw is even required. For the second year in a row, however, there are challenges regarding the organization of the race in original form on the scheduled date.

Quebrantahuesos
Photo: © Puyatas Maestras. More photos here.

Heat wave and landslides

While it was a heat wave in 2022 that caused delays, this year boulders dumped on the road and two landslides on the Col de Portalet are causing problems. On that climb, the border between Spain and France, there are several boulders and the road has been damaged (severely) so it is currently closed to all traffic. Due to bad weather on the French side of the Pyrenees, the salvage and repair work has been delayed and is not expected to be completed until mid-June.

In the meantime, the organization has sent a statement to all participants confirming that the Quebrantahuesos will take place anyway on Saturday, June 17, 2023. Currently, the organization and relevant authorities are working hard to have the 2023 edition take place on the original route. However, a plan B is available and that is to ride the 2002 route, when landslides had also taken place on the Col de Portalet. This will extend the route to 230 kilometers. The vertical ascent will increase from 3500 to 4100 meters. So it's even more challenging!

Race against the clock

With just over three weeks to go, it will undoubtedly be a race against the clock to organize Quebrantahuesos in its original form this year. To be continued!

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